Massuhaimi/elpstar/c:bengkel f5june_2011

Directed Writing
PAPER 1 of SPM English is largely a test of students writing skills. It consists of two sections: 1. Directed Writing 2. Continuous Writing Total 35 marks 50 marks 85 marks

Directed Writing - is directed or guided as points are provided.

Typical questions include:     a speech / talk, a report, an article a letter - formal or informal

Allotment of marks:  Content ( including format )  Language Total 15 marks

20 marks 35 marks

*** You can easily get the marks for content if you include all the content points provided.
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ANALYSIS OF THE SPM PAST YEAR QUESTIONS ENGLISH 1119

Year
1997 1998 1999 2000

Text Type
Article Letter ( formal ) Report Letter ( informal )

Purpose
To inform students about the nature club and to persuade them to join in. To request permission to visit a factory. To inform the principal about the poor conditions and services of the library. To inform your mother about your choice of present for your brother and persuade her to lend you money. To inform students on ways of coping with stress. To inform students about road safety causes of road accidents and suggestions to reduce them. To inform the class teacher about the choice of class trip. To inform the school principal about the conditions of the school canteen. To inform a friend about a holiday camp. To convince a friend to run for the post of Head Prefect. To inform the students about a reference book useful for secondary students. To write for school magazine about the best group leader in leadership camp. To inform the principal about a survey on reasons why students lack of interest in sports and how to overcome the problem. To tell a cousin about the benefit of National Service Program and to encourage her to go.

2001 2002

Article Speech

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Letter ( formal ) Report Letter ( informal ) Letter ( informal ) Talk / Speech Article Report

2010

Letter ( Informal )

2011

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General Guidelines for Directed Writing

y Always read the question carefully and highlight what you are required to do. Analyse the question by underlining the keywords in the question. y Use the 45 minutes wisely:  10 minutes to plan your essay and organize your thoughts (this includes what to write, how to elaborate points, etc).  30 minutes to write.  5 minutes to edit. y Remember to use all the content points. It is advisable to cross out the points you have used so that no point is left out. Good students have been known to make this mistake. y Include your own points ONLY IF you are asked to do so. Otherwise, do not waste time doing this because you will not get extra marks. y Do provide relevant details or elaborate the points given even if you are not asked to do so. ( Remember: a crucial aspect of this paper is language and your ability to write can only be tested if you provide sufficient language for the examiner to gauge your linguistic ability. Therefore, elaborate your points.) y Vary your sentence structures so that your essay is not dull and monotonous. y Make sure you write an introduction and a conclusion. y Do read through your written piece and rectify grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors.

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y Use the correct format and tenses. y Use suitable tone and style appropriately.

y Add in suitable and varied vocabulary and effective expressions to make your essay interesting that can merit higher marks.

y Write a well organised essay of at least one full page of your test pad.

Pitfalls to avoid Do not spend more than 45 minutes on this question. Remember the content points have been provided. All you have to do is use these points and elaborate on them. Some linguistically competent students make the mistake of spending too much time on this question and end up having less time for Continuous Writing, which carries more marks. Do not use slang words, contractions and informal language. Do not write one paragraph for each point. If you do, your essay is going to be lengthy. Combine the points given whenever possible.

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SPEECH General guidelines to remember when writing a speech.

Remember to: Greet your audience. State the purpose of your speech/talk. Use the points given in a systematic manner use transition markers to enable your audience to follow the flow of your thoughts. Elaborate your points with examples or illustrations. Conclude your speech by thanking your audience. Maintain a formal, yet pleasant, tone.

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Talks/Speeches You are the president of your schools Nature Club. You have been asked to give a speech to the students in your school to inform them about the Nature Club and to persuade them to join it. Write out your speech using the following points: Membership
Open to all students from Form One to Five.
An approved co-curricular activity. Aims
To promote interest and knowledge about wildlife, forests and the environment among students.
To encourage students to protect the fauna and flora.
To provide opportunities for students to acquire values and skills needed to protect and improve the natural environment. Activities



Trekking Rock climbing Photography Tree-planting

Facilities provided
Tents, sleeping bags and other equipment required for trekking purposes.
Digital cameras.

Write out the speech you would give. Remember to:



Address the audience. Introduce the topic of your speech. Use all the notes given. End the talk appropriately.

