PRACTICE 1: INFORMAL LETTER

Your father wants to buy a computer but he is not sure whether it is better to buy a laptop or a desktop computer. He asks for your opinion. After doing some research, you come up with some information on both computers. Using the notes given below, write an informal letter to your father stating your choice and supporting it with reasons.

LAPTOP COMPUTER Portable Slim and light Can function on battery More expensive More fragile Easier to steal

DESKTOP COMPUTER Cheaper Easier to upgrade Harder to steal Bulkier- difficult to carry around Require more space Rely on direct supply of electricity

When writing out your letter, you should remember to include the following: To state your choice To make comparisons To state the purpose of the letter To give appropriate greeting and closing Use all the points given

SAMPLE ANSWER

122,Taman Pearlview Avenue, High Tech Park, 09000 Kulim, Kedah Darul Aman. 30/8/10 Dear father, How are you over there? I hope you are fine. I am doing okay here. I am writing this letter to let you know about my opinion on whether to buy a laptop or a desktop computer. I think you should buy a desktop computer. Firstly, desktop computers are cheaper. They are also easier to be upgraded. It is harder to steal desktop computers because they are heavy. However they have some weaknesses too. They are bulkier and difficult to be carried around. They also require more space and rely on direct supply of electricity. On the other hand, laptops are portable, slim and light and can function on battery. However I do not recommend it to you because laptops are more expensive and fragile. Besides, they are easier for people to steal. I hope that I have been helpful. I know that you will make a right choice. If you still have doubts, feel free to contact me again. Till then. Goodbye . Your loving son / daughter, signature ..

EXAMINATION TIPS Format 1. Informal letter is written to pen pals, friends, relatives and family members. 2. The format of an informal letter has the following features. a) Senders address b) Date any form but avoid writing in the formal form 30 August 2010 Both a) and b) must be written on the top right-hand corner of the letter c) Salutation on the left hand side of the letter Dear mum, Dear sister, d) Start your letter asking about the receivers well-being How are you? e) If you are replying a letter you may start like this I received your letter f) State the purpose of your letter I am writing this letter because. g) Closing Yours sincerely (for friends, pen-pals, etc.), Your loving daughter, etc. Do not use Yours faithfully as it is used for formal letter. 3. 3 marks are usually awarded for format although there are more than 3 features. 4. Write your letter in 3 - 4 paragraphs. 5. Informal language can be used in an informal letter Ive, dad, mum, sis, be happy, etc. 6. Do not use sms language such as u for you and b4 for before Body 1. Refer to other model letters to see how the given content points are constructed into meaningful sentences. 2. Sentences need not to be long. 3. Just add phrases like They are or Desktop computers to the given content points. 4. Remember there would be 12 content points and it is easy to get marks for all the content points. 5. End your letter in a friendly, informal manner Well, till we meet again, Goodbye.

QUESTION 1 Section A: Directed Writing [ 35 marks ] You have decided to write a letter to your sister who is studying in Kuala Lumpur. You want to tell her how to stay healthy during the hot weather and advise her on what she needs to do during this period. Write your letter based on all the notes below.

Indoors

Stay indoors Drink lots of water Eat more fruits Bathe more often Stay in air-conditioned surroundings

Outdoors

Avoid going out midday Use umbrella when walking Wear suitable clothing Wear lotion/sun block Wear sunglasses Turn on air-conditioner when driving Limit midday sporting activities

When writing the letter you must: Include your address and date Give a suitable salutation/greeting Close the letter appropriately Use all the notes given

PRACTICE 2: FORMAL LETTER OF COMPLAINT

There are a few matters in your school which could be improved. You and your classmates have had a meeting and decided to write a formal letter of complaint to the principal. As the class monitor, you have been asked to write the letter. In your letter, include the following: Classroom: Unsafe wooden chairs Fans not working Toilets: Broken doors Unhygienic Canteen Limited choices of foods High price of foods

When writing the letter, you should remember to: Set out the letter correctly Use all the notes given Elaborate each note appropriately

SAMPLE ANSWER Abdul Halim bin Hamzah, Class 5 Indah, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Bayu, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah Darul Aman.

