TECHNIQUES OF ANSWERING SPM QUESTIONS

PAPER 1

SECTION A DIRECTED WRITING

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Article

Talk/Speech
Formal

Letter
Report
Informal

Letter

DIRECTED WRITING

Should spend about 45 minutes

35 marks

- Format 2 or 3 marks

- Contents 13 or 12 marks

- Language 20 marks

Read the questions carefully

Look for format required

Should know all the formats of essay writing, eg. Reports, letters, articles, speech etc.

Dont ignore any details

Be aware of all the content points

No outside information needed unless specified

Marks for language

Language is entirely accurate, sentence structure is varied and

A 19 20
sophisticated

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 Language is almost always accurate, sentences show some
B 16 18
variation in length

Language is largely accurate, simple structures used without

C 13 15
errors

D 10 12 Language is sufficiently accurate, patches of clarity

E 79 Meaning is never in doubt

U(i) 46 Meaning is usually fairly clear, incidence of error is high

U(ii) 23 Make little sense, a lot of multiple words errors

U(iii) 01 Make no sense at all

SPM 2013

Many of your schoolmates are not interested in sports. You have carried out a survey on the reasons for their
lack of interest. Based on your findings, write a report to the Principal regarding the matter. In your report,
give reasons for the lack of interest in sports and provide suggestions to overcome the problems.

Use the following notes to write your report.

REASONS

- Students - Parents - Facilities

- attitude - emphasis on academic - insufficient sports
- lack of time performance equipment
- tuition classes - poor condition - field,
courts

SUGGESTIONS

Stress Improve Organise more

importance of facilities competition
sports

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 Dialogue with Employ qualified Offer
parents trainers attractive prizes

When writing the report, you must:

- address your report to the Principal
- provide a title
- include your name
- use all the notes given

Format

F1 (To)

F2 (From)

F3 (Title)

C1

C2

C3

C4

C5

C6

C7

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 C8

C9

C10

C11

C12

ANSWER

To : ___________________________
___________________________
___________________________

From : ___________________________
___________________________
___________________________

A REPORT ON ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

FORMAT

1. Informal letter 2. Formal letter

3. Article 4. Speech/Talk

SECTION B CONTINUOUS WRITING

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Narrative
Descriptive
Expository
Reflective
Argumentative

CONTINUOUS WRITING

Should spend one hour

50 marks

350 words

5 topics will be given and choose only ONE.

1. Recognise the type of essay you are going to attempt i.e. whether its a narrative, descriptive,
expository, argumentative or reflective.
2. Understand the chosen topic so that you do not write out of point.
3. Plan what you are going to write about.
4. Include enough good and relevant points.
5. Organize your points well and present each new or main point in a separate paragraph.
6. Show coherence in paragraphs.
7. Use idiomatic expression and include the active voice for narrative essays.

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 8. Vary the length and structure of sentences.
9. Introduce your essay impressively and conclude it in a meaningful or original way.
10. Check for spelling, punctuation, grammatical correctness, especially the usage of tenses and pronouns.
11. Factual topics should as far as possible be avoided. This is because the material you use must be based
on facts and not "guess work".

SPM 2013
Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics:

(a) Truly Malaysian.

Describe what this means to you.
(b) Is tuition necesssary? Discuss.
(c) Write a story about being alone.
(d) Write a story that ends with:
and so I became a better person.
(e) Reality shows

SPM 2014
Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics:

(a) Describe an important family celebration and how you felt about it.
(b) There is a lack of freedom given to teenagers today. Do you agree?
(c) Why are animals important to human beings?
(d) Write a story about a fisherman beginning with: The wind blew strongly. Out at sea,...
(e) A friend in need is a friend indeed. Describe how a friend helped you in a difficult time.
Guidelines for Continuous Writing

Before you start:

1. Have a plan
2. Jot down ideas:
- Use your own experience
- Use the experience of those who know more about the subject than you do
- Use other sources, for example books, magazines, newspapers, etc.
3. Put them in order
- Start with the more important ideas to the less important ones.
4. A composition outline:
- An introduction
- The body of the composition consisting of several paragraphs
- A suitable conclusion