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Before you start writing, ask yourself these questions: What am I required to do? What is my role? Who is my audience? How many points have been provided? Do I need to include other points? Analysis of the question

y y y y y

write a speech You are the president of the schools Nature Club and the other students in school are your audience. A total of 11 points have been provided (in bullet form in the sample question given) and the 12th point is embedded in the stimulus, i.e., you have to persuade the other students to join the Nature Club.

The marks for format are given for addressing your audience, introducing the topic of your talk and ending appropriately. You are reminded to do all three in the stimulus.
** Address the audience ** Introduce the topic of your speech

A very good morning to our beloved principal, teachers and friends. As the president of the Nature Club, I stand here today to inform you about the Nature Club with the hope that more of you will join this club in its mission to create awareness about the need to protect our environment. For your information, anyone can join the Nature Club as membership is open to all students from Form 1 to Form 5. As of this year, it is an approved co-curricular activity. This means that your participation in the Nature Club will be duly recognized by the school authorities. The Nature Club aims to promote interest and knowledge about wildlife, forests and the environment among students besides encouraging them to protect flora and fauna. The club also aspires to provide opportunities for students to acquire values and skills needed to protect and improve the natural environment. Do not worry if you have no experience whatsoever. The Nature Club, with

Point 1 Point 2

Point 3 Point 4 Point 5

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Give appropriate ending.

guidance from the Malaysian Nature Society, will offer you opportunities to learn and to develop the skills required. It is our mission to help the uninitiated learn how to care for nature in a fun and enjoyable manner. Among the activities we have carried out this year are jungle trekking and rock climbing. You do not have to worry if you think you are physically unfit because we will provide the necessary training before embarking on any such expedition. I can assure you that once you try these activities, you will become enthusiastic about them. This semester, we hope to go to the jungles of Endau-Rompin to study the array of wildlife and plant life there. Members will be introduced to the art of photographing nature. Another interesting programme we have promised to undertake is tree planting. As you are well aware, trees are crucial to the environment they are needed to restore oxygen while utilizing carbon dioxide. We have got a local nursery to donate fifty saplings of the neem tree for us to plant in various places, including our school compound. Friends, let me dispel your fears. Becoming a member of the Nature Club is inexpensive. We provide many facilities for our members such as tents sleeping bags and other equipment required for trekking purposes. Currently, we have in our possession five digital cameras, which are loaned to members during photography sessions. We hope to acquire more cameras as our club membership grows. You can show your love and concern for Mother Nature by becoming a member of this club. You will not regret joining the Nature Club because the skills, values and experiences you gain will be for life. So, do not hesitate and sign up today. We will open a special counter at the canteen during recess and after school. My fellow students, it is our duty and moral obligation to maintain and preserve nature just as nature has sustained us over the centuries. Join us and explore unknown areas you might never have the chance to otherwise. Before I end, let me remind you not to let this golden opportunity out of your grasp. Thank you.

Point 6 Point 7

Point 8 Point 9

Point 10 Point 11

Point 12
[Persuades students to join]

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SAMPLE 2 Question:
Your school has decided to launch a Say No to Smoking campaign to raise awareness among students of the need to stop the bad habit of smoking. As a representative of English Club for the public speaking competition, you have to prepare a speech on the topic. Below are some of the notes you have made:

Reasons y y Peer pressure Look trendy or glamorous

Dangers y y Cause life threatening diseases Affect the health of the non smokers

Prevention y y Never try smoking Prohibit the sale of tobacco products to teenagers

Write out a speech that you would give. When writing out what you plan to say, you should remember to:

Address the audience Introduce the topic of the talk Use all the notes above Elaborate on all the notes given End the talk appropriately

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MARKING SCHEME DIRECTED WRITING SPEECH

Format - 3 marks Content - 12 marks Language - 20 marks Total
A. Format F1 F2 F3 B. Content C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 C. Language Peer pressure Look trendy and glamorous Cause life-threatening diseases Affect the health of the non-smokers Never try smoking Prohibit the sale of tobacco products to teenagers Elaboration of C1 Elaboration of C2 Elaboration of C3 Elaboration of C4 Elaboration of C5 Elaboration of C6 y Refer to the Criteria for marking Language Greet the audience Introduce the topic Thank the audience

- 35 marks
3 marks 1m 1m 1m 12 marks 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 20 marks

