WRITING PART 1

What is an Email?
A short communicative message task which requires you to reply an email in not less than 80
words where you need to give suggestions, advice or opinions.

Tips:
1. Identify WH questions based on the email.
2. Brainstorm possible answer.
3. Give reasons or details to support your points.
4. Use sequence connectors and cohesive devices.
5. Use appropriate idioms.
6. Write your essay in the correct format.
Sample Lesson Plan
Stage Activities
Pre 1. Pupils read a sample question. [Sample question]
2. Pupils underline WH questions or parts to respond in the question.

Note: Parts to underline in the question

“I really wanted to get something which I could use for our online
lesson. What do you suggest?”
“Should I get a tablet, laptop or a better
handphone?” “Where should I get them?”

3. Teacher explains and shows useful expression in writing email. [Refer

Note 1]

While 1. Pupils refer to parts to respond in email.

2. Pupils refer to Note 1: Useful Expression to write their response. [Writing
Practice Part 1]

For example: Should I get a tablet, laptop or a better

handphone? Useful expression:
To suggest: I think you it is a good idea to get…..because…(reasons)

3. Teacher shares tip for writing which is 1 Option, 3 Reasons and

2 explanation or advice.
4. Pupils write their response using Writing Practice Part 1.
5. Pupils write a reply to email in the space provided in sample question.
6. Teacher goes round checking on pupils and provides feedback
when necessary.

Post 1. Teacher asks pupils to state 3 useful expressions used to suggest / to justify
and to advice.

1
 Note 1: Useful Expressions in Writing Email

To greet: Use cohesive devices:

- Hi Nina, - Furthermore
- Dear Mia, - Besides that,
- Hello George, - Moreover,
- Additionally,
To start an email: - To wish:
- How are you doing? I hope you - Have fun!
are in the pink. - All the best!
- It’s great to hear from you. How - Good luck!
are things with you? - Enjoy your trip!
- I’m sorry I haven’t written for
a while.

To suggest: To end the email:

- I would suggest… - Hope to hear from you soon.
- I recommend that … - I can’t wait to meet up soon.
- I think it’s a good idea - Looking forward to your reply

To advise: To sign off:

- You should/must… - Regards,
- You have to… - Love,
- I think you need to… - Your brother/ Your friend/ Your
- It would be good if… cousin
- Best wishes,

To justify: Tips (Always remember)

- The reason is…
- It’s a good idea because… • ONE (1) option, THREE (3)
reasons and TWO (2) Advice.
• 1 O, 3 R, 2 A

2
Sample Question Part 1 (20 marks)
You received an email from your friend, Delta.

Hi,
How have you been? I missed the days when we used to hang out in coffee shop after
school. My birthday is around the corner. My parents asked me what I want for my birthday.
I really wanted to get something which I could use for our online lesson. What do you
suggest? Should I get a tablet, laptop or a better handphone? Where should I get them? Tell
me what you think and I’ll be waiting for your reply.
Bye!
Delta

Now write an email to your friend in about 80 words. Write your answer below.
To:
From:
Subject:
Dear ………,

3
Sample Email Answer
To : delta123@hotmail.com
From: covine2019@gmail.com
Subject: Birthday Present
Dear Delta,
It’s been such a pleasure to receive an email from you. I hope you are in the pink. I too wish
we can once again hang out in our favourite coffee shop after school. Happy birthday in
advance! What should you get for your birthday present?

If I were you, I think you should get something useful which you could use for your online
lesson. Firstly, it’s COVID season now. Moreover, you can use it for online entertainment.

I think you should get a decent handphone. This is because a handphone is small and
convenient. Besides, you can use it to get information online. Additionally, you can use it to
listen to songs or play games. It would be good if you can get a mobile phone with long
battery life.

I would suggest for you to buy it online especially during a sales period. The reason is that
you can get a better deal. It would be better if you can get an extended warranty.

That’s all from me. Hope to hear from you soon. Enjoy your birthday!

Best wishes,
Covine

4
Writing Practice Part 1: Email
Instruction: Write your response in the box. You can refer to the Useful Expression given.
There are 3 parts you need to respond to your friend in the email.
1. “I really wanted to get something which I could use for our online lesson. What do
you suggest?”
1 Option I think you should ….

3 Reasons Reason 1: First…

(1 or 2 reasons will
be good) Reason 2: Moreover ….

