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8/12/2019 National Post Mortem

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Analysis of PMR Guided Writing Questions

General Guidelines for GUIDED WRITING [25 marks -- 40 minutes]

1. Always read the question carefully and highlight what you need to do (task). Check thetone/pronoun needed.

2. Use the 40 minutes wisely: Use 5 minutesto plan your essay and organise your thoughts(what to write, how to elaborate on the points given). Then, use 30 minutesto write and 5minutesto edit.

3. Remember to use allthe points given.

4. Remember to give relevant details or elaborate the points given. Use WH- questions tohelp you develop your points.

5. Vary your sentence structures so that your essay is not dull and monotonous.

6. Include an introduction (may copy from the question andcheck if you need tochangethe pronoun) and a conclusion.

YEAR SECTION A

2002 Informal Letter

2003 Giving opinion

2004 Speech

2005 Reportbased on pictures

2006 Informal Letterbased on notes given

2007 Storybased on pictures

2008 Speech based on poster about safety in school

2009 An ArticleA visit to old folks home

2010 Story based on pictures

2011 Articlecomparing where to go for a holiday (beach or highland)

2012 Speechqualities of a good student


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7. Also, make sure your paragraphs are well-organised.

8. Read through your written piece and edit it.

FORMAT OF A SPEECH/TALK

Good morning to the principal, teachers and fellow students. I am honoured to be giventhis opportunity to talk on 'The Benefits of Sports'............................................................................................................................. .............................................................................

............................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................. ..........

............................................

Thank you.

FORMAT OF AN INFORMAL LETTER

133, LorongBayu,Taman Bayu,

01000 Kangar, Address of senderPerlis.

3 DEC 2012.

Dear Yati, salutation

....................................................................................

..................................................................................... ..................................................................

Yours sincerely, Closure

Ani

FORMAT OF A REPORT

A VISIT TO AN ORPHANAGE

At 8.00 a.m., 35 studentsand.............................................................................

............................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................. .....................................................

Reported byRamesh s/o Muthusamy(Secretary of Community Club)


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FORMAT OF AN ARTICLE

Health is Wealth

Which is more important? ...................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................

...............................................................

Written by,Eric

FORMAT OF A STORY

It was raining heavily. ......................................................................................

............................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................. ..................

FORMAT OF A RECOUNT

As I was walking home,........................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................


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LETTER-WRITING

Guidelines

Greeting / Salutation

Dear

(is most often used)Dearest and My dearest

(are usually used only for people you love)My dear .

(is used if you have a close relationship with someone, like your family or best friend)

Opening Remarks

How are you? I hope you are fine What a surprise to hear from youI received your letter yesterday / a few

days ago

How are you? I am sorry I couldnt write

earlier.

Closing Remarks

That will be for now. I hope to hear from

you soon.Please send my warmest regards to your

family.Do write soon. I shall write again when I have time.

The Format

Salutation

The

Content

1, Jalan Bukit Lagi,01000 Kangar,Perlis.

2 June 2012

Dear Fadzle,

It was a wonderful surprise to hear from you.....................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................

...............................................................................

...............................................................................

Do write to me again after your examinations. Untilthen, good luck in the exam!

Your friend,Ammy

WritersAddress

Date

OpeningRemarks

ClosingRemarks

Ending &Signature


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Example of question on informal letter.

EXAMPLE OF A STUDENTS ANSWER

SECTION A

You are advised to spend about 40 minutes on this question.

You have just spent your school holidays in Malacca. You have made short notes aboutthe places you visited. Write a letter to your pen-friend overseas to tell him or her what

you saw and did there.

1. Historical sitesvisited A Famosa- bought souvenirs2. Crocodile Farmsaw many species of crocodilewatched crocodile feeding session

3. Mahkota Paradelarge shopping complexwatched movie in the Cineplex

4. A Famosa Water Worldenjoyed water games- had a picnic

When writing your letter :

Use all the notes given

Elaborate on the given notes to make it more interesting

Make sure it is not less than 120 words.

8, Taman Seri Wangsa,

34200 ParitBuntar,Perak.

22 May 2007

Dear Fidah,

How are you? I hope you are fine. I am fine here. I am writing this letter to tell you whatI saw and did in Malacca.

