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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
TASKS FOR COURSE PARTICIPANTS 1
MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
Content
Page
WRITING 1 1. GET IT RIGHT!
2
2. CHECK IT OUT!
3
3. DOs and DON’Ts
4–5
4. LINES GALORE
6–7
5. WHAT’S IN TREND?
8 – 11
6. DATA MATTER
12 – 14
7. WORDS, WORDS and MORE WORDS
15 – 17
8. STEP BY STEP
18 – 19
9. IT’S ALL UP TO YOU!
20 – 23
WRITING 2 1. WHAT IS WRITING TO YOU? 2. MIND YOUR LANGUAGE 3. BRING OUT THOSE IDEAS
25 – 26 27 28 – 29
4. HELLO…
30
5. SO WHERE IS IT GOING TO BE?
31
6. PUTTING IT TOGETHER
32 – 33
7. WRITE RIGHT!
34 – 36
Writing a Complete Essay
MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
GET IT RIGHT! MUET Writing Overview Task 1 Task Sheet 1 Answer the following questions by choosing the correct answer A, B or C. 1. The MUET 800/4 Academic Writing has A one part B two parts C three parts 2. Candidates must write … A one long response B two short responses C one long and one short response 3. How much time do candidates have for Writing Task 1? A 40 minutes B 60 minutes C 90 minutes 4. How much time do candidates have for Writing Task 2? A 20 minutes B 40 minutes C 50 minutes 5. Which of the following is true? A Question 1 carries more marks than Question 2. B Question 2 carries more marks than Question 1. C The two questions are scored equally.
MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
CHECK IT OUT! MUET Writing Overview Task 2 Task Sheet 2 Look at the following list and decide whether they might appear in Question 1 or Question 2. Tick the right column. Question 1 A
A pie chart
B
An opinion
C
A current issue
D
A point of view
E
A graph
F
A table
G
A significant event in history
H
A diagram of a machine
I
A global phenomenon
J
An illustration of a process
Question 2
DOs and DON’Ts Task Sheet 3 MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
Complete the table using the phrases provided. (NB: You may use any of the phrases more than once.) DOs
DON'Ts
Question 1
Question 2
Question 1 & Question 2
Suggested Phrases
MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
•
Write a separate introduction and
•
Plan your answer.
conclusion.
•
Stop and plan your ideas.
•
Support your ideas and claims.
•
Use irrelevant information.
•
Copy words and phrases directly from
•
Write clearly.
the question paper.
•
Stop writing after 20 minutes.
•
Learn essays by heart.
•
Write in an academic style.
•
Stop to select and organise information.
•
Compare and contrast the information.
•
Leave time at the end to check.
•
Write an introductory and summarising
•
Discuss only one side of the topic.
•
Describe the information.
•
Copy information inaccurately.
•
Write in note form or bullet points.
•
Describe only part of the information.
statement. •
Repeat ideas and vocabulary.
•
Leave out important data.
LINES GALORE Task Sheet 4 MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
4.1 Look at the following graph and put one of the numbers next to the given word below:
(
) a trough
(
) a gradual fall
(
) erratic movements
(
) a plateau
(
) a gradual rise
(
) to take a plunge
(
) level off
(
) a steady increase
(
) a dramatic fall
(
) leap upwards
(
) fluctuations
(
) a decline
(
) reach a peak
(
) slump
(
) a sharp recovery
4.2
Represent the following verbs below in individual line graphs.
to stagnate
MUET 800/4
to bottom out
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
to surge
to crash
to tumble
to soar
to top out
to plunge
to slump
to plummet
4.3
Adjectives and adverbs can be used to describe the degree of change. Complete the table with the correct adverbs.
1. A dramatic fall
to fall dramatically
2. An abrupt rise
to rise ………………………………………….
3. A sudden decline
to decline ……………………………………...
4. A moderate growth
to grow ………………………………………..
5. A slight increase
to increase …………………………………….
6. A rapid drop
to drop ………………………………………...
7. A gradual decline
to decline ……………………………………...
8. A steady recovery
to recover ……………………………………..
9. Erratic sales
to sell …………………………………………
10. A unexpected levelling off
to level off ………………...………………….
WHAT’S IN TREND Task Sheet 5 5.1 Describing graphs MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
In the table that follows, there are nine line graphs (A-I) illustrating trends or developments in the column on the left. Opposite each graph, you have four statements which describe the trend or development. In each case decide which statement is correct. There may be more than one answer for each illustration.
i.
The trend in number of patients was upward. ii. The number of patients fluctuated slightly. iii. There were considerable fluctuations in the number of patients. iv. There were fluctuations in the number of patients.