2 Advice or You should take this opportunity….

Explanation
(1 or 2 explanations)

2. “Should I get a tablet, laptop or a better handphone?”

1 Option I think you should …..

3 Reasons Reason 1: This is because….

(Give reasons
to support Reason 2: Besides,
choice)
Reason 3: Additionally…

2 Advice or It would be good if…

Explanation

3. “Where should I get them?”

1 Option I would suggest you to….
(Suggest where to
get the gadget)
2 Reasons Reason 1: This reason is ….
(Give reasons
to support
choice) Reason 2: Plus, it is a good idea…

2 Advice or It would be better if …

Explanation

5
Writing Practice Part 1: Email
Sample Answer
Instruction: Write your response in the box. You can refer to the Useful Expression given.
There are 3 parts you need to respond to your friend in the email.
1. “I really wanted to get something which I could use for our online lesson. What do
you suggest?”
1 Option I think you should get something useful which you could use for your
online class/ get something for your online lesson.
3 Reasons Reason 1: Firstly, it’s COVID season now.
(1 or 2
reasons will Reason 2: Moreover, you can use it for online entertainment/ you can
be good) use it for homework and do research.

2 Advice or You should take this opportunity to get a good birthday present from
Explanation your parents. / take this chance to change your old handphone/ laptop
(1 or 2 /tablet.
explanations
)

2. “Should I get a tablet, laptop or a better handphone?”

1 Option I think you should get a handphone/tablet/ laptop.

3 Reasons Reason 1: This is because a handphone is small and convenient.

(give reasons
to support Reason 2: Besides, you can use it for browsing the internet/ get
choice) information/ read online / shop online/ listen to songs.

Reason 3: Additionally, you can use it for browsing the internet/ get
information/ read online / shop online/ listen to songs or play games.

2 Advice or It would be good if you can get a mobile phone which is user-friendly
Explanation / wide screen mobile phone/ long battery life.

3. “Where should I get them?”

1 Option I would suggest for you to buy it from authorised resellers/ buy it
(suggest where online during sales.
to get the
gadget)
2 Reasons Reason 1: This reason is that you will not get a fake product/ you can
(give reasons get a better deal/ save some money / your buy original product.
to support
choice) Reason 2: Plus, you will not get a fake product/ you can get a better
deal/ save some money / your buy original product

2 Advice or It would be better if you can get extended an warranty like 2

Explanation years from your buyer/ get free gifts like screen protector.
6
 Writing Part 1: Set 2
PART 1: SHORT COMMUNICATIVE MESSAGE 20 MARKS

GREETING
GR-123-C CLOSING
CONJUNCTIONS
COHESIVE DEVICES

RESPONSE
3 POINTS
3 ELABORATIONS

GREETING RESPOND TO THE EMAIL

 Dear ,  How are things? I’m glad to hear from you.

 To ,  Thanks for your email. How are you doing?
 Hi, / Hello,  Thanks for your email. It was great to hear from you.

 I’m writing this email to tell you about . . .. .

 I’m writing this email to give suggestions / advice about . . . . .

MAIN IDEAS
(Refer to the question and identify the tasks/main points)

POINT 1 + ELABORATION 1

POINT 2 + ELABORATION 2

POINT 3 + ELABORATION 3
CLOSING

 I’m looking forward to your reply.

 That’s all for now. I hope to hear from you soon.
 I need to go now. Please send my regards to your family.

Signing off:
 Your friend, / Your cousin, / Your sister/brother,
 All the best,
 Best wishes,

7
 CONJUCTIONS / COHESIVE DEVICES
Firstly, Furthermore,
Secondly, In addition,
F.A.N.B.O.Y.S Thirdly, This is because,
For . . . because . . .
Also,
And
Besides, For example,
Nor
But Moreover, For instance,
Or Then, . . .such as, / like, . . .
Yet
Next, To sum up,
So
Plus, In short,
Lastly, All in all,

 Read the question carefully and identify keywords.

 Organise your ideas properly - REMEMBER: GR-123-C
 Use cohesive devices/sequence connectors to link the content points.
 Use informal language and friendly expressions.
LANGUAGE USED IN AN EMAIL

To Give Suggestion To Advise

 I suggest you to . . . .
 I think you should try . . . . .  I advise you to . . . . .
 You might want to go / do . . . . .  My advice would be to . . . . .
 One thing you should visit is . . . . .  Maybe what you need to do is . . . . .
 Have you tried.......?