Principal, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Bayu, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah Darul Aman. Dear Sir, COMPLAINTS ABOUT SCHOOL MATTERS

26 JULY 2010

I, the monitor of 5 Indah, on behalf of my classmates, would like to complain about a few matters that my friends and I are not happy with. We would like to highlight several issues about classrooms, toilets and canteen. 2. First of all, it is about the unsafe wooden chairs in our classroom. We have no problems sitting on wooden chairs but the chairs must be safe. The chairs are easily broken. [What happened? When?] Six of my classmates accidentally fell down from the unstable chairs last month. Besides, all the fans are not working. [How is the situation?]

The fans were repaired a few times but they only functioned well for a few days. [What is the effect?] We really feel uncomfortable especially during hot days. 3. Our next complaint is about the school toilets. [Which toilets?] The boys and girls toilets at Block A are in a very bad condition. The doors are broken. [How were the doors broken?] Last week, my friends and I saw some bad-tempered students kick and damage the toilet doors. Moreover, all the students toilets are unhygienic [When?] most of the time. [Why unhygienic?] We rarely see workers cleaning the toilets. [What is the effect?] We cannot stand the smell anymore. 4. Finally, we are unhappy about the school canteen. There are limited choices of foods. [What are the examples of foods served?] For your information, the canteen only sells fried rice and fried noodle. [Since when?] We have been eating the same foods since last year. In addition, you must also know about the high prices of foods. [How much do the foods cost?] One small plate of fried rice is RM2.50 and a plate of plain noodle is RM2.00. 5. We really hope you will look into our complaints and take actions immediately. Thank you for your attention and support. Yours faithfully, Abdul Halim (ABDUL HALIM BIN HAMZAH) Monitor of 5 Indah

EXAMINATION TIPS: 1. Make a simple introduction. Use the information in the question to write your introduction. 2. Rewrite the points given in complete sentences. Elaborate each of the points given by giving simple details. Ask wh-questions to help you to elaborate. 3. Organise the letter into several paragraphs. 4. You should be able to differentiate between complain and complaint and use them correctly. 5. Make sure the correct format is used in writing the formal letter.

QUESTION 1

You are concerned for the safety of your neighbourhood because there are abandoned houses thatare visited regularly by suspicious youths on motorbikes. As the President of the Neighbourhood Committee, write a letter to the Chairman of the District Council to complain about this matter. In your letter, complain about the following: Houses being broken into Missing items Vandalism Loud music from abandoned houses Illegal racing

When writing out the letter, you should remember to: - use the correct format - use and elaborate all the points given - add relevant information or examples

PRACTICE 3: FORMAL LETTER OF REQUEST/ INVITATION The Parent-Teacher Association of your school is organizing a food fair to raise funds for various projects. As the Secretary of the Interact Club, you are in charge of writing a letter to a fast-food restaurant asking them to sponsor the food. In your letter, include the following: date, day, time and venue of the food fair 2 objectives of the food fair learn to share, experience the importance of cooperation further details about the food fair - involve all clubs and societies - expected crowd: 1,000 people - amount of money to be raised: RM10,000 request for sponsorship of food request for lucky draw hampers When writing the letter, you should remember to: Address the letter to the manager Use appropriate opening and closing Include other relevant details

SAMPLE ANSWER: Interact Club, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Cempaka, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.

The Manager, KKC Fast Food Sdn. Bhd., 28, BL Free Trade Zone, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang. 2010 Dear Sir,

12 JULY

A REQUEST TO SPONSOR FOOD AND DRINKS FOR THE FOOD FAIR Our school is organising a food fair to raise funds for various projects. Here are the details of the food fair: Date : 5 August 2010 Day : Thursday

Time : 9.00 am 2.00 pm Venue : School Hall 2. The food fair has two objectives. First of all, the club aims to encourage the students to learn to share with others. [How can they share with others?] They must learn not to be selfish and help others in any way they can. Another objective is to allow students to experience the importance of cooperation. [With whom will they cooperate?] Through this food fair we are sure the students will learn how to work with other students of different clubs and societies. 3. The followings are further details of the food fair. This project will involve all clubs and societies. [How many?] So far 12 clubs and 9 societies have confirmed their participations. They will sell different kinds of foods to the expected crowd which is about 1,000 people. [Who are they?] The fair is open to all the students and their parents. Our target amount of money to be raised is RM10,000. [Why RM10,000?] We need that amount of money to organise various projects that will benefit the students.

