ESSAY WRITING INTRODUCTION Paper 4 – Code 800/4/D: Question 2 [60 marks] Requires you to write an essay of not less than 250 words Based on: a topic/stimulus or a set of visuals Time limit - about 50 minutes To write the essay, you have to do the following: 1.Read & analyse the question 2.Highlight what you are supposed to write on 3.Brainstorm to generate ideas/ points 4.Select the relevant ideas/points 5.Write an outline based on your points 6.Give examples where necessary 7.Write a draft 8.Check the draft for grammatical /spelling errors

Introduction- Opening sentences to capture the interest of the examiner Thesis Statement (central idea) that will be developed in the essay Thesis Statement (central idea) that will be developed in the essay^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ First Body- Paragraph Topic Sentence 1 Specific Details t Examples Second Body Paragraph Topic Sentence 2 Specific Details t Examples Third Body Paragraph Topic Sentence 3 Specific Details t Examples ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Conclusion-Restatement of Thesis Statement/ Summary of main points OUTLINE OF HOW A TYPICAL ESSAY SHOULD BE ORGANIZED Recommended: The Five Paragraph Essay

Is writing an essay a difficult task? Yes……/No……../ Not sure …….. Just like other skills, e.g. driving/typing, it needs to be mastered through practice.  Sample Question 1 In preparation for the next Commonwealth Games, a local newspaper has invited comments from readers on the following proposals to improve the quality of sports in the country. Give recognition to sports persons Nurture young talents under special programmes Upgrade sports personnel Improve all existing sports facilities In not fewer than 250 words, write an article on how the country can perform well in the next Commonwealth Games. You may use any 3 of the above proposals and add any other relevant measures that you think may be effective.

SUGGESTED OUTLINE How can recognition be given to sports persons? a Cash rewards – different amounts for every gold, silver or bronze medal that they win b Job opportunities – do not have to worry about securing a job – can focus on training instead c Paid leave – attend training What special programmes can nurture young talents? a Different sports organizations and ‘Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah’ – at district and state level competitions – identify those who show potential b Training camps (weekly/ monthly), holiday camps c Participation in training & competitions overseas How can sports personnel be upgraded? a Coaches – attend training- by renowned coaches – local & overseas – come back & train others – large pool of coaches b Team managers – manage players – attend to their needs c Medical personnel – sports medicine – treat injuries, medical complaints

How can all existing sports facilities be improved? a Stadiums – facilities like a playing field, tracks for athletic events – maintained b Facilities for games like tennis, basketball, volleyball – courts in good condition – easily available, swimming pools – Olympic size All the 4 proposals in the question have been outlined. However, remember that you only have to pick 3. The proposals outlined below are additional points not given in the question: What can be done to enhance the psychological development of sports persons? a Courses/ programmes – by trained personnel – confidence to overcome defeat Why do sports persons need to develop the right attitude? a Representatives of the country – good image b Objective – success for the country – therefore should have discipline & commitment – attend training sessions, work on weak points – e.g. Vijay Singh, the golfer

Sample Question 2 [60 marks] You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this question. “In order for a country to achieve developed nation status, it is important that the young workforce prepares itself to meet the present day challenges.” Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your stand and support your arguments with reasons and examples. Write your essay in not fewer than 250 words.

MARK SCHEME FOR ESSAY 2 1.Developed nation status – A developed nation enjoys a relatively high standard of living through a strong high-technology diversified economy. The ultimate goal is to attain a quality of life which is considered important through freedom, happiness, environmental health and innovation. It also has a continuous self-sustaining economic growth, high literacy & conveniences. 2. Young Workforce – who have just started working, less 4 years experience, still acquiring skills (‘young’ to be looked at from two angles – experience and /or age). 3. Present day challenges / problems – Globalisation, fluctuating economic trends, political instability, environmental ill-health, moral decadence, health care, ICT, K economy, innovative / creative / productive, maintaining values, inflation, etc.

4. To face present day challenges – the young workforce needs: Technology related skills Language proficiency Time management Effective work and social skills Problem-solving skills Innovative work practices Intra-personal and inter-personal skills Soft skills Creative & Critical thinking skills 5. Make a stand (IMPORTANT) – agree, disagree or both 6. Justify stand – give a thesis statement (a good essay should discuss how the young workforce prepares itself to face the challenges) Tone – argumentative / discussive Voice – consistent

7. Young workforce → prepares to meet challenges → achieve developed nation status 8. Argue and give relevant examples – at least 3 (or 2 but very well-elaborated, well-supported) 9. Clear link between challenges and how to overcome them / clear link between challenges and why other Malaysians need to be involved in overcoming them. 10. No clear stand or no clear justification of stand – award maximum Band 3 for Task Fulfilment. 11. If any other group except the young workforce is discussed e.g. students, award maximum Band 3 for Task Fulfilment.

Sample Question 2 [60 marks] You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this question. “In order for a country to achieve developed nation status, it is important that the young workforce prepares itself to meet the present day challenges.” Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your stand and support your arguments with reasons and examples. Write your essay in not fewer than 250 words.