8
 Writing Part 1: Set 2
Sample Question

You received an email from your new friend, Amin, who has just moved to your town.
Hi,

The school break is finally here! Let’s go for a picnic with our friends. Where shall we
go and what can be our plans? What items should we bring along?

Now, write an email to your friend in about 80 words.

Email Writing Template

G GREETING Dear ,

R RESPONSE How are things? .

A Picnic with Our Friends (Title)

CONTENT
I’m writing this email to tell you about
.

POINT 1 Where shall we go?

1
ELABORATION Firstly, I suggest you to go to . [C1]
1 I know it has a . [E1]

POINT 2 What can be our plans?

2
ELABORATION Moreover, we can play _ . [C2]
2 So, . [E2]

What items should we bring along?

POINT 3
3
ELABORATION Lastly, my mother can help to . [C3]
3 We can bring . [E3]

C CLOSING That’s all for now. .

9
Suggested Ideas/Responses

G GREETING Dear Amin,

R RESPONSE How are things? I’m glad to hear from you.

A Picnic with Our Friends (Title)

CONTENT
I’m writing this email to tell you about the plan for a picnic with our
friends.

POINT 1 Where shall we go?

1 Firstly, I suggest you to go to Desaru Beach. [C1]
ELABORATION
1 I know it has a very beautiful view and it is very popular in Johor. [E1]

POINT 2 What can be our plans?

2 Moreover, we can play beach volleyball with our friends. [C2]
ELABORATION So, we should ask our best friends, Johan, Nabil and Syafiq to join us.
2 [E2]

POINT 3 What items should we bring along?

Lastly, my mother can help to pack the food and drink. [C3]
3
ELABORATION We can bring a picnic mat or a tent. Don’t forget to bring our
3 swimming suits because we can go swimming in the sea too. [E3]

C CLOSING That’s all for now. I hope to hear from you soon.

Suggested Answer (Rewrite the responses in Email Writing Template)

To : amin_ahmad@gmail.com
Subject : A Picnic With Our Friends
Dear Amin,
How are things? I’m glad to hear from you. I’m writing this email to tell you about the plan
for a picnic with our friends.
Firstly, I think we should go to Desaru Beach. I know it has a very beautiful view and it is
very popular in Johor.
Moreover, we can play beach volleyball with our friends. So, we should ask our best
friends, Johan, Nabil and Syafiq to join us.
Lastly, my mother can help to pack the food and drink. We can bring a picnic mat or a tent.
Don’t forget to bring our swimming suits because we can go swimming in the sea too.
That’s all for now. I hope to hear from you soon.
Your friend,
Akeef

1
LIST OF USEFUL PHRASES IN WRITING (EMAIL)
FRIENDLY OPENINGS USEFUL PHRASES WRITING A
POSTCARD
Hi! I really miss you, Mum! We’re having a lovely time.
Hello I love reading your emails. The weather is...
How are you? Good luck! The hotel/campsite is…
How are things? I hope things are going well. This place is ...
How is it going? Sorry for not answering your The beach is...
It’s good to hear from you! last email. The food is...
We’ve had...
We’ve been to...
We’ve seen...
We’ve done some
sightseeing.
See you soon!

TALKING ABOUT INVITING GIVING ADVICE

POSSIBILITY
Do you think... might be You’re invited to my … If I were him, I’d...
good? Can you come? I think it would be better
I don’t think... would be a I want to invite you to... to... because
good idea because... Perhaps he should... then
What do you think? he...
Yes, I think... would be He should also...
good because... I really think it’s best to...
No, I don’t think that would because…
work because... To be honest, I’d...

MAKING ACCEPTING/REJECTING RESPONDING TO

SUGGESTIONS INVITATIONS NEWS
If I were you, I’d/I I’d love to come... What exciting news!
wouldn’t...? I’ll definitely be there. It’s such good news!
Why don’t you...? I’m sorry, I can’t make it. I am sorry to hear that.
How/What about...? Unfortunately, I won’t be I’m really proud of you.
able to come. It’ll be great/wonderful...!

FRIENDLY ENDINGS ASKING FOR A REPLY

Waiting for your reply and Let me know if you can

tell me all about it. come.
Goodbye for now. Tell me if you can come or
See you soon. not.
That’s all for now.
Do write soon and take
care!

Writing Part 1: Set 3

1
PRACTICE 1

EMAIL

You must answer this question.