We would like to make two humble requests here. The first is to request for your sponsorship of food. [How much? What kind of food?] We really appreciate if you could sponsor 100 pieces of fried chickens and 100 pieces of fish burgers. There is also a request for your company to sponsor lucky draw hampers. [How many? What is the cost?] It would be good if you can sponsor 3 hampers. Each hamper may cost RM20.00 each.
4.

5. Every member of the Interact Club prays hard that your company would be able to sponsor the food and hampers. We put a very high hope that you will be part of our fund-raising activity. Your generosity is truly appreciated. Yours faithfully,

Ssyyyysweirtv

(SYLVIA DIANA BT WIRA) Secretary,

Interact Club, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Cempaka.

EXAMINATION TIPS: 1. Make a simple introduction. Refer to the question for the key ideas to be written in the introduction. 2. Rewrite the points given in complete sentences. Elaborate each of the points given by giving simple details. Ask wh-questions when giving elaboration. Certain whquestions are much easier for you to answer such as when, who, how many and where. Answering why is normally more challenging. 3. Plan the organisation of each point.

QUESTION 1 Section A: Directed Writing [35 marks] The English Language Society of your school is organising an annual dinner. As the secretary of the society, you have been asked by your president to write a letter to invite your Principal to the annual dinner. Use the following notes in the letter. Objective of the Annual Dinner Theme for the dinner Venue, date and time To request for an opening speech Activities during the dinner Dress code Number of people attending

When writing the letter, you should remember:

- to use an appropriate format - to use a suitable introduction - to use all the notes given - to mention two activities during the dinner - to write in paragraphs

PRACTICE 4: LETTER TO THE EDITOR There has been a plan to build a mega shopping complex near the public beach in your neighbourhood. As a concerned citizen, write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper protesting against the plan. Write the letter based on the notes below: A shopping complex already exists Spoil the beauty of the beach Increase traffic flow in the area Project may drive tourists away Local businesses affected Social ills will increase

When writing the letter, you should remember to: Address the letter to the editor of a local newspaper Use all the notes given Elaborate all the notes SAMPLE ANSWER Jason James,

5 Kampung Pantai Merdeka, 08100 Pantai Merdeka, Kedah Darul Aman.

Editor, The Star, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah Darul Aman. 2010 Dear Sir,

26 MAY

PROTESTING AGAINST A PLAN TO BUILD A MEGA SHOPPING COMPLEX I am writing this letter on behalf of the residents of Kampung Pantai Merdeka. It has come to our knowledge that the local authority has already given the green light to build a mega shopping complex near the public beach of Pantai Merdeka. We are totally against the mega project. These are our reasons.

2. Firstly, we do not need a mega shopping complex as a shopping complex already exists in our area. [Where?] The existing shopping complex is only 1 kilometre from the proposed site. Secondly, the new shopping complex will spoil the beauty of the beach. [What will happen?] The swaying coconut and casuarina trees will be cut down. Besides, there will be more rubbish on the white sandy beach. 3. Next, the project may drive tourists away. [How?] The beach area will be reduced and the shady areas will be demolished. With the mega project, there will also be an increase of traffic flow in the area. [How?] [When?] More heavy vehicles such as lorries and trailers will use the village road throughout the construction period. [What effect?] This will increase the number of road accidents. 4. Furthermore, local business will also be affected. [Who are involved?] Ten hawkers who sell foods and drinks along the beach will be affected. [What are the effects?] They will lose their income and will be unable to support their families. Finally, we believe social ills will increase. [How?] The mega shopping complex will have a big

cinema and a bowling arena. These kinds of places may attract more teenagers to loiter and play truant. These may lead to an increase in social ills. 5. We appeal to the authorities to shelve their plans without any further delay as it would mar the beauty of the beach. Yours faithfully, Jason James (JASON JAMES)

EXAMINATION TIPS: 1. Make a simple introduction. Explain more about the location of the neighbourhood. 2. Rewrite the points given in complete sentences. Elaborate each of the points given by giving simple details. Ask wh-questions to help you to elaborate. 3. Plan the organisation of each point. 4. If you do not have any personal experience regarding the issue, try to be imaginative. Your imagination may help you to provide some relevant details. QUESTION 1

You are very unhappy that many people use the mobile phone in many public places. You find them loud and not sensitive in their usage.

Based on the notes given, write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper to express your opinions.