A
B
The number of patients fell dramatically. ii. The number of patient numbers fell. iii. The number of patients fell steadily. iv. There was a dramatic drop in the number of patients.
C
i.
The trend in the number of patients was upward. ii. The number of patients fluctuated wildly. iii. There was a downward trend in the number of patients. iv. The number of patients was erratic.
D
i. The trend in the number of patients was downward. ii. The number of patients fluctuated slightly. iii. There were wild fluctuations in the number of patients. iv. There were fluctuations in the number of patients.
E
i.
i. ii.
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The trend in the number of patients was upward. The number of patients hit a peak. PAGE 9
Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
iii. There was a peak in the number of patients. iv. There was a slight dip in the number of patients. F
The trend in the number of patients was flat. ii. The number of patients rose. iii. The number of patients rocketed. iv. There was a steep rise in the number of patients.
G
i. The number of patients soared. ii. The number of patients rocketed. iii. There was a steep rise in the number of patients. iv. There was a gradual rise in the number of patients.
H
I
i.
i.
There was a steady fall in the number of patients. ii. The number of patients fluctuated. iii. The number of patients plunged. iv. The trend was flat.
i.
There was a slight dip in the number of patients. ii. The trend in the number of patients was upward. iii. The number of patients dipped. iv. The number of patients reached a peak.
MORE VERBS OF CHANGE Task Sheet 5.2 Matching Task MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
Match the following descriptions with the graphs that follow. I. Sales bounced back. II. Prices climbed. III. Sales fluctuated. IV. Sales dipped. V. Sales peaked. VI. Prices crashed. VII. Prices levelled off. VIII. Inflation soared.
1
______________________________________
2
______________________________________
3
______________________________________
4
______________________________________
5
______________________________________
6
______________________________________
7
______________________________________
Task 5.3 For each item below, choose the most appropriate option to complete the statement.
MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
1. Car production shows
a slight decline. a slight increase. a dramatic decline. a dramatic increase.
2. Production
slumped and then reached a peak. reached a peak and then fell rapidly. reached a peak rapidly and then fell. reached a peak and then dropped.
3. Costs of production
rose steadily and then stabilised. held substantially and then stabilised. rose substantially and then held steady. held steady and then rose substantially
4. Coffee sales have
increased slightly. decreased slightly. increased dramatically. decreased dramatically.
DATA MATTER Task Sheet 6 Task 6.1 MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
The bar chart below shows the results of a questionnaire to find why native and non-native speakers of English at a university in Australia learn languages. The questionnaire was given to 2000 students.
You need to develop your speed in using language and finding information from a graph, chart or diagram. Write down the answers to the questions below about the bar chart as quickly as you can. Remember to write the information accurately. MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
1.
What does the bar chart show?
__________________________
2.
How many students participated in the survey?
__________________________
3.
Where were the students from?
__________________________
4.
Which of the two groups was more positive about language learning?
5.
Which is the most frequently given reason by both groups for learning languages?
6.
__________________________
What percentage of native speakers found language learning useful for work?
7.
__________________________
__________________________
What percentage of second language speakers found language learning useful for work?
__________________________
8.
Why do most native speakers learn a language?
__________________________
9.
Which reason for learning languages is the least cited among native speakers?
__________________________
Task 6.2 Based on Task 1 write sentences for each piece of information elicited from the chart. Examples: 1. The bar chart shows the results of a survey. 2. Two thousand students took part in the survey. 3. The students were from a university in Australia.
Use the sentences to help you write a continuous text. Example: The bar chart shows the results of a survey on the reasons for learning languages among 2,000 native and non-native speakers of English at a university in Australia. MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ WORDS, WORDS and MORE WORDS Task 7 Read and understand the information in the table below and attempt the exercises below.
MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
Hours spent on activities by different age groups in Someland Activity
Teens
20s
30s
40s
50s
60s
70s +
1,200
700
400
500
600
700
1,100
Socialising with 4 or less people
150
150
300
250
250
200
200
Socialising with 4 or more people
350
350
50
50
25
25
25
Doing individual exercise
150
100
200
200
50
75
150
Doing group exercise/spot
450
350
200
150
50
0
0
Watching movies in cinemas
100
75
50
25
25
50
75
Age Watching TV/videos
7.1
Partially Jumbled Texts
In the model answer below, seven (7) parts of the text have been jumbled. Put the words in the right order and write them out in the blanks provided below. The table shows how (1) different groups people age in spend their leisure time in Someland over the course of a year. It can be clearly seen that the (2) amount available of varies leisure time considerably across the age groups and that (3) levels people ways of different age different have very of spending their leisure time. According to the figures, as people age in Someland their social lives decline. (4) Teenagers twenties and people socialising in their on average 500 hours per spend year on and 350 hours of that time is with a group of more than 4 people. Although the total hours of socialising by people in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s is fairly constant (between 300-350), socialising with more than 4 people drops dramatically to 50 hours in the 30s and 40s age groups and to only 25 hours for 50 year olds. Group and individual task follow a similar pattern. (5) People spend of time all ages their a good part of leisure on entertainment such as TV/video viewing and cinema. In both cases, teenagers and retired people spend around twice as much time as those who are of working age. Home entertainment ranges from just over a thousand hours for teenagers and retired people and an average of 600 hours for everyone else. (6) Cinema hours for 100 of the teenagers’ accounts leisure time and 25-50 hours for retired people and the rest. In conclusion we can see there is a (7) significant activities towards solitary and smaller group trend as people grow older and that teenagers and retired people spend a lot more time on entertainment than those of working age do.
MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
1._____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________. 2._____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________. 3._____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________. 4._____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________. 5._____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________. 6_____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________. 7._____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________.
Task 7.2 Synonyms Find the following words in text 7.1. What other words or phrases can replace them? 11. shows 33. According to MUET 800/4
22. considerably 44. fairly PAGE 17
Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
55. dramatically 77. cases 99. an average
66. similar 88. ranges 1010. in conclusion
111. 12 153. 16 195. 20 237. 24 279. 28
132. 14 174. 18 216 22 258. 26 2910. 30
STEP BY STEP Task 8
MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
Read and understand the information in the table on television viewing according to age and location of city or town. Answer the following questions and give suitable reasons why you think the trends are as reported. Average hours/week of television viewing by age and by towns in 2005
Town
Population Profile 2 years and below
3 to 11 years
12 to 19 20 to 34 35 years years years and above
Johor Bharu
22.7
18.9
12.3
21.3
26.8
Malacca
20.0
14.5
12.3
19.8
23.5
Petaling Jaya
23.8
14.3
13.7
22.9
29.2
Georgetown
23.7
14.7
12.6
23.2
28.4
Kuala Lumpur
23.3
14.3
13.5
22.4
28.5
Kuantan
20.6
13.5
13.2
20.1
24.7
Kota Bharu
22.1
15.5
13.0
22.0
26.4
Kota Kinabalu
21.2
15.2
12.7
20.5
25.7
Kuching
19.4
14.1
12.4
18.2
23.9
Labuan
20.7
14.4
11.7
21.5
23.4
1. Which town has the highest total average hours per week of television viewing? 2. Is there a change in viewing habits from town to town? 3. Compare and contrast their television viewing habits.
Question Write a report on the distribution of viewing hours in the towns mentioned in the table. Step A
MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
Understand the requirements of the task, i.e. a) Write a report. b) Describe distribution of viewing hours.
Step B Summarise topic, introduce data. Write a suitable introduction. E.g. The graph shows the number of television viewing hours of different age groups in different locations in Malaysia. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________. Step C Plan the body – state the main points and state other important and relevant points. Write the body of your report. Paragraph 1: Which city/town has the lowest viewing hours of television? Why? (Reasons) Paragraph 2: Which city/town has the highest viewing hours of television? Why? (Reasons) Paragraph 3: Is there a change in viewing habits? Why? (Reasons) Paragraph 4: Compare the different viewing hours in the different locations. Step D Plan the conclusion. Restate main ideas developed in body paragraphs. E.g. In general, it can be seen that viewing hours are highest in the larger cities of Malaysia and adults above 35 years of age enjoy television more than any other age group…
IT’S ALL UP TO YOU! Task 9 Read and understand the information in the table, pie chart and text below. Answer the following questions and give suitable reasons why you think the trends are as reported. MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
Lead-in Questions: 1. What does the table show? 2. Which age group is most affected by mental problems? 3. What is the percentage? MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
4. Which age group is least affected by mental problems? Why? 5. What is the percentage? 6. What does the chart show? 7.
How many factors are there affecting mental health?
8. Which is the biggest contributing factor that affects mental health? 9. What is the percentage? 10. Which factor comes after the death of husband or wife? 11. Which factor comes after unemployment? 12. Which factor comes after illiteracy? 13. Which is the least important factor affecting mental health? 14. Which factor probably affects senior citizens the most? 15. Why are adult women more susceptible to mental problems compared to adult men? 16. Which factor will most likely affect adolescents? 17. Which factor will most likely affect adult men?
