Email Writing Guide for Students
Email Writing Guide for Students
MODULE
PREPARED BY:
MANJUNG DISTRICT
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL
PAPER 2
General Tips
You may be required to:
(There are informal, semi-informal and formal emails. Read the question carefully and
respond appropriately with formal or informal language.)
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A. INFORMAL EMAIL
Plan:
GREETING / OPENING
MAIN
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SAMPLE QUESTION
Part 1
You must answer this question.
Question 1
You received an email from your cousin who is keen to spend his semester break with you.
Hi Ellen,
I am finally able to get away for a week. I am looking forward to spending my holiday
with you and our cousins. Let me know of your plans and where we will be going. Do I
need to bring anything? Looking forward to your reply.
Best wishes,
Jenny
Now write an email to your cousin in about 80 words. Write your answer below.
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SAMPLE ANSWER
To: Jenny@[Link]
Hi Jenny,
Great to know you are coming. These are just some of the highlights.
Firstly, we shall join the Heritage Run (a) which will start at the Taiping Lake Gardens (b) till
the foot of Bukit Larut (b). So, please start training now.
Next, my dad will be taking us to Kuala Sepetang for seafood and to watch the fireflies at
night (a). The highlight will be a visit to the famous Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve for
bird-watching (a).
So, remember to bring your running shoes (c). Looking forward to your visit. Bye!
Ellen.
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B. FORMAL EMAIL
Plan:
We also write a formal email to apply for a job, to lodge a complaint, make an
enquiry or even to express an opinion in the newspaper or website. The language is
semi-formal to formal.
GREETING / OPENING
1. Use a formal greeting. Greet the person you are writing to and state the purpose
of your email:
Example of greetings:
Dear Mr John,
Dear sir,
Dear Madam,
Example of purpose
I am writing to apply for the ….
I wish to make a complaint ….
With reference to your article …, I wish to ….
MAIN
1 Refer to the question and include all the points required. Add relevant information
needed. Organize in formation in paragraphs (at least 2).
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SAMPLE QUESTION
Part 1
You must answer this question.
Question 1
You received an email from your sister about a job vacancy.
Is HIRING
Write an email in about 80 words to the company, indicating your interest for one of the
positions and requesting for an interview.
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SAMPLE ANSWER
To: Finetaste@[Link]
Dear Sir,
I wish to apply for the post of a Marketing Trainee (2) in your company. Attached herewith is
my resume. My name is Melissa and I have a Diploma in Marketing. I am proficient in both
Bahasa Melayu and English. I also speak fluent Mandarin.
Yours faithfully,
Melissa
PRACTICE 1
Part 1
You must answer this question.
Question 1
You received an email from your brother who is working in the city.
Hi Brenda,
Sorry to trouble you. Could you check out the Riverfront Resort for our family holiday
for this weekend? Find out the chalet charges and availability. What facilities are
available at the resort? Would it be suitable for our family?
Jack
Now write an email to your cousin in about 80 words. Write your answer below.
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PRACTICE 2
Part 1
You must answer this question.
Question 1
You received an email from your cousin who has just received her SPM results who is
working in the city.
Hi Danny,
Just want to let you know that I did amazingly well in the SPM examination. I came out
among the top in the school. Thanks for all your help and advice last year. I could not
have done it without you. What should I do while waiting for my collage application to
come through? Should I register for a course or go travelling?
Thanks!
Naveen
Write an email to your cousin in about 80 words, congratulating him on the good results
and give him some suggestions. Write your answer below.
PRACTICE 3
Part 1
You must answer this question.
Question 1
You recently ordered a few bottles of strawberry jam from a company. You are not
satisfied with the quality of the strawberry jam. Write an email in about 80 words, to
complain and express your disappointment. Ask for a refund or replacement.
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MODEL TEMPLATE FOR WRITING EMAIL
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PART 2 - GUIDED WRITING
GENERAL GUIDELINES
PRACTICE 1
QUESTION 2
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 125 - 150 words in an appropriate style.
Your class is discussing about spending your money wisely and your teacher has asked you to
write an essay about how you spend your money.
Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
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personal care items money program
card members of the have to spend extra on through online stores
transport.
hypermarket
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PRACTICE 2
QUESTION 2
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 125-150 words in an appropriate style.