Issues: Mobile phone used in restaurants, hospitals, cinemas Users tend to be loud and not discreet-disruptive, inconsiderate While driving dangerous

Steps to take: Campaign to teach people proper usage Fines if used while driving Consideration and courtesy important

When writing the letter, you should remember to: Use the letter format Use all the given points Elaborate on them

PRACTICE 5: SPEECH As the President of the Environment Club, you have been asked by your teacher to give a speech to all students in your school on how they can help to reduce environmental problems. In your speech, include the following notes:

HOW TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

Reduce energy usage Do not waste electricity Use products that have timers Use energy saving appliances

Reduce air pollution

Reduce waste

Avoid open burning Use unleaded petrol Practise car pooling

Use environmental friendly products Use recycled materials Use washable items

When writing your speech text, you should remember to:

use the appropriate greeting and closing state the purpose of the speech use all the notes given

write in paragraphs

SAMPLE ANSWER: Good morning to the Principal, teachers and friends. My name is Labu bin Labi from class 5 Science. As the President of the Environment Club, I have been asked by my teacher to give a speech to all students in my school on how they can help to reduce environmental problems. Firstly, we have to reduce energy usage. Do not waste electricity. For example we must switch off the lights and fans before we leave the classroom. We should use products that have timers so they will switch off automatically when the time is up. We should also use energy saving appliances like light bulbs and many others. Secondly, we have to reduce air pollution. For example, we should avoid open burning. It is better to bury than to burn rubbish in the open. We should also use unleaded petrol for our cars. It is also good to practise car pooling to work. Fewer cars on the road means less traffic and less pollution. Thirdly, we have to reduce waste. We must use environmental friendly products that do not harm the environment. We should also use recycled materials like paper bags instead of plastic bags. We should also use washable items to reduce waste.

That is all for now. Thank you everyone for listening.

EXAMINATION TIPS 1. Remind students to write an appropriate greeting according to the question requirement. 2. All points should be written in complete sentences in order to be awarded marks for content points. 3. Remind students to write simple sentences instead of lengthy ones to avoid grammar mistakes. 4. Giving examples is considered as an elaboration.

QUESTION 1 Section A : Directed Writing [35 marks] One of the senior teachers in your school is retiring. As the head prefect, you have been asked to give a farewell speech in honour of your teacher. Based on the following notes, write out your speech.

When writing your speech, you must remember to: Use an appropriate greeting and closing State the purpose of your speech Use all the notes given

QUESTION 2 Section A: Directed Writing [35 marks] You are the president of the English Language Society in your school. You noticed that most of your friends are stressed about the SPM examinations. Write a speech on how to cope with the problem to be delivered during an assembly.

WAYS TO DEAL WITH EXAM STRESS Early preparations Eat nutritious food Do regular physical activities Attend motivational talks or seminars Last minute preparations Think positive Take a short break Have an early night When writing your speech you should remember to: address the audience use all the content points given give examples / further details for each content point add any relevant information of your own write in paragraphs end the speech appropriately

PRACTICE 6: ARTICLE Many students feel that they have too many things to do in one day. Many of them really do not manage their time wisely and end up not completing their homework or school projects on time. You want to make a few suggestions on how they can manage their time in a better and more effective way. Write an article for your school magazine giving your suggestions on how to manage time. Include the following points.

Change attitude Pay attention in class Try to complete as much homework as possible during school hours Make a To do list Set priorities right Set a realistic target for examination Plan a personal timetable Make time for rest and relaxation Join study groups Seek help from parents, teachers or friends Speak to school counsellor Stay happy and healthy

When writing the article, you should remember to: Include the title Include the writers name Include all the points given Write in the format of an article

SAMPLE ANSWER How to Manage Time By Albert Moss Today many students feel that they have too many things to do in one day. Many of them really do not manage their time wisely and end up not completing their

homework or school projects on time. So, here I would like to give some suggestions to students on how to manage time. Firstly, students must change their attitude. Next, students should pay attention in class. Thirdly, students must try to complete as much homework as possible during school hours. Furthermore students can make a To do list. Students ought to set their priorities right. Students should set a realistic target for their coming examination. Furthermore, students can plan a personal time table. Students must also make time for rest and relaxation. Students can join study groups. All students should seek help from parents, teachers or friends if needed. Students should speak to the school counsellor if necessary. Finally students should be happy and healthy when they spend their time wisely.