You received an email from your new friend, Adli who has just moved to your
neighbourhood.

Hi,

Do you have plans this weekend? If you are free, I was thinking we could go shopping. I plan
to buy something for my mother’s birthday present. My budget is RM 300. I hope you can
advise me. Which mall could we go to and how can we get there? What should we eat? I am
looking forward to your reply.

Bye!

Now write an email to your friend in about 80 words. Write your answer below.

To :

Subject :

1
 Writing Part 2: Set

SAMPLE ANSWER:

To: adli-cute@gmail.com
Subject: Weekend’s Plan

Hi Adli,

I am free this weekend and I am thinking of going somewhere. Since you want to buy a
present for your mother, I think we should go to Mid Valley because there are plenty of shops
there. About your budget, I think we can find something nice with RM 300 because they have
year- end sale this month. We can get there by taxi, or maybe my brother can send us if he is
free. I’d love to try the buffet at Soul Garden in Mid Valley too! I am excited to see you.

Bye.

1
 Writing Part 2: Set
PART 2: GUIDED WRITING
Part 2 Question 2 consists of a guided writing with a given stimulus text. Candidates are
given three bullet points which must be addressed in the answer. The task is to write an essay
for or against an idea, a plan and or arrangement. Candidates must write the essay in about
125-150 words.
It is recommended that candidates spend 20-25 minutes on this part of the test.
The layout of the essay should consist of three to five paragraphs. The suggested parts of
the guided writing essay in the SPM writing tests are as follows:
 Introduction
 The body paragraphs:
 Point 1
 Point 2
 Point 3
 Conclusion

Below is a suggested example of the layout of the guided writing in the SPM writing test.
INTRODUCTION

BODY PARAGRAPH

POINT 1

POINT 2

POINT 3

CONCLUSION

1
 Writing Part 2: Set
HOW TO TACKLE THE TASK

Step 1: Analyse the Question

 Read and understand what is required by the task

 Underline the keywords in the situation given
 Highlight the three points required in the prompts
 Note the tense used in the stimulus and the prompts
 Pay attention to the word limit

Step 2: Plan Your Responses

 Decide on appropriate style (expository, descriptive/persuasive)

 Decide what to write for the introduction
 Brainstorm for ideas for all the three prompts
 Make notes using keywords or in point form
 Provide supporting details/reasons where necessary

Step 3: Write Your Answer

 Write in appropriate style (expository, descriptive/persuasive)

 Write a brief introduction
 Write in at least three paragraphs
 Begin with short introduction followed by points for the first, second and
third prompts
 Use cohesive devices
 Use the correct tense consistently
 End with short conclusion

1
 Writing Part 2: Set
Model Question
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 125-150 words in an appropriate style.
Your class has been planning to organise a health campaign and your teacher has asked you
to write an essay about the planning of the campaign.
In your essay, you should write about:
 Where and when the campaign will be held- POINT 1
 What events/activities to prepare – POINT 2
 What preparation is needed – POINT 3

Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Model Answer
In conjunction with World Health Day, our class would like to organise a health
campaign in our school. The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness of students on the
importance of physical as well as mental health.
For this two-day campaign, we plan to organise talks on stress management and living
a healthy lifestyle. A panel of experts will be invited for the talks. Besides that, we plan to
include free health screening such as BMI test, blood screening and eye test. The highlight of
the campaign is a Zumba session with a popular instructor for the whole school.
In terms of preparation, we will first ask for permission to organise the campaign as
well as to use the venue from the school. Then we will formally invite guests. After that
we will promote the event in the school.
We hope the campaign will be a success.

Notes:
Where and when the campaign will be held- POINT 1
 In conjunction with World Health Day (When)
 in our school (Where)

What events/activities to prepare – POINT 2

 to organise talks on stress management and living a healthy lifestyle.
 plan to include free health screening such as BMI test, blood screening and eye test.
 a Zumba session with a popular instructor for the whole school.
What preparation is needed – POINT 3
 first ask for permission to organise the campaign
 first ask for permission to use venue from the school
 invite guests
 promote the event in the school.

1
 Writing Part 2: Set
PRE-LESSON
EXERCISE 1
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 125-150 words in an appropriate style.
Your class has been discussing how to beautify your school and your teacher has asked you
to write an essay about how you would do it
In your essay, you should write about:
 The ideas to beautify your school
 Who you should involve?
 Which parts of the school to beautify?