Firstly, I visited historical site, A Famosa. I bought souvenirs. Then, I visited CrocodileFarm. I saw many species of crocodiles and watched crocodile- feeding session. After that, I

went to Mahkota Parade, the large shopping complex. I watched movie in Cineplex. Lastly, Ivisited A Famosa Water World. I enjoyed water games and had picnic.

That is all for now. I hope to hear from you soon. Please send my regards to everyoneat home. Bye

Yours sincerely,

-------------------------


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Exercise 1

INFORMAL LETTER: MODEL QUESTION

You are advised to spend about 40 minutes on this question.

Your school celebrated Teachers Day last week. Write a letter to a friend to describe thisspecial occasion.

Use these notes in your letter: Assembly at 7.30 am

Speech by principalgave advice to students

Aim of celebrationshow appreciation to teachers

Speech by head prefect

Activities carried outgamesclass parties - concert

When writing your letter :

you may use all the notes elaborateon the given notes to make it more interesting

add any other relevant information

make sure it is not less than 120 words

(25 marks)


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RECOUNTS

Purpose

The purpose of a recount is to retell or recount events or past experiences. (The prefix re

means again. So to recount is to tell again).

Types of Recount

Personal recountsa recount of an experience in which the writer is personally or

directly involved

Factual recountsa recount of an event or incident such as a newspaper report.

Imaginative recountsretelling a fictitious or imaginary event.

Structure

There is always a settingof a scene in the opening or introduction eg.

I went to the beach last week.

The events in a recount are often in a chronological order (or the order in which the

events happen).

I went to the beach last week. I saw many people there. Many of them were playing in the

water.

The recount will always have a closing statement.

When it was dark, people started packing their things. I picked up my things and left.

Language Features

Recounts are written in the past tense.

Recounts can be written in the first or thirdpersons point of view.

1stperson point of viewThe event or experience is happening to the person writing the

recount.

eg. I went to the beach last week.

3rdperson point of viewAn observer or a third party is telling or writing the recount.

eg. Johan went to the beach last week. He saw many people there.

Sequence connectors are often used in recounts to narrate events in a chronological

order.

eg. Next, then, after that, following this, etc.


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Sample Question

Your class went on a four-day trip to Taman Negara during the last school holidays. With the

help of the notes you made in your diary, write an account of the trip.

24thAprilgathered at school compoundleft at 7.00 a.mchecked into hostel. 25thAprilhiked up GunungTahanlush green junglebeautiful scenery 26thAprilcanopy walk400 metres longexciting to walk 25 metres above the ground 27thAprilpacked thingsgot ready to go homeexhausted but happy

When writing your recount:

use all the notes given elaborate on the notes to make it more interesting make sure it is not less than 120 words

Sample Answer

During the first semester holidays, my class organized a trip to Taman Negara in

Pahang. Our class teacher, Pn. Maimun, accompaniedus on the trip.

On 24 April, all the students gathered in the school with our bags. The bus arrived

promptly. It was a 42-seater air-conditioned bus. Although the journey was five hours, we did

not feel tired. As soon as we arrived at our destination, we checked into a budget hotel.

After a good nights sleep, we were ready for the most exciting event the climb up

GunungTahan, the highest peak. Although the hill slopes were steep and jagged and the hike

up was a real challenge, we were excited. We enjoyed the cool, crisp mountain air. The view of

the lush green scenery and the variety of exotic flora and fauna was a real treat. In fact, the

scenery was so beautiful that we stopped to take some photographs.

The next day, we braced ourselves for another challenging activity the canopy walk.

Although some of us were at first reluctant to walk at a height of 25 metres above the ground,

we gave in after much persuasion from our class teacher. It was a real thrilling experience toview the green jungle canopy. The rustling of the leaves and the sounds made by the animals

sounded like a strange musical piece.

The next day, we packed our things and left for home. We slept during the entire journey

as we were exhausted. Nevertheless, it was a very exciting trip.


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Exercise 2

RECOUNT: MODEL QUESTION

Study the pictures below and answer the question that follows

The Nature Club of your school organised a 3-day trip to Pangkor Island. Write a recount

on the activities carried out during the 3-day trip.

When writing your recount:

use all the notes given

elaborateon the given notes to make it more interesting

make sure it is not less than120 words

(25 marks)


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MAPS

ROUTE MAP

Guidel ines

Study the map carefully.

