Structure Responses and Writing

Writing

Introduction

A. GUIDE TO WRITING

Better Essay
1. Description
- Describing a place of interest
- Describing an event
- Describing people / prominent personalities

2. Stories with the moral
3. Dialogues
4. Talks and Speech

DESCRIPTION ? There are 3 types of this report: a) Describing a place of interest b) Describing an event c) Describing people / prominent personalities

A) Describing A Place Of Interest ? There are 3 steps to do this describing: 1. Steps 1 Since you only have 30 minutes for this question, include only a few sensory details, as compared to continuous writing which gives you an hour to write 2. Steps 2 Include all the points given 3. Steps 3 Describe the place and activities and add relevant details. Remember to include all the points

NOTE THIS : ? Use a few sensory details to make your description more interesting. ? Useful words ? fantastic, haven, exciting, enchanting, breathtaking

MODELS I am having the time of my life in Penang. The place is really exciting. I am staying in Seri Malaysia Hotel which is next to the beach. I went to Penang Hill two day ago. It is fantastic haven for nature lovers, with many species of flora and fauna. We had take a funicular train up the hill. I also visited the Kek Lok Si Temple, the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. It is situated on top a hill in Air Hitam. I had to climb about 19.3 steps before reaching the temple. On the way up, there were tiny shops on both sides that sold all sort of things. It is really hot and sunny here. Most of the tourist prefer lazing around the swimming pool at the hotel. As for me, I prefer to go sightseeing. Yesterday, I went to visit a fishing village called Batu Maung and I tried several types of durians. The fruit were rich and delicious. At night, we had a nasi kandar and some sambal. It was simply delicious.

B) Describing An Event There are 4 steps to do this describing: 1. Steps 1 Determine the type of event to be described. 2. Steps 2 Add all the necessary detail such as the venue, spectators, guests and organisers of the event 3. Steps 3 Mention your feeling or comments made by other about the event 4. Steps 4 Follow the time sequence of the event

NOTE THIS : ? Do not mention all the times given. ? Use it as a guide ? Use sequence connectors instead such as ? later, next, after that, ten minutes later and then

THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT 1. Step 1 Decide which characteristics of that person you want to emphasise. 2. Step 2 Use description, action and conversation to reveal those characteristic 3. Step 3 Do not get carried away with too many details which might cloud your picture. Concentrate on only one two traits and develop them

NOTE THIS : ? Use all the points given, so there is no need for elaboration. ? However, you still need to joint the points cohesively and use some interesting expressions in order to score higher points for language

MODELS Mother Teresa was a beloved humanitarian who dedicated many years of her life to helping the needy. She was born in Albania as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu. At the age of 18, she took the name ?Teresa? when she became a nun. She moves to Calcutta and founded the Missionaries of Charity. She had a sole focus and a powerful mission in life. She created a community of women to care for the people she loved most, the sick and needy. In recognition of her efforts, Mother Teresa was bestowed many award such as the Nobel Peace Prize. She used the prize money from such awards to fund her missions. Her health decline due to heart problems and she passed away in 1997 at a age of 87. Today, although she is dearly missed, her work is continued by many nuns and volunteers from all over the world, caring for the poor and needy the way Mother Teresa had done.

Stories with moral value

2. STORY WITH MORAL VALUE ? There are 4 steps to do this describing: 1. Steps 1 Plan your characters, plot and setting according to the points given. 2. Steps 2 Add interesting phrases to make your story lively 3. Steps 3 Do not give too many sub ? plots. 4. Steps 4 Arrive at the climax quickly and resolve your story with a moral value.

NOTE THIS : ? Since this is Direction writing, you need not write as much as in continuous writing. ? Make sure you use all the points given and add some details to make your story interesting

MODELS I met Zakuan when he fist came to me for some English tuition. Zakuan is different from my other friends. He is deaf. We often communicated in sign language, which he had taught me. He told me that he had twelve brother and needed a job to support his family. I learn that at the age of 10. Zakuan had taught himself to read and write English by studying from books at home in his village Within a short period of time, his English improve and he was made a supervisor in his company. His employer was pleased with his performance and arrangements were made to send him to United Kingdom to take an advance course for the hearing ? impaired. He excelled in the course and was chosen as the best student. Today, Zakuan no longer works for the company. Through self ? reliance and diligence, Zakuan became successful and he was able to inspire other like him.