Write your essay using all notes and giving reasons for your point of view

Brainstorming Ideas

Question 1 (Point 1)

What are your ideas to beautify your school?

1.

2.

3.

4.

Question 2 (Point 2)

Who should you involve in this program?

1.

2.

3.

4.

Question 3 (Point 3)

Which part of the school do you want to beautify?

1.

2.

1
 3.

4.

WRITING SENTENCES
Now, use the words in the list to write sentences. You can also add elaboration/reasons to
your sentence.
Point 1
1.

2.

3.

4.

Elaboration:
1.

2.

3.

4.

Point 2
1.

2.

3.

4.

Elaboration:
1.

2.

3.

4.

18
Point 3
1.

2.

3.

4.

Elaboration:
1.

2.

3.

4.

LET’S WRITE

19
 Writing Part 2: Set 2

A) PRE-WRITING ACTIVITY

1. Look at the pictures below.

a) How do you usually communicate with your friends? Based on the pictures given, state 2
means of communication that you prefer using? Why?

b) Give 2 pros and cons of using the means of communication that you have chosen.
Pros – i)
ii)
Cons – i)
ii)

B) WHILE-WRITING ACTIVITY

2. Read this writing task.

Your English teacher has given a topic to be discussed in class – How does playing
computer games affect teenagers.

In your essay, you should write about:

• the advantages of playing computer games
• the disadvantages of playing computer games
• your final stand on this topic

Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view. Write your
answers in 125 – 150 words in an appropriate style.

a) Discuss what are some of the advantages and disadvantages of playing

Computer games that you can include in the essay (students own
answers)

b) Read the essay given that was written in answer to the writing task given.
20
 Writing Part 2: Set 2
SAMPLE ANSWER

Computer games are entertaining and have many advantages. Firstly, our focus and
attention increase when we play computer games. This is true especially when we play
action games because we need to achieve certain objectives within the game so we are able to
proceed to the next level.

Moreover, it also enhances our multitasking skills as well as our cognitive skills and
creativity. This is because we need to overcome many obstacles while playing the game.
Thus, we are able to learn to do many things at a time besides training our brain to think.

However, one of the biggest concerns is the time wasted when playing computer
games. Due to their desire to win and focus on the game, some teenagers will continue
playing until the wee hours of the morning. This can affect their health and well-being as they
are unable to get enough sleep.

In addition, playing computer games excessively makes a teenager physically

inactive. It also reduces our social skills in real life where we find it difficult to communicate
with the people around us. We tend to find ourselves at a loss especially if we have to
converse with many different types of people.

In conclusion, computer games have advantages that benefit teenagers in many ways.
However, we must be careful not to play computer games excessively. In life, we must learn
to practice moderation.

c) Now answer these questions based on the sample essay given in (b).

i) From the sample essay given, state 3 advantages of computer games

a)
b)
c)

ii) State 2 disadvantages of computer games.

a)
b)

iii) Give examples of linking words used in the essay.

iv) From the essay given, what do you think is the final stand on this topic? Do you agree
with the final stand? Why?

21
 Writing Part 2: Set 2
C) POST-WRITING ACTIVITY

3. Now you try! Read this writing task.

Your English teacher has given a topic to be discussed in class – Should students be allowed
to bring smartphones to school? Write an essay on what you think of this topic.

In your essay, you should write about:

• the advantages of bringing smartphones to school
• the disadvantages of bringing smartphones to school
• your final stand on this topic

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 125 – 150 words in an appropriate
style. Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

*You may use the language bank to help you write the essay.

a) Before you start writing, in the columns below, list down four advantages and four
disadvantages of bringing smart phones to school.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

1) 1)

2) 2)

3) 3)

4) 4)

b) Now you try! Using the list of advantages and disadvantages of bringing smartphones to
school (given in exercise 3a) and the language bank given below to help you, write out your
essay. You can use the sample essay given in Exercise 2 (b) to help you draft your essay.

LANGUAGE BANK
Introducing Supporting Ideas Introducing a Contrasting Idea
Firstly / Secondly / Finally However
In the first place On the other hand
Moreover
Furthermore
In addition
Therefore
Introducing Examples Conclusion
for instance All in all
for example To sum up
On the whole
In conclusion

22
 Writing Part 2: Set 2
Write your answer

4. Additional Practice

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 125 – 150 words in an appropriate
style.