Your class has been discussing about your ideal holiday destination and your teacher has
asked you to write about your ideal holiday destination.
Write your essay using all notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
Plan
Paragraph 1 : Begin your introduction by mentioning the keywords given (ideal holiday
destination, where?)
Paragraphs 2 : Answer the first prompt by stating the location of it. (etc: Pulau Pangkor, Pulau
Redang. Give information, using linking word (and, so, then, etc)
Paragraph 3 : Answer the second prompt by giving the reason why it is your ideal holiday
destination. (state it’s specialty or uniqueness, name of certain places you can
visit, eg: beach, mount and others
Paragraph 4 : Answer third prompt how you can make it a reality . (save money, start a piggy
bank, part time job and etc)
Conclusion : Write a brief ending. (can’t wait to go to my ideal holiday destination)
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Paragraph 3 (Answer second prompt)
One of the main reasons I would like to visit / go to ______________________
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Then, (state activities you will do if you go there)
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After that, (state places, landmarks you can visit)
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Paragraph 4 To achieve that, (mention other what is your effort, save money, start a
piggy bank, part time job)
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PRACTICE 3
QUESTION 2
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 125- 150 words in an appropriate style.
Your class has been discussing how they spend their after- school hours and your teacher has
asked you to write an essay about what you normally do after school.
In your essay, you should write about:
what activities you do after school
reasons for your choice
where you usually go for these activities
Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
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Suggested answers
PRACTICE 1
1. Books and stationaries, personal care items
2. Through online stores
3. Have to spend extra on transport
4. Card members of the hypermarket
5. Joined a membership program
6. Help me in spending my money
My monthly expenses usually consist of books and stationeries, personal care items, snacks
and entertainment. I usually get books and stationeries through online stores because they
tend to be cheaper. Furthermore, if I buy a certain amount I will get free delivery. Thus, I do
not have to spend extra on transport. As for personal Care items and snacks, I usually buy
them at a hypermarket. This is because the prices are usually cheaper and I can get all my
things under one roof. This would save me time, money and effort. As my parents are card
members of the hypermarket, I sometimes get members' discounts and free gifts. In terms of
entertainment, I am an avid movie-goer so joined a membership program at a Cineplex. As a
member, I get some privileges including students' discount and free tickets on my birthday.
These really help me in spending my money wisely.
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PRACTICE 2
The holidays are coming and I would like to go for a trip with my family. My dream
destination would be Sabah. One of the main reasons I would like to visit Sabah is because it
is home to Mount Kinabalu. I really would like to see it at least once in my lifetime. It will
take two days to hike up the mountain and along the way my family and I will be able to
enjoy seeing the flora and fauna. We could also spend a few days at any of the islands at
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. We could go snorkeling, diving and zip lining. The Kota
Kinabalu town has its own attractions. We could visit the Gaya Street morning market. I
heard that we could get all sorts of things there such as batik sarongs, footwear, fruits and
flowers, local snack, cakes and others. To make my dream reality, I plan to work after my
SPM exams and save enough money so that I can travel to this wondrous destination. I can’t
wait for my dream holiday to come true.
PRACTICE 3
After school, I will have my lunch immediately. My mom is full- time, devoted
housewife so I am fortunate enough to enjoy a nutritious lunch at the comfort of my own
house. Then, I will have a good shower and a short nap to help me recharge as well as to feel
refreshed. After my nap, I will complete my homework and get ready for my tuition at 4.00
p.m. I actually look forward to attending tuition classes in a tuition centre nearby my house
because they help me retain better impression on what I have learnt in school. At the same
time, I also get to do a lot of practices to drill the concept in. After all, practice makes perfect.
On most days, my tuition ends at 7pm and when I reach home, it would be time for
dinner with family. Dinnertime is definitely one of the highlights of my day. This is because
my family and I will have quality bonding time over food and chit-chats in the dining room.
After that I will watch a television program with my family in the living room. By 10.30 p.m
on most nights , I will be off to dreamland and this is my daily routine after school.
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PART 3 - EXTENDED WRITING
( 20 marks)
GENERAL TIPS
Article
Article encompasses a larger audience and is usually published in magazines or
newspapers. We write articles to inform, persuade and to give opinions.
