The document provides guidance on how to write an essay analyzing the theme of a short story. It discusses using 3 points with elaboration, examples from the text, and opinions to answer the question. The sample introduction presents the short story being discussed and the theme of conflict between traditional and modern values. Point 1 examines the character Mr Li's balancing of modern success with traditional filial piety. Point 2 looks at differences in Ah Ma and Ying's views of ancestor worship. Point 3 contrasts Ah Ma and Helen's lifestyles. The conclusion restates the thesis about how the characters portray the theme.

1. Tanjong Rhu
(Form 4 Short Story)
Prepared by Ms Tang
1Theodora 2016

2. Theodora 2016 2

3. SAMPLE QUESTION
The following is the short story you have
studied in the literature component in English
language.
Write about the main theme that you find
from the short story with close reference to
the text.
Theodora 2016 3
Tanjong Rhu – by Minfong Ho

4. Marking Scheme
Content - 10 marks
Language - 5 marks
Total - 15 marks
Theodora 2016 4

5. How marks are awarded?
Answering the question = 1 mark
(3 points x 3 = 9 marks)
Language  Overall grading (5 marks)
Vocabulary
Sentence patterns
Organisation of ideas
Theodora 2016 5
Point+ Elaboration + Example + Opinion = 3

6. Answering Techniques
Introduction
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
Conclusion
6Theodora 2016

7. How to write your INTRO?
• The short story I have studied is Tanjong Rhu by
Minfong Ho.
+
• Questions is _________. This is shown through
CHARACTER 1, CHARACTER 2, and CHARACTER 3.
• In the following paragraphs, I will discuss on the
________ with close reference from the text.
7Theodora 2016
Introduction
THESIS STATEMENT
ANSWER
TOPIC

8. SAMPLE of the…
The short story I have studied is Tanjong
Rhu by Minfong Ho. The main theme of this
short story is the conflict between traditional
and modern values and beliefs. This is shown
through the characters of Mr Li, Ah Ma, and
Ying. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss
the theme with close reference to the text.
Theodora 2016 8
Introduction

9. How to write your POINT(1)?
POINT . ELABORATE . EXAMPLE(S) . OPINION(O).
Theodora 2016 9
Point 1

10. SAMPLE of POINT(1)…
POINT . ELABORATE . EXAMPLE(S) . OPINION(O).
Mr Li, the main character, is a successful
Chinese businessman. Although he is a man
with modern mindset, Mr Li is filial to his
mother who is known as Ah Ma in the short
story. For example, Mr Li respects his mother’s
traditional practice of ancestral worship and
belief. He patiently waited for Ah Ma to finish
10Theodora 2016

11. POINT 1 continues…
POINT . ELABORATE . EXAMPLE(S) . OPINION(O).
to finish her prayer before going to his office.
Not only that, he tries to teach his daughter,
Ying, to show respect to the elders. This is an
important value in Chinese culture.
11Theodora 2016

12. Now YOU try writing POINT (2)
POINT . ELABORATE . EXAMPLE(S) . OPINION(O).
Theodora 2016 12
Point 2
Use connectors:
Secondly/ Besides/ In addition/ Moreover/ Furthermore/
POINT
the theme is portrayed through the characters of Ah Ma
and Ying in the short story.

13. Theodora 2016 13
ELABORATE
Ah Ma and Ying have different attitudes towards
ancestor worship.
EXAMPLE(S)
Ah Ma insisted on doing the whole process properly
while Ying felt that it did not matter how many times a
person has to bow as long as the act is carried out and it
does not waste too much time.
Point 2

14. Theodora 2016 14
OPINION(O)
We can see that Ah Ma is very meticulous about the
traditional practices whereas Ying lives a modern
lifestyle.
Nevertheless, Ying loves her grandmother and calls her
‘Popo’.
Point 2

15. Let’s continue with POINT 3!
Theodora 2016 15
Point 3
Use connectors:
Besides/ In addition/ Moreover/ Furthermore/
POINT
Ah Ma maintains a simple lifestyle while Helen, her
daughter-in-law, lives a luxurious life.

16. Let’s continue with POINT 3!
Theodora 2016 16
Point 3
EXAMPLE(S)
For instance, Ah Ma rears chickens and takes care of the
family altar. Helen, on the other hand, enjoys going out
with friends and eat cakes which are made of foreign
fruits.

17. Theodora 2016 17
Point 3
EXAMPLE(S)
Another incident is that Ah Ma refuses to go for cataract
operation. She could not bear the idea of cutting her eye
open even with the latest technology.

18. Theodora 2016 18
OPINION(O)
This shows that Ah Ma is skeptical of the modern
technology and she rather uses binoculars to see better.
Point 3

19. How to write the CONCLUSION?
• Repeat your THESIS STATEMENT.
19Theodora 2016
Conclusion

20. SAMPLE of the…
In conclusion, the theme of conflicts
between traditional beliefs and modern
practices is vividly shown through the
characters of Mr Li, Ah Ma, and Ying.
Theodora 2016 20
Conclusion

21. HANDS ON PRACTICE!!!
Question
• Based on the short story, Tanjong Rhu by
Minfong Ho, write on the theme of generation
gap.
21Theodora 2016