Introduction:
- Must be clear, precise and effective.
- Below are some ways of starting a composition:
Ask a question (and provide an answer)
Use newspaper headlines
Use dialogue or direct speech
Give an opinion
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 Relate a story or anecdote
Give a quotation, proverb or idiom
Give a definition of the topic or state a fact about the topic

Example 1:
Safeguarding the Environment

People seem to be less and less concerned about the environment nowadays. Endangered wildlife,
water shortages, climate changes we know that a crisis is looming and yet we tend to be complacent.

Example 2:
Safeguarding the Environment

Did you know that mankind has destroyed more than one-third of the natural world in the past three
decades? Unless man stops depleting Earths natural resources, he will face a sharp drop in living standards in
less than half a century.

Example 3:
Safeguarding the Environment
On the brink of extinction
Global temperatures on the rise
Haze returns

Newspaper headlines such as these appear so frequently that we may just read on without even batting
our eyelids.
The Body of Your Composition

- Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence

Topic sentence
(your main idea
or theme)

Elaboration
- Reasons / facts
- Examples
- details

Example:
Much has been said about the deteriorating state of our environment and yet Malaysians do not seem
to be much concerned. How else are we to account for their inaction to the umpteen calls by the government
to recycle, car pool or to refrain from open burning. Countless calls by the authorities go unheeded. We
should be ashamed at our apparent indifference and lack of concern for our environment. It calls for a change
of attitude.
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The Conclusion

- Must be carefully planned

- Make the reader satisfied
- Should have a smooth but strong ending

You can conclude your composition in one of the following ways:

Bring the story to a climax
Write a summary of what you have already discussed in the body of your composition
Repeat your theme
Predict an outcome based on the facts provided

Example 1:

There is a good possibility that there could be a mass extinction of species in the next 50 to 100 years
and it is human-induced. We are heading for a crisis and we have to act now if we are going to avert this.
This is a grim reminder by Dr. Susan Lieberman, an official working with the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Example 2:

Scientists have warned that almost 12% of the bird species and 25% of all mammal species are
threatened with extinction. The soaring human population has made increasing demands on land and earths
resources which in turn has resulted in habitat loss.

Simple Sentences

Underline the main ideas in the simple sentences below.

1. The house costs him two million ringgit.

2. The steam fish was delicious.
3. I dislike talking about other people.
4. Jessy made beautiful dress.
5. The plants grow well over here.

Compound Sentences

Join each pair of the following sentences to form compound sentences. You may use or, and, so or but
to join the sentences.

1. He can go by car. He can go by train.

_________________________________________________
2. Ali spent all his money. He asked for more money.
_________________________________________________

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 3. Faizal wants to buy a house. He does not have money.
_________________________________________________
4. We won the game last year. We lost the game this year.
_________________________________________________
5. I studied hard. I failed in my examination.
_________________________________________________

Complex Sentences

In the following sentences, underline all the main ideas.

1. The woman, who has a mole on her face, is my aunt.

2. My brother bought me a watch which was made in Switzerland.
3. She thanked the police officer who rescued her.
4. The cat, which has brown spots on its body, belongs to Amin.
5. The police caught the robbers who were about to escape.

TECHNIQUES OF ANSWERING SPM QUESTIONS

PAPER 2

Section A Graphic Materials 8 marks

Rational Cloze 7 marks
Section B Information Transfer 10 marks
Section C Comprehension 10 marks
Summary 15 marks
Section D Literature:
Poem 5 marks
Novel 15 marks
Total 70 marks

Objective and subjective written test

Multiple choice, limited response, open response
2 hours 15 minutes
33 questions
Must answer all questions
70 marks

Section A
- study the stimulus carefully
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 - read the questions given
- choose the best option

Section B
- accuracy is very important
- transfer the information from the text, advertisement, or notice carefully
- short answers