Locate the starting point of the route (if any) and trace it to the end.Look out for landmarks, road names, buildings, rivers, and any written information

on the map. Make use of them in your answer.Remember to mention the route taken if the question requires.Expand your points. Include details of what you saw and did at each particular

place. Make your description as interesting as possible.Read the question to decide the correct tense to be used.

Finally, check your answer for errors especially in spelling, punctuation, grammar

and facts.

PICTORIAL MAP

Guidel ines

Study the map carefully.

Look out for arrows or a sequence of dates /time. Arrange your writing according

to the directions or series of events given.Expand your points. Include details of what you saw and did at each particular

place. Make your description as interesting as possible.Read the question to decide the correct tense to be used.

Finally, check your answer for errors especially in spelling, punctuation, grammar

and facts.


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Sample Question

Study the map below and answer the question that follows.

Your friend would like to come to your house in PersiaranEmas 2. With the help of the

map above, describe clearly the route to your house from the bus-stop in JalanBesar.

When writing your description:




(25 marks)


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Sample Answer

The bus will drop you at JalanBesar. Walk down the road towards the traffic lights at the

crossroads of JalanBesar. You will pass JalanUtama. Hotel Utama and Kelab Golf Utama are onyour left. Go along this road until you come to a T-junction. Turn right and walk for about 20

metres and then turn left into JalanJambatanDua. You will see a mosque on your right. Take the

bridge over Sungai Buaya. Go straight until you come to JalanEmasDua, the second junction onyour right. You will have passed a school on your right and a playground on your left. Turn into

JalanEmasDua and go along this road. The road turns into PersiaranEmasDua. My house , No 4,

is the second on your right.


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Exercise 1

MAP: MODEL QUESTION

During the last school holidays, you and your friends went to an island. The map above showsthe route you took and the places you and your friend visited. In not less than 120 words,describe what you saw and did there.


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SPEECH

Speeches are made during special occasions like school assemblies, student gatherings andother social occasions like weddings, anniversaries, dinners and farewell parties.

When making speeches, you should:

Sample Sentences for Speech

Opening Address (Greeting Audience, Introducing Speaker)

1. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to give a

speech.

2. Boys and Girls, A very good morning to you all. Before I begin my talk today, let me

introduce myself to you. I am Adnan b. Khalid from the Kangar Health Department.

Introducing the topic

1. Today, I am going to talk on the topic How to Keep Our Teeth Clean and Healthy.

2. Without wasting any more time, I would like to introduce my topic today, and that is

Qualities of a Responsible Prefect.

Greet your audience

Introduce yourself

Introduce your topic

Thank your audience

Make your speech.Elaborate on your points


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Sample Question 1

There has been an increase in the number of robberies in your area. You have been asked to

give a speech at your school assembly on how to defend your homes from burglars. You have

made the following notes: Ensure that all doors, windows and gates are locked before you go to sleep or before

you leave the house.

Have additional security devices like an alarm, a peep hole, safety-chain catch and good

padlocks.

Avoid keeping too much money or valuables in your house.

If you are going on holidays, stop the delivery of newspapers.

Sample Answer

GreetingIntroduction of the topic

Additional information

Main point

Elaborate

Main point

Elaborate

Main pointElaborate

Ending

Thank the audience


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Good morning to our principal, senior assistants, teachers and friends. Today, I wish to givea talk on how to ensure the safety of our homes and prevent housebreaking.

Statistics provided by the Police Department revealed that cases of house-breaking had

soared last year compared to the previous years. Our lackadaisical attitude towards homesecurity has resulted in burglars gaining easy entry to our homes.

How can we ensure the safety of our homes? First of all, ensure that all doors, windowsand gates are locked before we go to sleep or before we leave our homes. Sometimes we leaveour grilles ajar and sometimes we leave our door keys dangling from the lock.

We should have additional security devices like an alarm, a peep hole, safety-chain latchand good padlocks. Statistics reveal that installing a burglars alarm is the best investment forhome security. Having a peep hole and safety-chain latch will prevent unwelcome guests fromentering your home.

In addition, we should avoid keeping too much money or valuables in the house.Keeping them in a bank is always a better guarantee for the safety of our valuables.

If you are planning to go on a holiday then make sure you halt the delivery of

newspapers so that it does not seem obvious that there is nobody at home.So my dear friends, I hope that we will pay attention to these preventive measures that

we often overlook. Remember Prevention is better than cure. Thank you.