SAMPLE QUESTION
You find that many of your friends are under a lot of pressure. They spend most of their day
studying and appear to suffer from stress. Write an article for your school newsletter on how
to cope with stress.
Include the following points :
•Regular exercise
•Hobbies
•Work in groups
•Balanced meals
•Enough sleep
•Study skills
•Make a check-list
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•Seek advice
•Games
•Talk to your family
•Listen to music
•Surf the Internet
SUGGESTED ANSWER
Coping with Stress
The phenomenon of students under pressure is evident from the behaviour of those students
affected. Some of those active ones will suddenly turn passive. Some will become too quiet
while some tend to get angry fast.
There are many ways one can get rid of stress. Firstly, student, especially teenagers,
must go for regular exercise. A brisk walk in the park would release a lot of tension. Students
should play football, hockey, basketball and badminton to reduce stress.
Exercise is also said to relax the body muscles and keep you calm. Students must have
hobbies such as reading, collecting stamps, fishing or listening to music of your choice.
These leisure activities help keep students free from school-related stress.
Therefore, students should plan a time-table. They can also work in groups to solve
some of their academic problems. Besides making friends and discussing certain issues,
group discussions can help improve study skills. One of these is the ability to make a check-
list of all the activities planned and carried out. This in turn will make studying more
effective and avoid unnecessary pressure.
Students should also have balanced meals and enough sleep. These are said to be
basic to healthy lives. Students, especially those in examination classes, must sleep and eat
well because a healthy body creates a healthy mind. However, the process of going to sleep
can sometimes be difficult. Hence, it is necessary to seek advice from those whom we trust
and love. Counsellors in school are helpful but you can always talk to your family first.
However, if nothing works, there is a need to seek treatment from the relevant authorities.
You may be surprised but a friend of mine said that screaming at the mountains and laughing
your heart out can take away stress.
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PRACTICE 1
You read this notice in a travel magazine.
Articles wanted!
My Favourite Place
- What are the attractions of the place?
- Why do you like it?
- Would you recommend this place to your friends?
Write an article answering all these questions.
The best article will be published in our magazine.
Suggested answer :
My Favourite Place
Tired of your hectic lifestyle? Need a break? Pangkor Island in Perak has plenty to offer. This
small island in the Straits of Malacca is less than 200 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur. This is
a place that offers everyone a bit of everything. Expect empty coastlines, a colourful
Chinatown, traditional lifestyle, the beach,the sea and the seafood restaurants.
On first glance, Pangkor’s pier might not seem like the most attractive part of the
[Link] looks can be deceiving. Peer down and you can find fishing boats, sampans
and ferries moored in the jetty. Visitors can stand near the jetty and watch the fishermen
arrive with their catch. Pangkor Kopitiam overlooks this hub of activity around Pangkor Jetty.
Grab a coffee and bite into the delicious ‘Roti Bakar’ sold here. Next you can spend the
afternoon on an empty beach. Pangkor Island has dozens of kilometres of coastline and a
handful of deserted beaches. Head to Pasir Bogak beach on the southern coast or Teluk Nipah
(NIpah Bay) on the west. Enjoy the pristine beaches and gentle waves of sea.
In addition, admire the hypnotic sunsets on Coral Beach. The place is separated from Nipah
Bay by a rocky outcrop. The sun dips towards the horizon in the late evening . Sit on the sand
or a nearby cafe to experience this majestic event alone. Don’t forget to have an iced drink as
well. For those of you who love a morning walk, Pangkor Hill ,the island’s highest point is
the perfect place to go [Link] is a path near Pasir Bogak that leads to the summit of
Pangkor Hill. Marked trails lead through the lush jungle [Link] can expect a
moderate level of difficulty and most hikers take about an hour to reach the top. The scenery
from the top is spectacular.
Pangkor Island offers a blend of modernisation and forgotten relics from previous generations.
If you wander through the streets of Pangkor town you will find a single street with a handful
of cafes, restaurants and souvenier shops. It offers an amazing variety of activities to do. I
would definitely come back here.
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PRACTICE 2
You see this notice outside the school library.
Articles wanted !
A person I Admire
Think of a person you admire and write about him/her.
- What is he/she like? Describe him/her.