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SAMPLE ANSWER GOOD

Good morning to the Principal of Methodist Girls Secondary School, Pn Sofiah, panel judges, teachers and friends. First of all I would like say a word of thanks for giving me the opportunity to give speech on Say No to Smoking today. I think most of us are aware that the number of smokers in our country are increasing as the day goes by. More and more people are taking up smoking at their early age and it has since become a habit. This situation should be solved before it is too late as we often heard that there is no use trying over spilt milk. Interviews have been done all over the world with smokers, and the results show that most of the teenagers take up smoking due to peer pressure especially from friends. Teenagers often feel inferior or lack of confidence of themselves when they do not join the popular gang at the school even though they realized that what their friends are doing is wrong. To them, they think that if they can t beat them, they join them, which is a really big mistake. Besides peer pressure, teenagers feel glamorous or trendy among their friends. Most of them feel that by smoking they will look more matured. However in some cases, the pressure of a broken home leads them to smoke so that they could release their stress. Stress from exam and school work also contribute to the increasing number of smokers each year. However this is not an excuse to take smoking because it is not only endanger the smokers but also their surrounding people. Smoking can cause life-threatening diseases such as bronchitis, lung cancer and many more. It is also proven that family members or surrounding people of the smokers have a higher chance of getting those diseases. This is due to the structure of a cigarette. The end which have a built in filter to filter smoke that is taken in by smokers. On the end of the cigarette, smoke is released without being filtered which give the surrounding people a higher risk of infecting the disease than the smokers themselves. Therefore it is always a wise thing to keep away and say no to smoking. Never ever try smoking as it is a kind of addiction. Once you are in it, you can never break the bond unless you have a high determination and discipline. Government should also prohibit the sale of tobacco products to teenagers by enforcing strict law for underage smokers. Smoking does not bring any advantage and through smoking, one will unknowingly be lead to drugs taking as well. By then, an even serious condition will occur. Therefore, in conclusion you should never attempt to try smoking. Keep away from the condition or situation that can cause temptation to you. Always remember a healthy life leads to a happy life. Say No To Smoking. Thank you.

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Format: Content:

3 12

Language: B Band

SAMPLE ANSWER AVERAGE

A very good morning to all the honourable judges, guest of honour, ladies and gentlemen and all my friends. I feel very proud to be given such opportunity to represent the English Club of my school to take part in this public speaking competition. The topic I am going to talk about today is on smoking. Why do people smoke? I am sure that people who smoke would definitely have their own reason. Nowadays, people who indulge in the smoking activities are mostly teenagers. In my opinion, one reason they smoke is to release tension and stress which they face in school or at home with their parents and sibling. Maybe they cannot cope with all the pile of homework teacher gave in school or they cannot catch up with the lesson teacher thought in school. When they were home, they have to listen to all the parents order without complaining or they have tolerate with their sibling in anything. Besides that, some teenagers smoke because of the influence by their friends. They feel that someone look trendy or glamorous when someone smokes. They do not know that they will get addicted to cigarette. Some teenagers try on smoking because their parents do not bother or even care about them. Teenagers will feel that only cigarettes can help them to solve these problems. Everybody should know that smoking is bad for health. People who smoke for long time will most probably contract dangerous diseases which are uncurable such as lung cancer, high blood pressure and even heart problems. Smoking not only affect smokers but will also affect the health of the non smokers. They do not know that the smoke release will also affect the non smokers. Non smokers might even face the same diseases face by smokers. Government should strictly prohibit the sale of tobacco products to teenagers. They should fine the people who sale tobacco products to teenagers. Not only that, government should increase the price of tobacco products so that teenagers cannot afford.

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Media should put more advertisement on the harmful of smoking. Parents should pay more attention to their children than their works. Non smokers should advise the people around them never try smoking. Smoking might ruins a life of an individuals. Lastly, we must always remember our loves one. Say No to Smoking! Thank you.

Format: Content:

3 10

Language: E Band

SAMPLE ANSWER WEAK

Good morning to our principal Pn. Hajah Sofiah, teachers and all my dear friends. Today I has decided to launch a Say No to Smoking ! I m Ling Chin Chian of English Club for the public speaking competition. Anywhere, today I wanna to talk about Say No to Smoking! . Smoking is not good. It is because very dangerous is bad to we all. Say No to Smoking Campaign to raise awareness among students of the need to stop the bad habit of smoking. From they all have exam PMR and SPM, it is very peer pressure. That s why they like to smoke. It is very bad. And when they smoking look like trendy or very glamerous. Now I will talk why it is dangers about smoking. This is because by life threatening diseases. When we smoke will feel like don t have any problem. This is will very bad for our body and the lung we always positive become black and dark colour. This is affect the health of the non-smokers. Wheather we life in anywhere, also don t touch it the smoke. Don t waste money to buy cigarattes. Cigarattes is bad to we all. When have any people smoking, we smell is also not good to our body. Not health for us. We don t try smoking and touch cigarette. After 18 years old only can smoke, buy and touch cigarette. The prohibit the sales of tobacco products to teenagers, we all should play to say, don t smoke. We must control to our self, don t go buy cigarettes and touch it. Maybe this is very hard to change, but we all must go to try it try your best. You can do it.