EXERCISE

Your school is organising a Road Safety Week to make the students aware of theirresponsibilities on the road. As President of the Road Safety Club, you have been asked to givea speechabout Ways to Reduce Road Accidentsduring the school assembly.

You have made the following notes to help you:

make sure bicycles and other vehicles are road-worthy

follow all traffic rules strictly

do not race or speed on the road

get involved in awareness campaigns

never cycle or ride a motorcycle if you are tired

When writing out your speech:




(25 marks)


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GIVING OPINIONS

Different ways of giving opinions

In my opinion Personally, I am of the opinion that

From my point of view, I think As far as I am concerned I strongly feel that It seems to me that It is my opinion that

Giving reasoned opinions

To start First of all, In the first place, To begin with,

Firstly,

To add information or points in support of an existing opinion

Furthermore Besides Apart from this Other than that In addition Added to this is the fact that Similarly Moreover

To show an opposite stand

On the contrary In contrast However, On the other hand But, Nevertheless Conversely

Sample question :

Games should be made compulsory for students. Do you agree ?


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Sample Answer

Personally, I am of the opinion that gamesshould be made compulsory for students.In the first place to be healthy, a person must exercise regularly. A person who plays

games will have a healthy body and a healthy mind. On the other hand, a person who does not

play games will be inactive and weak.Furthermore, games helps students to develop a spirit of co-operation. Besides, students

will learn to work as a team. They will be more disciplined as they have to obey the rules. Inaddition, they will learn to put the interest of the team before self-interest.

Apart from this, games are a form of relaxation. All work and no play makes Jack adull boy, goes the saying. A student cannot study all the time. If he does, he will soon becomea bundle of nerves. On the contrary, if he plays games, it will make him fit and healthy.

Playing games is definitely beneficial tostudents. Therefore, games should be made compulsory for students.


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EXERCISE 1Readthe dialogues between Khairul and Farah. Who do you agree with? Write a composition tostate your choice.

When writing your composition:

useallthe notes given


make sure it is not less than 120 words.

(25 marks)


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REPORTS

General guidelines

1. Reports can be divided into a few types ( school magazines, newsletters and

newspapers)

2. Reports are usually brief and written in simple language.

3. Read the question given carefully. Understand the short notes given.

4. When you have understood the notes given, expand these notes.

5. You may use your own ideas to make the report more interesting.

6. Know who you are writing for. This allows you to write with your readers in mind.

7. Arrange your points in paragraphs. Each main idea should have some supporting ideas.

8. Give your report a suitable title and write your name at the bottom on the left.

9. Check your spelling, punctuation and grammar.


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Sample Question

Your school organised the annual Sports Day. Based on the pictures and notes below, write areport for your school magazine..

When writing your report:

useallthe notes given


make sure it is not less than 120 words.

(25 marks)


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Sample Answer

Last Saturday, my school held its Sports Day. The school field was decorated with colorful flags.The houses were also decorated in their respective colours. The students were in their ownhouse-coloured T-shirts. The students were all busy getting ready for the sports to begin.

The sports began with the march past by the students. All of them looked smart in their

house colour. The mascot for Green House was a gorilla and it really caught the attention foreveryone around. After the speeches, the Negaraku was sung.

Then there were the running events like 100m, 200m and 400m. The most excitingevents were of course the relay events among the houses. The supporters were reallyscreaming and shouting for their house teams towin. When their house won, their screams wereeven louder.

At the end, the winners were given prizes. Green House was the champion. Everyoneenjoyed themselves ast it was really a grand affair.


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Exercise 1

Your friend is taking a test on bed-making. Based on the pictures and notes below, give herinstructions on how to make a bed. Your composition should not be less than 120 words.


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EXERCISE-ARTICLE

You attended a talk on Taking Care of Your Health conducted by a doctor from University

Malaya Medical Centre. You summarized the talk and made the notes below. Write an article of

at least 120 wordsfor your school magazine based on the information given.

DOs

Practice good eating habits drink lots of water, drink fruit/vegetable juices and eat

fruitsget essential nutrientsstrengthen immune system

Exercise regularlybetter blood circulation.

DONTs

Eat lots of food that have high fat, sugar and salt contentexample : fried chicken, junk

food, carbonated drinkslead to diseasesheart disease, diabetes

Smoke nicotine very harmful destroys lungs and causes cancer smoke also

harms non smokers.

Taking care of your health


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