- Why do you admire him/her ?
- How has he/she influenced you ?
Write an article answering all these questions.
The best article will be published in the library monthly bulletin.
Suggested Answer :
A Person I Admire
When someone asks who I admire in this world, I don’t have to look far. For me, the
person I admire the most is my grandmother. My mother’s mother passed away when I was
five so I do not have any vivid memories of her. However, my paternal grandmother whom I
call Granny has more than made up for this loss.
Granny is a jolly person with a great sense of humour. She is tall and thin. Whenever
she smiles, there are dimples on her cheeks. She is also very caring and has taught me a great
deal. Without her influence, I would have given up learning to play the piano and not
become the person I am today in many ways.
I dreaded going to piano lessons because my teacher was impatient with me. I
persuaded my parents to allow me to stop but Granny decided that she would take me under
her wing. She was determined that I would develop a love of the piano. Patiently and
lovingly, she taught me to play the piano. With such gentle steps, she guided me back to
learning and enjoying the piano. More importantly, my grandmother has taught me good
values such as being polite to everyone, whatever their status, taking responsibility for one’s
own actions and caring for others less fortunate than oneself. Granny always reminded me
never to cry over things because they can be replaced. She also advised that people are more
important and irreplaceable !
Granny lives down the road from us, so I visit her regularly, often without my parents.
On such occasions, we exchange jokes, bake cookies, potter around the house and generally
have a ball in each other’s company. I think a large part of my character and interests has
been moulded by Granny’s influence. I love her dearly and pray every night for her continued
good health.
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PART 3 - EXTENDED WRITING
( REVIEW)
TASK 1
Before you start writing on your own, please read the film review below and answer the
questions that follow.
The Theory of Everything is a biographical drama, which was released in [Link] film is
about one of the most influential scientists in our time, Dr. Stephen Hawking. The film is based
on a book, ‘Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen’ by his wife, Jane Wilde Hawking. The
film is set in England and starts in the early 1960s. It tells the story of Hawking’s relationship
with Jane, the diagnosis of his motor neuron disease and his success as a physicist.
I love the acting in this film. Eddie Redmayne stars as Hawking and Felicity Jones plays the role
of Jane. My favourite character is Stephen Hawking because he is very clever and brave.
Now, please answer the questions below based on the review that you have read above.
1. What is the title of the film?
2. What genre is it?
3. What is it about?
4. Is it based on a book?
5. Where is the film set?
6. Where is the film set?
7. Who stars in the film?
8. Who plays the main role(s)?
9. Who is your favourite character in the film? (Why?)
10. What kind of person would like this film?
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Task 1A: Now it is your turn. Follow the steps to write your own film review.
1. First, think of a film you have watched.
2. Then, make notes for each of the questions above, based on the film you have chosen.
3. Write your review using the notes and the model text as your guide. Use some of the
words and phrases in bold.
TASK 2
Once you’re done with task 1, please read the task below and the sample answer and then
answer the questions that follow.
Have you been to a great restaurant lately? If so, send us an honest review of the restaurant
explaining what you liked and disliked of the place as well as its location, staff and how it
looks on the inside.
Sample Answer
Being a huge fan of traditional American fast food and restaurant styles, it is no wonder that
my favourite restaurant in Malaysia is San Francisco Cafe. This restaurant is rather special
and it is one of its largest chain outlets and has a superior touch to it.
Located right in the middle of the city, this fast-food eatery serves a wide variety of
mouth-watering, American dishes at a reasonable price. These range from the typical fish
and chips serving to more elaborate meals like homemade steak. If you are hungry, it’s the
place to fill your stomach as their servings are absolutely generous and sumptuous.
Another plus point is the ambience. This place is equipped with magnificent decoration. If
you are a film buff, you will quickly fall in love with this place since all the walls are covered
with famous movie posters. It has a spacious hall, super friendly waitress and an outdoor
terrace which is absolutely fantastic!
The only negative thing is that right beside of this restaurant, is a gym. It makes me feel
guilty for eating so much! Nevertheless, San Francisco Cafe offers delicious meals in an
unbeatable atmosphere, so you should give it a try. I promise you won’t regret it! Besides,
you won’t burn a hole in your pocket, that’s for sure.