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People that breath the air must will some affect their health, because the body health. When we cigarattes will cause by lung cancer. They always smoke with will get bad student and smoking with them, will get very dangerous. The environment prohibit the sale don t smoke cause of can t sale tobacco products and touch the cigarattes. Thank you.

Format: Content:

3 3

Language: U(i) Band

Writing reports
There are various types of formal reports and the format of a report depends on its type, purpose, and intended audience. For example, a report on an accident will be distinct from a report on a school activity. Bear in mind that all reports have one aim to communicate information to others and it is vital that you know your role as a writer and what it is that you are required to convey in your report.

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Take a look at the following question. Your school recently organised a Leadership Camp for all presidents and secretaries of the various clubs in your school. You are the Editor of the School Magazine. You, too, attended the camp and you have been asked to write a report for the school magazine. In your report, include the following information: Place: Perimbun Resort, Cheras Date: 27-29th July Participants: Presidents and secretaries of various clubs in school Organised by: Co-curricular Unit Objectives of the camp: - to instill leadership qualities - to improve teamwork Facilitators: Youth leaders from local university Activities: Day 1 Briefing by facilitators Setting up tents Group activities Day 2 Morning exercise Survival skills Night hike Day 3 Feedback session

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The above question requires you to write a report on a school activity. Below are two samples based on the same question.

Sample 1

Integrated Leadership Camp The Co-curricular Unit of SMK Setia recently organised an Integrated Leadership Camp at Perimbun Resort, Cheras, from 27-29th July. The objectives of the camp were to instill leadership qualities and improve teamwork among the 50 participants who attended this camp. The activities at the camp were handled by several youth leaders from a local university. All participants, presidents and secretaries of the various clubs in school, had gathered at the school hall at 2pm. From there, they were taken to the campsite in two buses. They were accompanied by five teachers, including the senior assistant of co-curricular affairs Puan Ng. Upon arrival at the campsite, they were given a briefing by the facilitators. Then, they were put into groups and asked to set up tents. By 7pm, most of them had accomplished this task successfully. After dinner, the participants had to engage in their first group activity. They were required to come up with names and theme songs for their groups. The second day of the camp was much more hectic. The participants had a rigorous exercise session which involved aerobics and jogging around the campsite. Then, after breakfast, they had to display their survival skills. In the afternoon, the participants had another round of physical activities. They engaged in canoeing in the nearby lake. The night programme was the most interesting. Participants had to take part in a night hike. There was only one activity on the third day of the camp the feedback session. The participants rated the programme highly and hoped that it would be held annually. Leadership camp was a huge success because all participants showed tremendous support by actively participating in all the activities throughout the duration of the camp. Reported by,
Ly Ly TAN LY LY Editor

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Sample 2

Integrated Leadership Camp The weekend of 27-29th July this year will forever be etched in the minds of the 50 participants who attended the Integrated Leadership Camp organised by the Co-curricular Unit of SMK Setia. The two-day two night camp, held at Perimbun Resort, Cheras, some 20 miles away from the city centre, was a compulsory activity for all presidents and secretaries of the various clubs in school. The objectives of the camp were to instil leadership qualities and improve teamwork among participants. Although the students were accompanied by several teachers, all activities were conducted by youth leaders from a local university. Most of the students, who are in Form Four this year, were very excited throughout the 45-minute journey to the campsite. Upon arrival, they were immediately whisked off to the seminar room where they were given a briefing on the rules and regulations at the campsite by the facilitators. Then, they were put into groups of five and asked to erect their own tents. Luckily for my group, we had the President of the Scouts Club with us. In no time, he had instructed us on how to put up the tent. Unfortunately, some of the other groups were struggling with their tents and seeing their dismal efforts some of us decided to help them. Apparently, this was the first test of our teamwork skills and fortunately, many of us passed with flying colours. After dinner, we had a group dynamics activity, where we had to come up with names, logos and jingles for our groups. Well, with names like the Flying Potters and Forever Dumbledores, and jingles ranging from pop rock to jazz, the students of SMK Setia proved that they are indeed a creative lot. The second day of the camp started off with an early morning exercise session at 5.30am. The two energetic facilitators, Tim and Ashraf, took us through a rigorous exercise routine. Many of us who barely exercise knew what to expect over the next few days muscle cramps. After the one-hour aerobic session, we jogged through Perimbun town, which was a pale shadow of its daytime hustle and bustle. The early morning exercise was invigorating and refreshing. We had enough time for a quick shower and breakfast, before we took part in more group activities. These activities were physically and mentally challenging. One of the activities was basic survival skills. We had to start our own fires with only two matchsticks and cook lunch for the group members. Using water from the slightly muddy stream nearby, we had to cook not only rice but also fish and vegetables. As no soap was made available to us, we learnt to wash the