Your class has been discussing how they use the internet and your teacher has asked
you to write an essay about the dangers of using the internet.

In your essay, you should write about:

• why people use the internet
• what are the dangers of using the internet
• how to stay safe online

Write your essay using all the notes and giving your point of view.

Write your answer

23
REPORT WRITING
WHAT IS A REPORT?
A report is a piece of writing addressing a specific person / organization / authority /
governmental body etc. It usually consists of a description of something as well as
suggestions or recommendations for future actions.
TOP TIPS TO WRITE A REPORT
1. Write a title to show what the report is about.
2. Divide your reports into clear paragraphs with subheadings.
3. State the report’s aim(s) in the introduction.
4. Use formal language such as full forms rather than contractions.
5. You might need to make a recommendation in the
conclusion. PLANNING A REPORT

Title
Introduction – state what you are going to do in your report.
The aim of this report is ….. / This report aims to ….
Paragraphs 2 – 4 – This is the main body of your report. Use a subheading for each
paragraph.
The main reason is …./ Another important reason is
… Firstly,…/ Secondly,…
Furthermore, …./ Moreover,…/ In addition, …
Conclusion – give recommendations or make suggestions about what you think should be
done.
In conclusion,…/ To sum up,
….. I recommend …..

WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED WRITING, CHECK THAT

 you have followed your plan
 you have used headings and formal language
 you have included recommendations or suggestions

24
Sample

Your English class has attended a talk on how to help keep the environment
clean. Now, your teacher has asked you to write a report giving suggestions
about what your school can do to help. Write your report (200 - 250 words)

Step 1: Analyse the question by identifying the following:

Word
limit: 200 –
250 words

Style:
formal
Audience:
REPORT
Teacher/the
Principal

Tense:
Task: Suggestions on
Present tense
what school can do to
help keep the
environment clean

Recycling
Plant more
trees
Save
energy

25
Step 2: Plan your report

No Paragraph Headings Suggested Language

No
1 Title of Report on …….
report
2 1st Introduction The aim of this report is to ……
paragraph
3 2nd Recycling To begin with,….
paragraph - what to - Paper, glass, plastics
recycle - recycling bins
- how - reduce waste
- effect
4 3rd Saving Energy Secondly,….
paragraph - examples of - turn off lights, fans, computers
saving- - reduce carbon footprint
energy
actions
- effect
5 4th Planting More Finally,…
paragraph Trees - shady, reduce temperature
- why trees - no need for air conditioning
help - reduce electricity bill
- effect
6 5th Conclusion To sum up,….
paragraph

Step 3: Write your report

26
Suggested answer

Report on ways SMK...............................can help the environment

Introduction
The aim of this report is to suggest ways the school can help the environment
clean.

Recycling
To begin with, the school’s staff and students should be encouraged to recycle
more by rewarding them. Currently, the school recycles paper, some plastics and
metal, but does not recycle organic waste and glass. It would be a good idea to
fully utilise the recycling bins. By doing this, we would also reduce rubbish
around us.

Saving Energy
Secondly, too much energy is wasted in the school especially during lunch
breaks when lights and fans are left on while nobody is around. I believe it would
be a good idea to hang up posters to remind students to turn the lights off and
other electrical devices when they are not being used. As a result, we could
greatly reduce the electricity bill.

Planting Trees
Finally, I recommend more trees to be planted around the school. They can
reduce the temperature inside and outside of the classroom. Doing this would
reduce the need for air conditioners.

Conclusion
To sum up, by recycling more recyclable materials, paying more attention to
energy usage and planting more trees, the school can play its part in helping the
environment.

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Let’s Practise

Lately, many of your schoolmates were down with fever. The teacher on duty has asked
you to conduct a survey on why this was the case. Write a report about the findings of
the survey and your recommendations to the school. (200 - 250 words)

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 Writing Part 3: Set 2

WHAT IS A REVIEW
A review is an evaluation of a text, place, event, product or object intended for publication.
For example, you may be asked to review a book, a restaurant, a film, a programme, a
performance, an event, a place etc. You are also required to offer your own personal opinion
on the topic.

