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Composition
- 1. Composition Here are somegeneral tips on what to do when you attempt a writing question. Step 1 : Read the question. Note what you have to do Look out for words like „agree with‟ or „disagree with‟ etc Step 2 : Read the dialogue or study the map or pictures( if there are any ) Take note of the main points Step 3 : Jot down the main points Try brainstorming. Write everything that comes to your mind. Do not worry whether it is correct or wrong. Step 4 : Prepare an outline Choose the best points Arrange the points in order Put the main points in the body Think of an interesting introduction and conclusion Step 5 : Write the essay Write each paragraph for each point Give details, describe or provide an example to make your point interesting Step 6 : Revise and edit Read your essay Check if you have answered the question If necessary rearrange the paragraph Use a variety of words. For example „ the conclusion is‟ use „in a nutshell‟, „helped‟ use „aided‟ etc Step 7 : Proofread Check your grammar, spelling, punctuation Step 8 : Final draft Check your grammar, spelling, punctuation
- 2. Informal Letter. You writeinformal letters to the people you know, for instance your family or friends. When you write an informal letter, there is a format that you have to follow. Pay attention to the punctuation and always check to see that you have the following: Item Example Sender’s address No 34, Jalan Sembilan, Taman Sepuluh, 57000 Kuala Lumpur The date 10 November 201? Salutation Dear Uncle Kamal Dear Oman Dear Aunty Britney An opening How are you? We are all fine here I hope you are in the best of health. As for us, Father has not been feeling well. A closing Well that is all for now. I will write to you again when I get back from camp I will stop here for now. Please do drop me a line when you can. Ending Yours lovingly, Yours, Love, Faithfully, Regards The writer’s signature Henry William
- 3. Formal Letter You writeformal letters for business purposes, formal functions, schools, to the government etc. When you write a formal letter, there is a format that you will have to follow. Pay attention to the punctuation and always check to see that you have the following: Item Explanation Your address Your address should appear on the Left-hand corner. Line Separator A horizontal line across the page separates your address from the recipient‟s address. Address of the person to whom you are The recipient‟s address should be writing ( recipient ) Below your address. The postcode and name of the town should be underlined. Date The date is written on the right along the same line as the last line of the recipient‟s address. 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. 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 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 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.
- 4. 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. Ending You can end the letter by writing “Yours faithfully”. In practice, we usually use “Yours sincerely”, if we know the recipient but for exam purposes I would advise you to use only “Yours faithfully”. Complimentary ending Mention to the recipient that you are looking forward for a reply. Signature Do not forget to sign the letter and write your name below it in capital letters with in brackets
- 5. Name The name as to be in full and capital letters Example of an Informal Letter 902, Block C, Tiara Apartment, Jalan Jacquelina, 49500 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan 31st January 2008 Dear Britney, How are you? I hope you have recovered from your flu. Father, Mother and I are fine. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for our grandmother. Last Wednesday, she had chest pain. Aunty Natalie immediately drove her to the nearest hospital. The doctors said the she had a mild heart attack. She is still in the hospital. We went to visit her again this afternoon. Grandmother looked a little pale but she was able to talk to us. Mother tried to get her to eat some porridge but she refused to do so. Grandmother asked after you. So we are hoping that you will come down to visit her during the weekend. Take care and do write as soon as you can. Love, Kim K
- 6. Example of aFormal Letter Rajvind Gill, 10, Jalan Jujur, Taman Jayadiri, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan ______________________________________________________________________ The Director, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council, Bangunan Mentari, Ampang Jaya,68000 SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN 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. 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. Worse still, stray cats and dogs scatter the rubbish while looking for food. This is not only unpleasant but also unhealthy. 3. Most of the drains in Taman Jayadiri are clogged 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. The residents are worried as there has been a sharp increase in dengue cases in the last two months. 4. The street lights along several roads are also not working. This has caused several accidents at night, 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. Several residents, especially women, have fallen victim to snatch thieves. 5. The one and only playground in our area is also not well-maintained (point 10). The grass is overgrown as it has not been cut for almost three months. Besides, the playground equipment is damaged. Many of the see-saws and swings have been spoiled by vandals.
- 7. I hope thecouncil will look into our complaints and take prompt action to solve our problems. Thank you. Yours faithfully, RajvindGill_________ (RAJVIND GILL)