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cooking utensils using ash. Later in the afternoon, we had activities like flying fox and abseiling. Through these activities, we learnt to trust each other and to give moral support when it is most needed. The highlight of the camp was a night hike in the surrounding jungle. The facilitators led us deep into the jungle and made us sit all by ourselves. The half hour spent alone was aimed at making us brave and resilient. Though many of us were initially hesitant and sceptical about this activity, it was indeed an insightful experience. On the final morning, we had a hearty breakfast, which was followed by a feedback session. During this session, we were given the opportunity to voice our feelings and opinions regarding the camp. Many of the participants gave constructive feedback on what the camp had taught them. We learnt about the importance of teamwork, consideration, tolerance and understanding. Most importantly, we learnt that good leadership is responsible leadership. Reported by, Ly Ly TAN LY LY Editor Comments on both samples Both the above reports communicate what they are supposed to but one is more interesting than the other. Sample 1 is direct and to the point. Ideas have not been elaborated and the report is very serious and impersonal. Sample 2, on the other hand, is much more interesting because the writer has injected emotions and feelings into the report besides giving us a clearer picture of what happened at the camp. Some of you may ask: Isn t a report supposed to have a serious and formal tone? Well, it depends on who your audience is. In this case, the report is to appear in the school magazine and so the readers are the students. As such, it is all right to write a report like Sample 2. However, do be forewarned. Some students get carried away and end up making their report a narrative essay.

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General guidelines to remember when writing a report

When writing a report, pay attention to the following aspects: Type of report different reports have different requirements and different formats. Language used some reports are written in the past tense, some (such as science reports) are written in the present tense and some require the use of the passive voice.

Also bear in mind that a report should:

Communicate its intention clearly (i.e. the purpose of the report). Be clearly structured it should have an introduction, body and conclusion. The transition from introduction to body to conclusion should be smooth. Have a title and the name of the writer/reporter and his/her designation.

ARTICLE

You are the editor of the Newsletter of your English Language Society in your school. The newsletter was started at the beginning of the year. Write an article for the newsletter based on the information given below. The article should inform members of the importance of the newsletter and persuade them to contribute to the newsletter. Use the guidelines below to help you: y y y y y y y Provide a title for the article Mention who may contribute to the newsletter How these articles can help to promote the newsletter How members / students can develop the knowledge and proficiency in English The kind of projects / activities undertaken Opinion of the principal and teachers regarding the newsletter Appealing awards end of the year

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When writing the article, you should remember to: y y y y Address the audience Introduce the issue at hand Use all the notes Provide a motivating ending

CONTRIBUTE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

The newsletter, started by our English language society in the beginning of year progressing. But it could be better. That is why I am appealing to our member to make your valuable contributions to the newsletter. All members are encourage to contribute. The contribution can be form of article, news reports , cartoon strips or words of wisdom , etc. Your contribution will add more colour and zest to the contents of our newsletter. As you know variety is the spice of life . So, please put on your thinking cap and send us your creative masterpiece to enhance the quality of our newsletter. Furthermore , your creative contribution would also help promote knowledge and proficiency among society members and readers of our new newsletter. The English society member had formed a committee to hold a workshop that may help to inform our members about the genre used in newsletter. The workshop will hold activities in writing articles and other forms of writing as well. Professional facilitators would be invited to run such workshop. So, a lot of activities are in store for members of the English language society. The principal and teachers are giving their blessing and support to our efforts. It is hoped that in time, members of our society will make valuable contribution to our school. Furthermore, best articles and contribution will win awards at the end of the year. So, we need your assistance and support to make their newsletter business a success. You would not know your real talent, until you try! So, don t hold back. Get going!!

