ESSAY WRITINGESSAY WRITINGESSAY WRITINGESSAY WRITING

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONPaper 4 – Code 800/4/D: Question 2 [Paper 4 – Code 800/4/D: Question 2 [60 marks60 marks]]Requires you to write an essay of not less than Requires you to write an essay of not less than 250250 words words Based on: a topic/stimulus or a set of visualsBased on: a topic/stimulus or a set of visualsTime limit - about 50 minutes Time limit - about 50 minutes

To write the essay, you have to do the following:To write the essay, you have to do the following:1. Read & analyse the question2. Highlight what you are supposed to write on3. Brainstorm to generate ideas/ points4. Select the relevant ideas/points5. Write an outline based on your points6. Give examples where necessary7. Write a draft8. Check the draft for grammatical /spelling errors

IntroductionIntroduction- Opening sentences to capture the interest of - Opening sentences to capture the interest of the examinerthe examiner

Thesis Statement (central idea) that will be developed in Thesis Statement (central idea) that will be developed in the essaythe essay

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First Body-First Body- Paragraph Topic Sentence 1 Paragraph Topic Sentence 1Specific Details t Examples Specific Details t Examples

Second BodySecond Body Paragraph Topic Sentence 2 Paragraph Topic Sentence 2Specific Details t Examples Specific Details t Examples

Third BodyThird Body Paragraph Topic Sentence 3 Paragraph Topic Sentence 3 Specific Details t Examples Specific Details t Examples

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ConclusionConclusion-Restatement of Thesis Statement/-Restatement of Thesis Statement/Summary of main pointsSummary of main points

OUTLINE OF HOW A TYPICAL ESSAY OUTLINE OF HOW A TYPICAL ESSAY SHOULD BE ORGANIZEDSHOULD BE ORGANIZED

Recommended: The Five Paragraph EssayRecommended: The Five Paragraph Essay

OUTLINE OF HOW A TYPICAL ESSAY OUTLINE OF HOW A TYPICAL ESSAY SHOULD BE ORGANIZEDSHOULD BE ORGANIZED

Recommended: The Five Paragraph EssayRecommended: 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 OUTLINEHow can recognition be given to sports persons?a Cash rewards – different amounts for every gold, silver or bronze medal that they winb Job opportunities – do not have to worry about securing a job – can focus on training insteadc 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 potentialb Training camps (weekly/ monthly), holiday campsc 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 coachesb Team managers – manage players – attend to their needsc 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 – maintainedb Facilities for games like tennis, basketball, volleyball – courts in good condition – easily available, swimming pools – Olympic sizeAll 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.