Based on the information derived from answering the questions above, write a report on Mental Health for your community newsletter. In your report, include factors affecting mental health. Your report should not be less than 150 words. Task 10 MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
Using the information given above, write an article on the sales of vehicles in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, to be published in the consumer association newsletter. In your article, include factors affecting the sales of vehicles in these four countries. Your article should not be less than 150 words.
Task 11
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
The pie charts give a profile of the Internet users of Guland. Using the information given in the charts and textbox, write an article entitled A Profile of Guland’s Internet Users. In your article, explain the relationship between the use of the Internet and the various locations. Your article should not be less than 150 words.
MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
TASKS FOR COURSE PARTICIPANTS 2
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
WHAT IS WRITING TO YOU? An Opinion Poll on Teaching of Writing What do you think would help students most to improve their writing? Tick your answer. Would help most
Would help a lot
Would help a little
Would not help
1. Improving vocabulary 2. Learning how to write a paragraph 3. Having the teacher mark all mistakes 4. Improving handwriting
5. Word processing on the computer 6. Learning to type 7. Having more time to write
8. Having more opportunities to practice writing 9. Improving spelling 10. Understanding punctuation 11. Understanding grammar
12. Learning how to organise ideas 13. Reading more
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
2. What do you think is most important to a reader? Tick your answer. Most important
Very Important
Important
Not important
1. The topic 2. Ideas 3. The words 4. Neatness 5. Spelling 4. The length of the essay
5. Coherence
4. I think that good writers __________________________________________ (Tick the appropriate column.)
Yes
No
1. are good spellers. 2. do not feel anxious about or intimidated by writing. 3. understand punctuation. 4. always use the right words. 5. need help with their writing. 6. may have problems getting started. 7. have very large vocabularies. 8. are well educated. 9. achieved good grades in writing when they were in school. 10. write from personal experience. 11. need to be alone in order to write. 12. took to writing naturally. 13. are usually women; most men don’t write well. 14. get it right the first time (don’t have to re-write). 15. are able to know how to find their mistakes and correct them.
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
MIND YOUR LANGUAGE Task 2 Here are some examples of language. Determine the level of formality of each example and write the letter representing it in the right column in the table below. (Some examples can go in two boxes.) Tick in the correct column. Formal Neutral Informal A Hi ! B I would be extremely grateful if you could please ... C I’m afraid I need to tell you ... D Nevertheless…. E He descended from the train at the subsequent station F
To sum up….
G c. u. H Could you please .... I
Her grandmother was unable to accompany her.
J
Her grandmother couldn’t go with her.
K I look forward to hearing from you. L My essay is all about ... M The sort of stuff people believe these days is rubbish. N So, what have I been saying basically is… O I would like to turn now to the next point in my argument. P
In this essay I am going to outline ...
Q You’ve no idea how angry I am. R It is with considerable regret that I express my displeasure at … S
Unfortunately, I am rather angry ...
T Send me a new form, will you?
BRING OUT THOSE IDEAS
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
Task 3: Brainstorming and Planning Analyse the following question and brainstorm for ideas. You may use the following mind maps to do so. QUESTION: It is generally accepted that families are not as close as they used to be. Why has this change happened and what could be done to bring families closer together? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your experience.
Participant’s Task Sheet: (Table) Reasons
MUET 800/4
Examples
Suggestions
Examples
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
Mind mapping ideas Sample Cluster Diagram
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
HELLO... Task 4 Read the notes on the structure of an essay. Then write introductory paragraphs for the following topics. 1. Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Is it better for children to participate in team sports or individual sports? Why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 3. Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
SO, WHERE IS IT GOING TO BE? Task 5: Topic Sentences Paragraphing and Topic Sentences – Task Sheet 1. Here is a text without paragraphs. Decide where it would be best to divide it into paragraphs, then underline the topic sentences.
The care of old people is an issue all over the world, as it is no longer clear who has the responsibility for looking after old people. There are two main choices: the government or the family. If the government pays for the care of old people this usually means that the old people go into old people’s homes. In these all people are given equal and high quality care. Countries such as Sweden operate this system very efficiently. The problem is that this solution is very expensive. The money comes from tax and many countries simply can’t afford it. It also often means that old people go into homes where they know no one and have nothing to do. The alternative is for families to support their elderly relatives. In theory this provides loving care and means the old person can be an active member of the family. In practice, it often does not work out, as families don’t have enough money, and so, much bitterness is created, and the old people are neglected. I can see this happening all around me in my country where there is no government support for old people. It is clear that neither of these solutions is good. Therefore, it seems to me that a combination of the two is the best solution. The government should provide money to families to look after their elderly relatives. But I also think that old people should save up money during their working lives to look after themselves in old age. (255 words) 2. What do you think is the purpose of paragraphs and topic sentences?