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WRITING A FORMAL LETTER

When writing a formal letter, you must pay attention to the format/layout of the letter. Besides, you must also keep it short and to the point. Also, make sure your points or ideas are well-presented. Most importantly, pay attention to the tone and language. A formal letter must be polite. There is no need to be rude even if you are expressing your unhappiness or dissatisfaction. Remember, you should not use informal language or contractions in a letter of this nature. These days there are several formats available for writing formal letters but we will only look at the format which is used in Malaysian government departments and taught in the Malaysian school system.

Guidelines for Writing a Formal Letter

1. Your address Your address should appear on the left-hand corner. 2. A horizontal line across the page separates your address from the recipients address. 3. Address of the person to whom you are writing The recipients address should be below your address. The postcode and name of the town should be underlined. 4. Date The date is written on the right along the same line as the last line of the recipients address.

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The month should be spelt out (i.e. it should be in words, not numbers). It must be written in full (do not use abbreviations such as Sept) and in capital letters. 5. Salutation/Greeting If you know the name of the recipient, then do use his surname (Dear Mr Tan) If you do not know the name of the person to whom you are writing, then use Dear Sir or Madam 6. Subject heading The subject heading gives the reader an idea what the letter is about. Write the subject heading directly below the salutation and it should be underlined 7. The body of the letter The body of the letter refers to the contents of your letter. It should be divided into short and clear paragraphs. All paragraphs should be numbered except for the first and last paragraphs. a. In the first paragraph, you should state the reason for writing (whether it is to inform, to complain, to invite etc). b. From the second paragraph onwards, you should include information that is deemed necessary, depending on what you are writing about. The number of paragraphs depends on what you are writing. c. In the last paragraph, state what you expect from the recipient. This is usually in the form of an action or response. It is a common practice to end a formal letter with phrases such as I look forward to hearing from you or I hope prompt action will be taken to solve this problem.

A note of thanks is usually included. Remember to organise the information in a clear and logical manner. Also, do not write lengthy paragraphs.

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8. Ending You can end the letter by writing Yours faithfully. 9. Signature Do not forget to sign the letter and write your name below it in capital letters with in brackets.

Above is a letter of job application. The numbers refer to the notes above.

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Read the sample question below You are the Secretary of the Residents Association in your housing estate. Write a letter to the director of the local municipal council to complain about the problems you and the other residents are facing. In your letter, include the details below: rubbish not collected causes terrible stench stray cats and dogs scatter rubbish clogged drains breeding ground for mosquitoes increase in cases of dengue fever street lights not working cause accidents at night increase in crime playground not well- maintained overgrown grass playground equipment damaged When writing your letter, you should remember to: set it out in the correct format include all the points given address the letter to the director of the local municipal council

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Rajvind Gill, 10, Jalan Jujur, Taman Jayadiri, 68000 Ampang, Selangor ______________________________________________________________________________ The Director, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council, Bangunan Mentari, Ampang Jaya, 68000 SELANGOR.

15 SEPTEMBER 2009

Dear Sir, Poor Maintenance of Taman Jayadiri I am writing this letter on behalf of the residents of Taman Jayadiri to complain about the dismal conditions we have been putting up with for the past three months. 2. One of the main grouses of the residents concerns uncollected rubbish (point 1). Initially, rubbish was collected three times a week. However, since June this year the garbage collectors have only been coming once a week. Our litter bins are always filled to the brim and we have no choice but to leave our bags of rubbish next to the bins. The rotting waste causes a terrible stench (point 2). Worse still, stray cats and dogs scatter the rubbish (point 3) while looking for food. This is not only unpleasant but also unhealthy. 3. Most of the drains in Taman Jayadiri are clogged (point 4) with rubbish resulting in the water becoming stagnant. It is not uncommon to see plastic bags, bottles and dry leaves in these drains. There is an urgent need to clear these drains as the stagnant water is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes (point 5). The residents are worried as there has been a sharp increase in dengue cases (point 6) in the last two months. 4. The street lights along several roads are also not working (point 7). This has caused several accidents at night (point 8), mostly involving motorcyclists as they are unable to see in the dark. Unfortunately, the dark streets have also led to another problem an increase in crime (point 9). Several residents, especially women, have fallen victim to snatch thieves.

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5. The one and only playground in our area is also not well-maintained (point 10). The grass is overgrown (point 11) as it has not been cut for almost three months. Besides, the playground equipment is damaged (point 12). Many of the see-saws and swings have been spoiled by vandals. I hope the council will look into our complaints and take prompt action to solve our problems. Thank you. Yours faithfully,

.. (RAJVIND GILL)

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