EXAMINATION TIPS 1. Articles are pieces of writing giving information, advice or suggestions to the readers. 2. They are usually written for the school magazine or school newsletter. 3. The tone and style are formal. 4. An articles format consists of two items: a) Title can be taken from the rubric b) Writers name Just write By, and then followed by your name just below the title. 5. Introduction of the article can be taken from the rubric as shown in the sample. 6. All students need to do is to add the phrase students followed by a modal, in front of the given content points to create meaningful sentences. e.g Students should, Students must etc. 7. Use conjunctions and sequence connectors QUESTION 1 Section A : Directed Writing [35 marks] You discover that some of your schoolmates are involved in gangsterism in your school and town. As the head of the students Disciplinary Board, you are very concerned over the increasing number of complaints filed by the other students about the gang members.

Write an article for your school newsletter on how to prevent gangsterism in schools. Include the following points: Motivational talks Campaigns Recreational activities Weekend activities Community work Close monitoring by teachers Counseling sessions TelephoneHelp line Regular spot checks Peer observation Parenting skills Fines Harsh punishment Rewards

You should use all the points given above. When writing the article you should remember: To give a title That your readers are mainly students To include all the points given To write in paragraphs

QUESTION 2 Section A : Directed Writing [35 marks] You are the president of the Health Club in your school. Write an article for your school newsletter on smoking among teenagers. Prepare the article based on the following notes:

Reasons why teenagers smoke The effects of smoking on health and social life Suggestions to discourage smoking among teenagers

Do remember to: give an appropriate title for the article use all the given points provide two relevant details/examples for each of the four points write in paragraphs conclude your article appropriately

PRACTICE 7: REPORT You are the Secretary of the Environment Club in your school. Your club has successfully organized Environment Week in your school. Write a report to the principal about the event. Include the following information in your report:
Duration 3rd 7th March 2010

Objectives raise awareness beautify school compound

Activities paint murals plant trees recycle old newspapers poster drawing competition speech by invited guest

ENVIRONMENT WEEK

Advantages create conducive environment instill love for nature foster closer relationship develop co-operation

When writing the report, you should remember to: give the report a title address the report accordingly provide an appropriate ending use all the information given write in paragraphs SAMPLE ANSWER Environment Week In My School The Environment Club in my school has successfully organized an Environment Week. The duration of the Environment Week was from 3rd - 7th March 2010.

The first objective of the programme was to raise awareness about the environment among the students. The second objective was to beautify the school compound with as many plants as possible. There were many activities organized by the Environment Club during the week. Students painted colourful murals on the wall about environment. They also planted trees around the school with the help of the school gardeners. They brought old newspapers from home to be sent for recycling. They took part in poster drawing competition on environment and they also listened to a speech by an invited guest during the closing ceremony. The advantages of the Environment Week are as follows. Firstly. it creates conducive environment to the students. Secondly, it instils love for nature in everyone. Thirdly, it fosters closer relationship between students and teachers in the school. Fourthly, it develops co-operation among students. The Environment Week was successful and hopefully the programme will be held every year as an annual event. Reported by, Labu bin Lab ( Labu bin Labi) The Secretary of the Environment Club EXAMINATION TIPS 1. Remind students that they should use the words in the rubric to help them with their introductory paragraph. 2. All points should be written in complete sentences in order to be awarded marks for content points. 3. Remind students to write simple sentences instead of lengthy ones to avoid grammar mistakes.

QUESTION 1 Section A: Directed Writing [ 35 marks ]

You are the Head Prefect of your school. You received many complaints from the students concerning the school canteen. You have decided to write a report to the principal to complain about the conditions of the canteen. Write your report based on the information below.

When writing the report, you should remember:

to give a suitable title to use all the information given to add two other complaints of your own to provide an ending to indicate your name and position that the report is for the school principal

QUESTION 2 Section A : Directed Writing (35 marks)

You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this section. You are working as a journalist at a local newspaper company. You heard the news that a robbery had just occurred at a jewellery store. At the scene of the crime, you gathered more information related to the robbery. Based on your investigation, write a newspaper report on the robbery. In your newspaper report, include the following: time and location people involved injuries goods stolen information about robbers actions taken by police

When writing the newspaper report, you should remember to :

use all the points given elaborate on each point given add any other relevant information