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Answer these questions based on the sample answer above.
1. State the five tasks that you must fulfill when answering this question.
(Tips: Read the task carefully and underline the 5 tasks asked)
2. Did the writer state the name of the restaurant?
3. Did the writer mention the location of the restaurant?
4. How did the writer describe the staff?
5. Mentioned what did the writer like about this restaurant.
6. Mentioned what did the writer dislike about this restaurant.
7. Did the writer give any recommendation at the end of the review?
8. What is the tone of this essay? State one phrase/sentence to show this.
Task 2A: Now it is your turn. Follow the steps to write your own review.
Have you been to any amazing shopping mall lately? If so, send us an honest review of
the shopping explaining what you liked and disliked of the place as well as its location,
workers and how it looks on the inside.
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PART 3 - EXTENDED WRITING
(STORIES)
SAMPLE QUESTION
Your teacher has asked you to write a story for a school magazine. The story must have the
title:
SAMPLE ANSWER
I could not wait for the camping to start. It was my first camping trip! I was going
camping with nineteen other members of the Interact Club and two teacher advisers.
We reached Lata Mengkuang Waterfalls about two hour after we started our journey.
The campsite was beautiful. Tall trees provided a shady canopy while the nearby river’s clear
water sparkled in the sunlight. We quickly set up our tents. Soon, the tents were all done and
it was time to prepare the campfire site. We were all looking forward to a cool dip in the river.
Jamil, Danny, Ching and I volunteered to collect some firewood. I wandered away
from the others because I wanted to see what was beyond the campsite. I spotted a huge pile
of dried branches. It was exactly what I needed! I pulled one of the branches out, but I
stumbled and the ground gave way under my leg. My leg was stuck in the a deep hole! I tried
twisting and pulling but I couldn’t move. I yelled for help at the top of my lungs.”Jamil,
Danny, Ching…help me!”
Within seconds, the others came running. They hauled me up with great difficulty and
had to help me walk back because I had twisted my ankle and it was throbbing painfully.
When we reached the campsite, the teacher advisers placed a cold compress on my ankle.
The swelling soon subsided.
“Do not wonder off on your own. Go in pairs, please!” said Mr Lai. Well, at least we
still had a fun-filled campfire that night.
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TIPS - ANALYSING THE QUESTIONS
1. Understand the questions - read the title and the task instructions carefully. Underline
the key words and phrases.
2. Plan what to write for your answer
A. The characters
i. The character perspective - First person point of view, someone who is in the story,
usually the main character.
ii. b. Other characters in the story; friends, teachers
iii. c. Pronouns used; I, we, us
B. The setting
i. decide and name the place
ii. Mention the time e.g in the morning, late afternoon.
3. Organise your content
A. Beginning(introduction)- where did you go?, who did you go with?
B. Middle(Body Paragraph)- what did you do? Why did you do it?
C. Ending(Conclusion)- How did it end?
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PRACTICE 1
Your teacher has asked you to write a story for a school magazine. The story must have the
title:
A Terrible Fright
A. Understand the questions - read the title and the task instructions carefully. Underline the
key words and phrases.
WRITING TIP
B. Plan what to write for your answer
Descriptive writing relies on adverbs and
Get ready to plan and write your story. adjectives. When used well, they pain vivid
pictures in the minds of your readers.
Below is a suggested scenario for this story.
Tiptoed quietly (adverb)
2. Write two more adverbs or adjectives for each of the words below.
a. Cry - loudly, ……………………. , ……………………..
b. Eat - greedily, ……………………. , ……………………..
c. Ran - quickly,……………………. , ……………………..
d. Horrified -……………………. , scream
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e. Sour, …………………….., smell
f. Squeaky,…………………….. , sound
WORD SMART
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D. Write your story
Write your story in about 200 - 250 words. You may use the given scenario in B, or write
your own story based on the question given.
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PRACTICE 2
Your teacher has asked you to write a story for a school magazine. The story must have the
title:
A Dangerous Encounter
A. Understand the questions - read the title given and the task instructions carefully.
Underline the key words and phrases.
WORD SMART
B. Plan what to write for your answer
you can describe a scary place/setting like
Here is a suggested scenario. this:
A deserted road
You were walking home late last
An abandoned house
evening when you were attacked by a
The house looked gloomy and
robber. A fierce struggle took place but neglected.
