SPM 2016
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Tips for Continuous Writing SPM (Narrative Essay)
SAMPLE QUESTION (SPM 2014) Write a story about a fisherman beginning with: “The wind blew strongly. Out at sea…” The wind blew strongly. Out at sea, the wave was huge. I was worried about Pak Samad. He went to the sea to catch fish early this morning and had not come home yet. Pak Samad was my neighbour. He worked as a fisherman. He was 52 years old. Looking at his wrinkled face, one could sense his maturity and wisdom. He had a pair of small eyes. When he smiled, his eyes would smile too. Pak Samad was tall and muscular. His skin was dark as a result of working under the sun every day. I noticed that he loved to wear worn T-shirt and sarong anywhere he went. Maybe, he felt comfortable wearing them. Having a pleasant personality, Pak Samad was well-liked by people around him. As he was friendly to everybody, he had many friends from all walks of life. Apart from that, Pak Samad was kind-hearted. Whenever he met people who needed help, he would definitely lend a hand. Whe...
Basic Principles of Teaching Conversation Classes (Part 2)
Teach students strategies for both formal and informal conversations. Conversations may fall flat if the participants do not know conversation strategies. There is a difference between an everyday conversation and an academic conversation. Example: Situation 1: "Hey, Rayyan! How's your study in USM?" I am signalling to Rayyan that I would like to open an informal and brief conversation on the topic of his study. It might extend a little into my own study in my university. Situation 2: "What do you think about university students today? Don't you think that they are being too pampered?" Now, I am signalling a different kind of conversation which is more academic. It is more in-depth and analytical as the conversation participants need to consider giving more facts regarding the topic.
Basic Principles of Teaching Conversation Classes (Part 1)
Focus on communication and fluency, not correctness. Most ESL students are concerned if they are holding their conversation "correctly" or if it is "right". Even in our first language, we rarely concern if the conversation is proceeding "correctly". The point is if our meaning is coming through. The emphasis should be: it's not a matter of "right" but whether or not your classmates understand you and can respond to you.
