Learning Outcomes:

- Types of essays- How to start an essay- Stages in writing an essay

You are required to write 2 essays in 90 minutes.

Question 1: Report writing in not less than 150 words based on the information given either in linear or non-linear form or both. : You are advised to spend about 40 minutes on this section.

Question 2: Another stimulus in either linear or non-linear form in not less than 350 words based on this. : You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this section.

TYPES OF ESSAYS

Argumentative

Analytical

Descriptive

Factual

PersuasiveNarrative

-Discuss the advantages or disadvantages- Guidelines:

- argue for or against unless asked to discuss- give logical points or reasons- elaborate with some examples and logical explanations

Examples:1.Living in the rural area is better than in the city. Do you agree?2.Are neighbours a curse or a blessing?3.Examination should be banned. Give your opinion.4.Tradition is a hindrance to advancement. Discuss.

-You will analyse, examine and interpret some event, book, work of art, etc.-Guidelines:

- introduce the subject- state the problem- present the argument- analyse the text (the major part of the essay)- conclude (relate to the analysis and the argument)

-Examples:1.Analyse the trend in healthcare over the last 50 years with reference to the tables and graphs.

2.A survey was carried out on undergraduates of expectations of facilities and rules at the university. The results of the survey are shown in the tables below. Using only the information given, describe the results of the survey.

-Describes people, places, events, processes.- Guidelines:

- describe details intensely- use effective descriptive words- describe what the senses see, feel, hear, touch and

taste- describe something familiar- use a variety of sentence patterns

-Examples:1.How paper is recycled2.My mother3.Malaysia’s beach resort

-Take a position FOR or AGAINST an issue.- Write to convince the reader to believe or do something.- Guidelines:

- the topic should cover an issue or current importance- the topic must be a controversial point- have a clear idea of the points you are going to support- list them according to priority- suggest possible solutions in your conclusion

-Examples:1.Should marine animals be kept in captivity?2.Children under the age of 16should be required to wear helmets while biking, scooting, skateboarding, rollerblading and skiing.

- Provide in-depth knowledge/facts about the topic.- Guidelines:

- use formal language- give precise information- give logical facts- ensure smooth flow from one point to another

- Examples:1.The importance of water to man2.The hazards of smoking3.Examinations4.Tropical forests

- Describes an event, a personal experience or an observation.- Guidelines:

- tell from a certain point of view- include a theme, plot, characters, setting, climax, ending- use vivid descriptions- introduce short, relevant dialogues- develop story well and end story well

-Examples:1.An unforgettable event2.Strange neighbours3.Lies! And more lies!

-The start of an essay is very important – catch attention of the reader from the very start.- So, create some powerful openings!- Some opening techniques are:

• Factual statements

• Action• Intriguing Question

• Startling statistic

• Factual statements

A Wet Market

A wet market is a rare scene in big towns but they are very popular in small towns. A wet market usually starts very early and close by midday.

• Action

A FloodThe villagers desperately filled sandbags and passed them onto the lines. At the other end, scores of men were banking sandbags against the bund. The river was already perilously close to the surface.

• Intriguing Question

Values

How do you and your family embody core values? What do you do so thatpeople perceive you as being committed to those values.

• Startling statistic

AIDS

Do you know that a child dies of AIDS every three minutes, and families are deprived of their breadwinner every 48 hours?

1. Planning the essay

2. Generating ideas

3. Writing the essay

4. Drafting, editing, proof reading and revising

Read the topic carefully

Underline the keywords

Determine the purpose of writing

- to inform; to persuade; to keep in touch; to entertain, etc

Example:

How do teenagers’ dressing reflect their lifestyle? How do

they view life today?

Narrow your topic

Decide on the controlling idea – be clear and focused

Brainstorm to develop ideas, subject matter or content by:

- listing, mapping, and using an idea tree

Organize the ideas in the text using: - definitions - cause and effect - sequencing - comparison and contrast - classification - examples - descriptions and elaborations

Write an effective thesis statement/topic sentence.

Write effective introductions.

Elaborate with a range of adequate language

– choose suitable words, sentence structures and stylistic variants to express different ideas.

Write effective conclusions.

Mechanics of writing

- spelling

- punctuation

- format / layout / paragraphing

Grammar

Vocabulary / word use

Exercise

Read the stimulus below and underline the keywords and define them. Then list your reasons for the problem in the stimulus and support your reasons with examples.

In today’s materialistic world families have many social concerns especiallythose that concern the youth. In your opinion why do social problems occur among our youths? Give your reasons and explain with examples. Map out your content points and write an effective introductory paragraph.

Remember to: Underline keywordsDefine the keywords List out your reasons Provide explanations and support your viewpoint with examples.