Section C
Comprehension
- allowed to lift within limits
- answer usually follow order set
- recognize key words in questions
- give just word or phrase asked
for
- use the paragraph guide given
Summary
B box the boundaries for summary
R read the passage at least twice
U understand and underline
M make notes
E expand notes, pay attention to linkers

Section D
Poem Novel
- Understand the meaning of each line - State at least 2 points/examples
- Themes, moral values - Give evidence from the text
- Paraphrase

Section A
[15 marks]
[Time suggested : 25 minutes]

PENANG: A charity concert by a well-known local singer, Aril Adam, drew a huge
crowd to City Stadium last night. It was estimated that some 10,000 fans turned up
for the event.

1 In the report above, the word drew can best be replaced with
A dragged.
B inspired. MILLENNIUM HORIZON AVIATION
C attracted. SUNGAI BESI, KUALA LUMPUR
D persuaded.
SCHOLARSHIP FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL
AIRLINE PILOT CADETS

Minimum SPM/STPM qualification

17 30 years old
Open to all nationalities
Physically fit
Professional training in England
Not contracted to serve the company 10

Tel: 03-23345789 E-mail: mha@kl.com

 2 Which of the following statements is true?
A There is no age limit for applicants.
B Applicants will undergo training locally.
C Applicants from any country are welcomed.
D The company requires applicants to work for them.

Residents of the eight-storey Moonlight apartments in Kampung Bahagia, Kuching are

tired of the poor services provided by Salam Development Sdn. Bhd. Two months ago,
they had to pool their resources to mend the only lift in the building. The company had
failed to take action to solve the problem although endless complaints had been made.
The residents had even threatened to vacate the premises.

3 The residents finally solved their problem by

A moving out of the apartments.
B using their own money for repairs.
C taking legal action against the developer.
D making many complaints to the management.

4 From the article, one way to ensure a good nights sleep is by

Sleep is an important factor in minimising arthritis pain. Work
A massaging sore muscles.
on improving your sleep by getting exercise early in the day, and
avoid
B doing caffeine
sufficient or alcoholic beverages at night. Keeping your
exercise.
bedroom
C retiring dark,
early for quiet and cool also helps. Take a warm bath to relax
the night.
and soothe sore muscles before you retire for the night.
D being silent in the bedroom.

Questions 9 to 15 are based on the following passage. Choose the best answer to fill in each blank.

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 Our focus in World Environment Day is to encourage everyone to do their part for a
greener and cleaner environment.
The Earth faces the threat of climate change and all countries will suffer ___9___ the
negative effects. We do, however, have the opportunity to change course to save the
environment.
Governments will have to __10__ talks and together act quickly to save the
environment. The world also needs to focus on its sources __11__ renewable energy. __12__
will not only create jobs but also help tackle global warming. If we invest in the green
economy, we can turn todays crisis __13__ tomorrows progress.
Our planet needs more than just action taken by the governments and the many
corporations; it needs commitment from each of us. When billions of people join forces for a
common purpose, we can make a __14__ difference.
On this World Environment Day, I __15__ all people to take steps towards making the
planet greener and cleaner. You can start by switching off the lights, taking public transport,
recycling, planting a tree and even cleaning your local park.

9 A as a result of 13 A in
B regardless B into
C instead of C from
D despite D through

10 A holding 14 A specific
B holds B heavy
C hold C deep
D held D real

11 A in 15 A urge
B on B hope
C of C wish
D at D dream

12 A This
B How
C What
D There

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 Section B
[10 marks]
[Time suggested: 25 minutes]
Questions 16 to 25
Read the following text and answer the questions that follow.