HOW TO WRITE A REVIEW

- Give the review an appropriate title

- Use the stimulus given as a guide to write your review
- Provide an introduction that catches the interest of the reader
- Ensure a well-organized content
- Focus on strength and weaknesses
- Provide evidence to support ideas
- How would it be beneficial to the audience and purpose
- Describe and express your opinion /include personal experiences
- Write a concise conclusion

LANGUAGE AND TONE

- Use Standard English and mainly formal language with some informal words
- Sound lively by using a variety of sentence types and lengths
- Engage the reader by using “You” or asking questions
- Give your view immediately, directly and passionately

A GOOD REVIEW SHOULD CONSIST OF:

An introduction

In which you will give all the background information of the story (setting, type,
characters and etc)

Main body

Consisting of two or more paragraphs in which all the main

points of the plot are presented in time sequences as well as
comments on action, plot and character development.

Conclusion

Whether or not something would be recommended for others? Justification on why it

would or would not be recommended….

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 Writing Part 3: Set 2

OUTLINE OF A REVIEW

Introduction
Paragraph 1
• Background (setting, type of story, main character)

Main Body
Paragraph 2
• Main points of the plot
Paragraph 3
• General comments

Conclusion
Paragraph 4
• Recommendation

BACKGROUND MAIN POINTS OF PLOT

 This well - written/informative,  The plot focuses on.. .,
fascinating book.. .,  The story begins.. .,
 The film/story is set in.....,  The plot has an unexpected twist....,
 This restaurant is based at......,  The film reaches a conflict.. .,
 This mesmerizing story.........,  The peak of the story was………
 The place has some uniqueness……

GENERAL COMMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS

 It is rather long/confusing/slow.......,  Don't miss it, it will change the way
 The cast is excellent/weak...., you see...,
 The script is dull/clever....,  It is well worth seeing.. .,
 It has a tragic/surprising end...., etc.  I wouldn't recommend it
 Overall it was average................., because....., etc.
 The content of the book was  It is not worth the money......,
captive……,  An eye treat watching it……,

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 Writing Part 3: Set 2
Sample
You see this announcement in your school English Language magazine.

Book review wanted

Have you read a book in which the character behaved in a surprising way?
Write us a review of the book explaining what the main character did and why it was
surprising.
Tell us whether or not you would recommend the book to other people.

PLAN
Paragraph 1 Introduction
Paragraph 2 Brief description and opinion
Paragraph 3 Recommendation

Notes
Use adjectives and also mention the setting of the story. Don’t use unnecessary words
but words to grab attention.
Sample Essay
Paragraph 1 (Introduction)
Dangerous Shopping by Stephanie has to be the most thought-provoking book that I have
read. It is set in modern urban town in Bangsar and it tells the story through the eyes of
courageous heroine, Jenny.
TIPS
Write the gist of the story.
Paragraph 2 (Brief description)
One day as Jenny was making her daily trip to the supermarket to buy her groceries, there
was robbery. In the confusion the robbers kidnapped Jenny as she was standing at the
checking counter. While Jenny was imprisoned, she recounts her ordeal in graphic and
painful detail. There are several incidents in the novel where Jenny’s ability to cope when she
was threatened is remarkable.
TIPS
(usage of linkers – One day as, In the confusion, as, while, and, when)
(Vocabulary- words related to the topic of crime – robbers, kidnapped, imprisoned,
ordeal, painful, incidents ,threatened )

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Paragraph 3 (general comments)
The story makes me think how our ordinary life can be changed in one incident. It is also
inspiring for me as it makes me realise how our inner strength can help us to cope with any
disaster.
TIPS
(Give personal opinion. It could be positive or negative or combination of both.

Paragraph 4 (recommendation)
The book is skilfully written and the writer’s style is direct and witty. She is able to show her
characters to be strong and convincing. The plot is very unpredictable and it is a real page –
tuner. If you would enjoy a book that may tense you up, this one is surely for you.
TIPS
(Summarise the novel at the end of the review and give an overall recommendation.
Describe the writer and the writer’s style using adjectives and use set of expression
commonly used for reviews)

32
 Writing Part 3: Set 2

Question 1

Reviews required!
Have you read any interesting books lately? Send us your book review.
Say what you enjoyed about the book. Would you recommend the book to your friends?
Why?

Question 2

Reviews needed!
Have you seen any good movies recently? Send us your movie review.
Say what you enjoyed about the movie. Would you recommend the movie to your friends?
Why?
The best reviews will be published in our magazines.

Question 3

Did you visit any good restaurants, lately? Send us your restaurant review.
Say what you enjoyed about the restaurant in your review. Would you recommend the
restaurant to your friends? Why?
The best answer will be published in our travel magazines.

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