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
PUTTING IT TOGETHER Task 6: Structuring Academic Writing Information Box Question: The care of old people is a growing problem. Some say the government should care for old people. Others say that it is the family’s responsibility. Discuss these views and give your own opinion. Academic writing can involve discussing the advantages and disadvantages of different solutions. In this case, it usually follows this structure: 1. Introduction General statement about the topic 2. Body A
Arguments for solution 1
(+ supporting evidence)
B
Arguments against solution 1 (+ supporting evidence)
C
Arguments for solution 2
D
Arguments against solution 2 (+ supporting evidence)
E
Etc. with any other solution
(+ supporting evidence)
3. Conclusion giving writer’s final opinion based on above arguments NB.
This topic shows just one kind of academic writing. Others include proposing solutions and justifying opinions. These require different structures.
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
Read the writing below and identify the different parts in its structure. Write the appropriate letter beside each part e.g. 1, 2A, 2B etc. Question: The care of old people is a growing problem. Some say the government should care for old people. Others say that it is the family’s responsibility. Discuss these views and give your own opinion.
The care of old people is an issue all over the world as it is no longer clear who has the responsibility for looking after old people. There are two main choices: the government or the family. If the government pays for the care of old people this usually means that the old people go into old people’s homes. In these all people are given equal and high quality care. Countries such as Sweden operate this system very efficiently. The problem is that this solution is very expensive. The money comes from tax and many countries simply can’t afford it. It also often means that old people go into homes where they know no one and have nothing to do. The alternative is for families to support their elderly relatives. In theory this provides loving care and means the old person can be an active member of the family. In practice, it often does not work out, as families don’t have enough money, and so, much bitterness is created, and the old people are neglected. I can see this happening all around me in my country where there is no government support for old people. It is clear that neither of these solutions is good. Therefore, it seems to me that a combination of the two is the best solution. The government should provide money to families to look after their elderly relatives. But I also think that old people should save up money during their working lives to look after themselves in old age.
MUET 800/4
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
WRITE RIGHT! Task 7 Write complete essays using the formats provided. You may wish to change some of the ideas. Writing Task A Sample Essay Outline:
Question: In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.
Suggested Notes: I. It is a good idea for teenagers to have jobs while they are students because they can learn about responsibility; they can learn the value of money and they can learn how to work as a member of a team. II. a. b. c.
Students can learn responsibility. They have to come to work on time every day. They must serve customers in a friendly manner. They have to maintain the items on store shelves with an inventory.
III. Students can learn the value of money. a. Students will learn that it takes a lot of time and effort to make money. b. Students will make wiser choices when buying things with their own money. IV. Students will learn how to work as a member of a team. a. Students will learn how to compromise with other employees (helping out when someone is sick, etc.). b. Students will learn about the friendship that comes from teamwork (feeling like you can trust others). V. Conclusion It is a valuable experience for teenagers to have jobs while they are students because they will learn to be responsible adults. They will have an appreciation for money and they will learn about working with others. All of these traits will benefit them throughout their lives.
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
Writing Task B Write an essay for the following question using the format provided. “Education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?” Outline for an Academic Essay
I.
Introduction A. Introductory statement B. Thesis statement: ____________________
II.
Body A.
B.
C.
III.
First Supporting Idea (Topic Sentence): ____________________ 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________ Second Supporting Idea (Topic Sentence): ____________________ 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________ Third Supporting Idea (Topic Sentence): ____________________ 1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________
Conclusion D.
Closing statement
E.
Restate thesis: ____________________
Writing Task C
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Course Participant’s Module: Writing MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)
Write an essay on the following statement. Justify your stand. Modern technology is transforming the way we work and benefits all in society. Do you agree? It is particularly important in writing an essay to display clear thinking and organisation. You should: •
have a clear introduction telling the reader briefly what areas you are going to cover.
•
make it clear which side of an argument you are presenting. Use clear linking expressions such as ‘On the one hand ... On the other hand’ and make sure you do not mix two sides of an argument in the same paragraph.
•
give examples clearly. Choose good examples which illustrate your argument when you take notes, and when you write, introduce them with phrases such as ‘We can see an example of this ...’.
•
make it clear when you are giving your own opinion. Use expressions such as ‘in my view’.
•
give a clear conclusion which relates your argument back to the original question/s and summarises your opinion.
•
make sure that your English is accurate.
•
ensure that you write in an appropriate style, and that your grammar and spelling are correct.
Reference 1. M.K. Tickoo, English Language Learning and Teaching. 2.Materials adapted from www.ielts.org.uk.
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