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 If your parents are planning to buy a house, you could suggest that they purchase a
bungalow situated in the Bukit Cahaya District. This housing project is undertaken by a
reliable company, MH Sdn. Bhd. They offer exclusive bungalows surrounded by beautiful
views stretching as far as the eyes can see. You and your family will be able to step back
and enjoy the fresh, crisp air and relaxing surroundings.
Each bungalow has a built-up area of 4,000 square feet, giving your family enough
space, especially if your family is large. Each unit comes with four bedrooms and a living
area with large glass windows which enable you to enjoy the view of the greenery outside.
A free burglar system is also provided for peace of mind.
The housing area is equipped with 24-hour closed-circuit television (CCTV)
surveillance system. Located at the centre of the housing area is a spacious multipurpose
hall which can be used for social functions, gatherings and indoor games such as
badminton. A swimming pool and a childrens playground are also provided.
Furthermore, within the housing estate, the developer has also set aside five acres
of land with a picnic site exclusively for the residents. Other facilities within this are that
will delight recreational enthusiasts include an outdoor gym, a tennis court and a jogging
track.
A reliable bus service links the housing estate to the nearest township of Bandar
Cahaya. So, your family will have quick access to an array of established amenities which
include schools, hypermarkets, wet markets and clinics.
The bungalows cost RM800,000 each, which is the best deal you will find.

Questions 16 to 25
Using the information from the text, complete the table below.

Bungalow unit

Location 16 ...

Developer 17 ...

Built-up area 4,000 square feet

18 ...

Security

19 ...

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 Multipurpose hall
Swimming pool
Childrens playground
Recreational and
fitness facilities 20 ...
21 ...
22 ...
23 ...

Public transport 24 ...

Price per unit 25 ...

[10 marks]

Section C
[25 marks]
[Time suggested: 50 minutes]

Questions 26 to 31 are based on the following passage.

1 Initially, the activity of caving did not appeal to me at all. I had always found the idea of clambering,
even crawling, through narrow, wet, rocky passages in pitch black conditions not particularly
appetising. However, after much persuasion from my nature-loving friends, I reluctantly found
myself signing up for a Basic Caving Course organised by the Malaysian Nature Society at the Kota
Gelanggi Caves near Jerantut, Pahang. The things we had to take included a helmet, knee and elbow 5
pads, a waterproof headlamp, hand-held torch and dry pack. We were also asked to bring protective
clothing to cover our arms and legs completely.

2 One Friday, after a three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, we arrived at the Felda Tekam Plantation
Resort near Jerantut and soon started our first classroom session. This was a serious caving course
which included lessons on geology, ecology and, of course, safety. 10

3 The next day, we started our adventure with Gua Penyu, one of the easy caves among the many at
Kota Gelanggi. This was an easy walk but the caving trainer who was leading us made it more
memorable and challenging by asking us all to switch off our torches in order to get a feel of total
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 darkness. Most of us moved very slowly as we were not used to such darkness. After that, there was
an abseiling session down a thirty-metre cliff. The caving trainers had to carefully check the gear of 15
each and every participant and patiently repeat the instructions each time! We were a little worried as
the weather was slightly windy. It was unnerving sliding down the rope. Some of the participants
were seen reciting prayers while waiting for their turn. But soon, it was all over. We were on safe
ground again.

4 After breakfast on the second day, we tackled Gua Balai, a slightly tougher cave. We had to tread on 20
the slippery rocks rather gingerly. Since it was necessary to help one another, this was when we
began to bond as a group. That night, there was a session of group games and a fun quiz. During the
quiz, it started raining heavily. The trainers were excited and gleefully told us that caving would be
extra fun the next day.

5 On the third day, we were awakened very early in the morning and told to get ready for Gua Tongkat. 25
On entering, we found ourselves having to wriggle along like worms to get through some narrow
rock passages, and it became clear why we had been asked to wear protective clothing, helmets and
gloves. Despite the protective gear, many of us suffered cuts and bruises on our arms and legs.
Somehow, it was incredible that only our trainers escaped wihout a single blemish on their arms and
legs. Then, it was time for our final exam on our bellies through muddy, watery passage. Finally, 30
after much clumsiness, we arrived at a chamber with a tiny hole at one end. The unsympathetic
trainers happily shouted that we had to go through that tiny hole. We had to get down on all fours in
the dirty mud. We all struggled to keep our noses above water as we inched our way forward.