Dialogues

3. DIALOGUES ? There are 5 steps to do this describing: 1. Steps 1 Determine what the topic is about and whether the conversation is formal or informal 2. Steps 2 Use suitable greeting and be polite 3. Steps 3 Use ?Wh? ? questions and follow a logical sequence. 4. Steps 4 Include all the points given 5. Steps 5 Add relevant details to make the conversation lively

NOTE THIS : ? Start with greeting ? Make sure you include all the points mentioned ? Describe the incident briefly only ? Don?t forget to thank your interview

MODELS You : Congratulations, Ali for winning the medal. Ali : Thanks You : How does it feel to be awarded the Hang Tuah of the Year award? Ali : It was really a surprise. I didn?t expect anything like this and the attention I received was overwhelming. However, I am happy and proud

Talks And Speech

4. TALKS AND SPEECHS ? There are 3 steps to do this describing: 1. Steps 1 Read the question carefully and determine your audience and the purpose of the speech or talk 2. Steps 2 Use a suitable greeting and remember to end your speech with a word of thank. 3. Steps 3 Use all the points given and add details to make your speech interesting.

NOTE THIS : ? Start with the usual greeting and state the purpose of speech ? Add points of your own ? Closed by bidding goodbye / wishing the best

B. CONTINOUS NARRATIVE COMPOSITION You may be required to write a narration of an event or a short story. Some Typical Questions 1. Write an original story about self ? reliance and diligence. 2. Write a story beginning with, ?Liar, you are a liar ?.? 3. Write a story ending with, ?I shall never forget this day for the rest of my life?

THIS IS HOW TO DO IT 1. Step 1 Brainstorm your plot, setting, main character and minor character 2. Step 2 Plan the entire story line and decide on the order of event 3. Step 3 Pace yourself so that you have time to write the story and have time to check through you essay as well

Planning

? You may use this diagram to help you plot your short story. Jot down your ideas in each box before you begin writing

ARGUMENTATIVE COMPOSITION In argumentative writing, you may be required to either state your stand on a certain issue ( agree or disagree) or to present your point of view, giving reasons and evidence Some Typical Questions 1. Co-curricular activities are a waste of time. Do you agree? 2. Is the television more of the an advantages or a disadvantages to children? 3. The advantages and disadvantages of homework 4. Are all traditional belief silly or should some be taken seriously?

THIS IS HOW TO DO IT 1. Step 1 Read the question carefully. Do you need to make a stand or to present both sides of the argument? 2. Step 2 Note down all the points that you have about the topic 3. Step 3 Add some example and illustrations. 4. Step 4 Use an appropriate introduction. 5. Step 5 Your conclusion is very important. You should state your stand once again.

Examples Introduction: - Explain what co-curricular means - State your stand Co-curricular activities are activities that are planned for student after school through clubs and uniformed societies. Student are required to join at least one uniformed unit and a club. In my opinion, these activities play an important role in a student?s life and are therefore not a waste of time and money

Body: - Support your stand - Give the benefits of co ? curricular activities Body: First and foremost, co-curricular activities provided a broadening experience for student to learn about themselves, other people, and community at large through the various activities organised such as camping, school trips, games, project work and campaigns. For example, when students go on a study tour, they are given a chance to encounter situations and opportunities in the real world, beyond the school ? gate Besides that, these activities provide leadership training for students. They get a chance to learn how to lead a team. They learn organisational skill such as planning, budgeting and problem ? solving, all of which the classroom situation may be unable to provide. They learn discipline and co ? operation, tolerance and understanding

Conclusion: - State your stand again Conclusion: Co-curricular activities certainly play an important role in a student?s life. They complement the activities of the classroom. In a nutshell, a well ? planned co-curricular programme helps students become wholesome individuals. Thus, co-curricular activities are definitely not a waste of time and money

Reflective Composition

REFLECTIVE COMPOSITION As the word implies, you will have to reflect on the topic and interpret it according to your personal viewpoint and belief Some Typical Questions 1. If you could make one wish, what would it be, and why? 2. What do you think of the rules and regulations in your school? 3. What would you consider the best way to spend your birthday? Explain why you think so.

