It's easier to write a factual essay because you can argue anything out with the topic they give you.

But it's also the most dangerous one to write because you can stray from the question very easily.

I've been writing factual in every single exam since form 4 and been getting lousy grades for them (because apparantly, my teacher doesn't get my point). Somehow I took a last shot and got GCE A1.

So I'd suggest practising the genre that you're comfortable with. Don't change too frequently unless the question is really not within your range.

Vary your writing styles. Don't sound monotonous like "I am a boy. I like to eat bananas". Don't use words that are too bombastic or scientific jargon. You can keep that for EST.

Nice. This piece of information should help our current candidates.

Ahh, remembering the old days back in SPM. Challenged myself to write a descriptive essay instead of the usual factual essays and scored 1A in GCE-O. Not advisable to do this if i) you are not confident enough and, ii) you are not adapting/improvising enough skills to change your style of writing.

As previous forumers have said, clear, concise and balanced essays are requirements for an 1A grade in GCE-O.

This post has been edited by IamjustME: Jun 18 2009, 09:24 PM

sorry for the late reply bro.. since ur given 8 points.

theres 7 points left.. it will go to the elaboration and format.

read the instructions whether is asks for an opening and ending. if yes that means its 2 points for format.

well then u have to contain 5 elaboration.

its always better to separate ur elaboration to each point.

giving 2 elaboration for one point might be that good..

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Added on June 19, 2009, 8:31 pmits advisable not to alter the keywords.

the markers have a marking scheme which the points are the same as given.

as long as u listed the same point given.. u'll get a mark.. if u alter the word.. the marker might miss out the point.. the marker doesnt mark a class bear that in mind.. he has to mark the whole school.. so he will rely on his mind.. its almost hes memorized all the points.. so altering is not advisable really..



This post has been edited by Batusai: Jun 19 2009, 08:31 PM

@above
you are right ^^

haha.. my teacher used to tell me that too

but of course u can change the forms of the word.. like
from verb to noun etc. right? as long as you keep the root word i guess.
in fact it shows that youre not just copy pasta..

^ depends the one who mark our paper is very strict/close minded, etc or not la.. if not, then can accept lor. this is Malaysiaaa.

There's a shortcut for the 2nd part actually. Just write a descriptive story before your SPM, have a teacher to mark for you and have it memorized. Walk in to the exam hall,take a look on the question and write out everything you have memorized. Change your essay a bit here and there to fit in the question.

Fitting in is the most important part. Your story should include places, special characters and memorable moments. These three elements should let your essay fit in most of the questions. Just take your essay and try to fit in any descriptive essay questions. If it fits in most, then that's your A1 essay.

always always follow the instructions given, and mind ur grammar as well....a lot of my frens can write really interesting story with powerful vocab, but due to mistakes in grammar, he cant even get a decent B3 for GCE-O

During my SPM English paper last year, I was having a f***ing bad headache and sweating like hell. For directed writing, I think I missed out 2 points given. I didn't even bother to check and add in the missing points because of the headache. it's driving me crazy. So I finished the paper 15 minutes early and got myself hell out of the class. I thought I wouldn't be able to get A for my English, instead I was shocked the moment I received my English paper. Sorry don't mean to brag, but you just need a flawless consistent writing. Make it short yet compact. The longer the essay, chances are for you to commit mistakes.

This post has been edited by Elven: Jun 20 2009, 11:39 PM

for directed writing.. its very important u keep it short.. its marked based on the points.. as long as u have all the points.. the 15 marks is yours already..
language is 20.. even though u dont have good vocab.. jus try to maintain ur grammar.. dont make mistakes.. its important not to make mistakes.. even with good vocab but alot of mistake.. ur marks is pulled down too.. its better to lift the whole given point.. its safer to do so..

for continuous writing.. like raiw said.. just memorize an essay if you're not that good.. but u have to alter the essay to fit the question.. just use ur imagination to do so.. its pretty easy.. of course.. u have to choose an essay which can be twisted into any ways..

well on top of all.. its very very important to maintain ur grammar..
mistakes pull down your marks..
write simple english if you're not sure what u wanna write..

I am more than happy if you can provide me the example of essays.
I will editing the first post with all the information that the forumers share.
Perhaps you can PM me and I will give you my email and you send me the script there so I can put it in the first post.

and TQ batusai

no problem there.

sample essays? whoa.. its gonna take time to write it out..

u should just keep reading some sample essays. and also. if possible. find errors.. from ur previous work or your fren's work.. looking for errors helps alott.

Agreed. Usually teachers will announce the person who wrote the best essay. Approach that friend of yours, read their essay and photostat it if they don't mind. Sharing is caring.

The difference between that and buying a reference book outside is that the level of English between you and your classmates are more likely to be on par, plus in the same context. Some of the books outside use words that are either too simple (no variation) or the lack good content points. Or others, too bombastic.

I used to go around photostating my classmates essays. Also a good way to know why and where you went wrong.

No I mean babysiozz said she want to post the sample essay.
Batusai,
I think the directed writing full mark only 30
15 content
15language

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Added on June 24, 2009, 7:15 pmIsnt it?

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Added on June 26, 2009, 5:43 pmAnyone who has sample of Essay or their school note please contact me so I can put it in first page

This post has been edited by realz: Jun 26 2009, 05:43 PM

nope.. its 35 for sure.. and CW will be 50.

im not sure the syllabus changed.. but i dont think so..

format, content and elaboration total 15 while language is 20.

just sat for my SPM last year buddy

Yes..my mistake its 35

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Added on July 3, 2009, 8:50 pmIve updated first post and looking for some comments and improvement from others :-)

This post has been edited by realz: Jul 3 2009, 08:50 PM

SPM english ... If you fail this ... go jump down from klcc ..

This post has been edited by studwo: Jul 3 2009, 10:16 PM

In this thread we are aiming to get A1.
To pass just a tip of iceberg
anything to share?


This post has been edited by realz: Jul 3 2009, 11:00 PM

But it still requires techniques
so hope to have someone who can guide me.

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Added on October 1, 2009, 8:07 pmmy CW for trial is 33 C
:-(

This post has been edited by realz: Oct 1 2009, 08:07 PM