1. Think about what you want to write with the help of these questions and instructions.
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2. Fill in the table with other suitable words that would fit the scenario.
The night was pitch I heard the crunch of deserted road walked briskly
black. gravel behind me.
The moon was a It fell with a loud heavy breathing turned quickly
ball in the dark thump.
sky.
hard fight
Create some tension here- sound of gravel, what you saw when you
turned around
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D. Write your story
Write your story in about 200 - 250 words using the notes and the writing frames given.
A DANGEROUS ENCOUNTER
It was only seven in the evening, yet the road was dark and deserted. No one else was
walking on it at the time. I decided to take this shortcut home in time for dinner. I walked briskly,
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PRACTICE 3
Your teacher has asked you to write a story for a school magazine. The story must have the
title:
An Unexpected Encounter
a surprise at the end of the story Include some dialogue. Use linkers
A. Understand the questions - read the title above and the task instructions carefully.
Underline the key words and phrases.
B. Plan what to write for your answer
Decide what you should write for your story. Write down your notes in the
organiser below.
The surprise
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C. Organise your content
How would you structure your essay if you wanted to include a surprise at the end?
Complete the organiser based on your notes in B.
Writing Tip
A surprise at the end of the story can become the climax of that story. One way to work in a
surprise or something unexpected is to say: What if..
The characters knew each other/tricking the other/the helpful person was really a bad guy.
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D Write your story
Write your story in about 200 - 250 words using your notes in B and C based on the queston
given.
AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER
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PART 3 - EXTENDED WRITING
(REPORT)
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Read the question carefully to understand what type of report to write.
Write your report in paragraphs.
Use all the suggested points/heading/content provided.
The language and expressions used must be formal.
Use the correct tense.
TIPS
Use formal tone
Use correct punctuation
Use transition words
Elaborate by giving examples and supporting details
End your report with a clear conclusion
SAMPLE QUESTION
Write your answer in 200-250 words in appropriate style on this question paper.
The English Language Society organised a school motivation camp during the school holiday.
As the secretary of the English Language Society, your teacher advisor has asked you to write
a report of the motivation camp for the school magazine.
Your report should include:
when and where was the motivation camp?
what did you learn from the motivation camp?
how the camp could be improved if it is repeated next year?
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SAMPLE ANSWER
Title Report on the Motivation Camp
English Language Society organised a motivation camp during the school holiday from 10th
until 12th September 2020. There were 20 members participated in the motivation camp
which was held in Outward Bound School in Lumut. The aim of the camp was to provide
opportunities for students to develop confidence and learn about self-discipline, collaboration
and teamwork.
During the camp, the students were taught about the importance of teamwork. All students
had to participate in the group activities for instance kayaking and jungle trekking. Moreover,
the students were taught about self-discipline as they had to wake up early and be punctual at
all time. Furthermore, they also learned how to be brave and more confident to participate in
the activities and involve in the discussion.
The camp could be improved by allowing more students from other clubs to join since more
students could gain benefit from this camp. Besides, it would be better to carry out the camp
during the school holiday as the students are not busy with the preparation for the
examination. Apart from that, the camp could be improved if it is not carried out during the
rainy season. It is because camping during the rainy season is quite dangerous for the students.
Conclusion
All in all, the motivation camp was a success and the students had learnt and gained a lot of
important lessons from the camp especially on the importance of teamwork, being self-
disciplined and how to be brave and confident. It is hoped that there would be another camp
like this next year.
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Practice 1
Your teacher advisor has asked you to write a report of the Scouts Camping Trip for the
school magazine.
Your report should include:
when and where was the camping trip?
what were the activities carried out during the camp?
how can you improve the future camping trips?
Write your report.
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Practice 2
Your class teacher has asked you to write a report on how to improve the school newsletter
and get more response from students.
Write your report with the help of these questions:
what makes a great school newsletter?
how to improve the school newsletter?
Write your report.
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Practice 3
Your school recently held its annual Sports Day. Your class teacher has asked you to write a
report on the event.
Your report should include:
when and where was the event held?
what were the highlights of the Sports Day?
how did the day end?
Write your report.
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