THIS IS HOW TO DO IT 1. Step 1 Read the question carefully and jot down your thoughts about the subject 2. Step 2 Introduce the topic by giving a general statement or some fact 3. Step 3 Plan at least four paragraphs of main points with supporting details 4. Step 4 Use connectors to link your paragraphs 5. Step 5 End your essay with your hope for the future or express the future implications on the topic

Informal Letter

Introduction Writing 1. Informal letter 2. Formal letter - Letters of application - Letters of complaint - Letters of enquiry - Business letters - Letters to the editors 3. Resume Reports - Annual reports for Society / Club - Newspaper Reports - Reports based on survey, charts, graphs and tables. - Minutes of meeting

There are 4 steps to do this informal letter: 1. Steps 1 - Use the informal letter format correctly

2. Steps 2 - Make sure the address is written on the right hand side and the punctuation is correct. The data is below the address
3. Steps 3 - Your greeting and closing the recipient. Some examples are :
Dearest??, Your sincerely, Your truly, Your lovingly, Your affectionately and Your loving daughter.
4. Steps 4 -Sign off on the right, below the closing. You do not need to write you name in brackets.

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS:
? I?ll be delighted to come over??
? Thank you for your kind hospitality?
? Congratulations on your success?.
? I am sad to hear that ??.
? Please accept my sincere apologies ?..
? I am sorry to inform you that ?..

FORMAL LETTER ? There are 5 types of this formal letter: a) Letters of application b) Letters of complaint c) Letters of enquiry d) Business letters e) Letters to the editors

FORMAL LETTER ? There are 4 steps to do this informal letter: 1. Steps 1 - Use the format of a formal / business letter. Marks are given for the format

2. Steps 2
Be very clear of the purpose of the letter.
3. Steps 3
Keep to the requirements of the question
4. Steps 4
Your language must be simple and clear

A RESUME Your resume is a : ? Structured, ? Written summary of your person education ? Employment background ? Job qualification Resume is a form of advertising, designed to help you get an interview. Your resume objective are to call attention to your best features and to downplay your disadvantages, without distorting or misrepresenting the fact A place to present a persuasive but accurate portrait of your skills and accomplishments. Resume has only second to make an impression, your attitude and audience focus are crucial.

A good resume must shows : 1) Think in terms of results, 2) Known how to get things done, 3) Is well rounded 4) Shows signs of progress 5) Has personal standards of excellence 6) Is flexible and willing to try new things 7) Possesses strong communication skill The key characteristic of a resume are : ? Neatness ? Simplicity ? Accuracy ? Honesty

Term Of Layout Your objective is to make the information easy to grasp. Break up the text by using headings that call attention to various aspects of your background, such : a) work experience b) education background Underlined or capitalize key point, or set them off in the left margin Use indented list to itemize your most important qualification Leave plenty of space, even if doing so forces you to use two pages rather than one. Check the headings and itemized list to make sure grammatically parallel. Carefully with : 1) grammar, 2) spelling 3) punctuation

TAILORING OF CONTENTS ? The bare essentials are : a ) Name and Address b ) Academic credentials c ) Employment history d) Additional Points e) References ? Make sure your resume are strongest, most impressive qualification

The bare essentials a ) Name and address - It is the first things an employer need to know. - The opening section shows at a glance: * Who you are * How to reach you

a) Name And Address - Write down : 1) Your name 2) Your address 3) Phone number ( as well as your email address. If you have a work phone or phone number at school or another place, list both ) NURZUSILAWATI BINTI NADZRI NO 2-A, TAMAN KENANGA, 21700 KUALA BERANG, TERENGGANU HOME : 09 ? 6811091 ada12@yahoo.com