After what seemed like an eternity, we finally came to a series of magnificent caverns with an
6 abundance of rock formations dripping water. The sight was spectacular. We were awestruck. Who 35
would have thought that such a wonderful complex caves lay just beyond a tiny hole?

Later, the participants were talking about their experiences. It was not surprising that all of them had
7 only positive things to say about the course. Razif, an accountant, commented, I was initially
worried about squeezing through the narrow passages. However, with the encouragement of our
dedicated trainers, I could complete all the challenges. Adventure caving can be addictive, especially 40
when its done with a group of people who are passionate about exploring dark rocky passages and
discovering the wondrous world within. I cant wait for the next trip.

All the twenty-one participants graduated from the course and were awarded certificates. What really
8 made the experience unforgettable for them was the group camaraderie and the infectious enthusiasm
of the caving trainers. What is it that makes these people come back year in, year out for such an 45
activity?

Simon, a trainer explained, I find caves beautiful an mysterious. I feel exhilarated wondering what I
9 will discover as I go deeper. Its not the same as watching it on TV. You want to climb, crawl, get
stuck in passages and roll in the mud. You emerge feeling good and wanting to share that experience
with others. 50
16
 Adapted from the Star, March 2013

26 From paragraph 1, why did the writer decide to go on the caving course?
[1 mark]
27 From paragraph 4,
(a) what brought the participants together as a group in Gua Balai cave?
..[1 mark]
(b) Why do you think the trainers said caving would be extra fun?
..[1 mark]
28 From paragraph 5,
(a) give a reason why you think the trainers could escape without a single blemish on their arms and legs.
..[1 mark]
(b) What made the trainers seem unsympathetic?
..[1 mark]
(c) Which phrase means moved very slowly?
..[1 mark]
29 From paragraph 7,
(a) how did Razif manage to overcome all the difficulties he faced?
..[1 mark]
(b) Which sentence suggests that Razif enjoyed the caving adventure?
..[1 mark]
30 In your own words, state one quality that cavinh trainers should have.
Provide a reason to support your answer.
Quality: ..[1 mark]
Reason: ..[1 mark]

31 The course participants had an interesting experience in the caving adventure.

Write a summary on the challenges they faced when exploring the caves.

Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original meaning.
Your summary must:
be in continuous writing form (not note form)
use materials from line 13 to 33
not be longer than 130 words, including the 10 words given below.

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Begin your summary as follows:
Starting with Gua Penyu, the trainers instructed the participants to
[15 marks]

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 ..

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Section D
[20 marks]
[Time suggested : 35 minutes]

32 Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow.
In the midst of hardship

At dawn they returned home

their soaky clothes torn
and approached the stove
their limbs marked by scratches
their legs full of wounds
but on their brows
there was not a sign of despair

The whole day and night just passed

they had to brave the horrendous flood
in the water all the time
between bloated carcasses
and tiny chips of tree barks
desperately looking for their sons
albino buffalo that was never found

They were born amidst hardship

and grew up without a sigh or a complaint
now they are in the kitchen, making
jokes while rolling their cigarette leaves 19

Latiff Mohidin
 (a) In stanza 1, which word in the poem means a feeling of hopelessness?
...[1 mark]
(b) In stanza 3, which phrase indicates that the villager were cheerful although they had suffered
in the flood waters?
...[1 mark]
(c) Why do you think they were desperately looking for their sons lost albino buffalo?
...[1 mark]
(d) They were born amidst hardship.
Besides floods, what other hardship do you think the villagers might face?
Provide a reason to support your answer.
Hardship:...[1 mark]
Reason : ......[1 mark]
33 The following are the novels studied in the literature component in English Language.

The Curse - Lee Su Ann

Step By Wicked Step - Anne Fine
Catch Us If you Can - Catherine MacPhail

Choose any one of the novels above and answer the question below.

One has to struggle to improve ones life.

With close reference to the text, how far is this true of the novel you have read?
[15 marks]

..
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..
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