You also can add your personal data, which mention : 1) Your name 2) Date of Birth 3) Identity Card Number 4) Age 5) Nationality 6) Race 7) Religion : 8) Siblings : 9) Hobby : 10) Address : 11) Phone number : 12) Email :

Name : Nurzusilawati Nadzri Date Of Birth : 20th July 1982 I / C No : 820720 ? 11 ? 5126 Age : 24 years Nationality : Malaysian Race : Malay Religion : Islamic Siblings : One and Only Hobby : Reading and traveling Address : No 2-A, Taman Kenanga, 21700 Kuala Berang, Terengganu Phone number : 09 -6811091 Email : ada12@yahoo.com

b)Academic Credentials ? If education is your strongest selling point, discuss it thoroughly and highlight it visually. ? Present your educational background in depth, choosing facts that support your ?theme?. Education : 2001 ? 2004 BSc (hons) In Business Administration, Open University Malaysia, Kubang Ikan, 20000 Chendering Terengganu Darul Iman.

c) Employment history The work experience section list all the related jobs you?ve had: ? Name and location of employment ? Your functional title ( your job ) ? How long you worked there ? Your duties and responsibilities ? Your significant achievement or contributions Experience : 2003 ? 2005 Computer Laboratory Help Desk KDU College, Petaling Jaya Campus, SS 22/41, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan

d) Additional Points ? You also can add another additional points about yourself. It maybe : 1) Certificated Qualification 2) Extra Curriculum Activities 3) Other Qualification

1) Certificated Qualification Certificated Qualification : January ? April 2000 Certificated In Study Skill And IT (UiTM), Kolej Yayasan Terengganu, Kubang Ikan, 20000 Chendering Terengganu Darul Iman 2) Extra Curriculum Activities ? Extra Curricullum Activities : 2005 ? 2007 Chairman of Persatuan Sosial Integrasi Terengganu ( PSIT ), 1998 ? 1999 A member in The English Club Sek. Men. Teknik Wakaf Tembusu,

3) Other Qualification Certificated Qualification : 23 July 2006 Imej Diri Islam Hadhari Seminars, Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga Dan Masyarakat Malaysia. ? You also can write your other qualification which can supported your resume. ? You can write your other advantage in yourself Other Qualification : Knowledge and computer literate in Windows XP, Window ME, Microsoft Words, Power Point, Excel, JAVA, Structured Programming, Good communication skills.

e) References Reference : YB Dato? Rosol Wahid Chairman of Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Islam Pejabat Ketua Setiausaha Kerajaaan Negeri (KSU ) 6th Floor, Wisma Darul Iman, 20503 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganuy Darul Iman ( 09 ) 6231957

Reports ? There are 4 types of this report: a) Annual reports for Society / Club b) Newspaper Reports c) Reports based on survey, charts, graphs and tables. d) Minutes of meeting

a)Annual reports for Society / Club ? There are 4 steps to do this report: 1. Steps 1 Determine the purpose and the audience of the report. Use a formal tone. 2. Steps 2 Plan your answer by taking into account all the points given and the elaboration needed 3. Steps 3 Give a suitable title 4. Steps 4 End with your name and post

b) Newspaper Reports

? There are 4 steps to do this report:
1. Steps 1
Use the correct format:
headline byline, etc
2. Steps 2
Introduce the most important matter first
3. Steps 3
Follow up with detail
( use the 4 W?s: Who? What? Where? When?)
4. Steps 4
Use quotations and names.





c) Based On Survey, Charts, graphs And Tables

? There are 4 steps to do this report:
1. Steps 1
Give your report a suitable title
2. Steps 2
Mention the purpose of the survey, chart, graph or table
3. Steps 3
Give an explanation based on the information
4. Steps 4
Give some conclusions about your findings and make recommendations





d ) Minutes Of Meetings

? There are 4 steps to do this report:
1. Steps 1
Write down the format of the minutes quickly.
2. Steps 2
Fill in the necessary information such as name, venue, date and so on.
3. Steps 3
Remember to include all the points given.
4. Steps 4
Sign off as the sectary.