COACHING PUPILS TO PRESENT OPINIONS IN SPM 1119/2

Image: Credit to https://www.voicesofyouth.org/blog/are-our-opinions-influenced

The essays written in Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of SPM 1119/2 would require candidates to give opinions. How can candidates present their opinions well? What kind of language can they use? For sure, there is no definite answer for it, however, the following tips can be used as guidelines.

First of all, for better LANGUAGE QUALITY, candidates should not only use “In my opinion, …”, “I think …”or “I believe …”. Instead, in GIVING PERSONAL VIEWS, they should learn to use other useful and relevant expressions such as:

1. As far as I am concerned, global warming is a serious issue.

2. From my perspective, reading e-books brings numerous benefits.

3. I am absolutely convinced / positive / confident that co-curricular activities enhance students’ wisdom and maturity.

4. I hold the view that parents must be held responsible if their children are involved in illegal racing.

5. There is no doubt in my mind that the cheese cakes served at the café are the best that I have ever tasted.

6. I dare say that the acting by all actors in the movie is extraordinarily superb.

As ESL teachers, we cannot deny the fact that many of our SPM 1119 candidates need our guidance in many ways, including on how to give opinions which express a general point of view. Therefore, our candidates must also be coached to use these useful expressions which are different from giving personal viewpoints. These are the relevant expressions to present general points of view:

1. Everybody knows that vandalism is dreadful.

2. It is generally accepted that extreme sports may have certain risks especially among amateurs.

3. It is considered relaxing and rewarding to read novels during leisure hours.

4. Some people say that it is not easy to maintain one’s traditions and culture.

5. According to experts/researchers, children can be addicted to playing online games.

6. It is often said that online shopping saves a lot of time.

Another aspect that ESL teachers should coach their potential A writers would be to INCLUDE LESS COMMON LEXIS IN EXPRESSING THEIR OPINIONS. All teachers know the importance of having less common lexis in Part 2 and Part 3 essays. Therefore, do expose the following less common lexis to the candidates so that they can memorise and apply any relevant sophisticated words in their essays in examinations. The following are examples of less common lexis which candidates can apply in giving opinions:

How to describe an issue/ a problem?

1. According to the authorities, drug addiction among teens is a grave issue.

2. There is no doubt in my mind that it is gloomy / disheartening to see some heritage buildings are in dilapidated conditions.

3. We cannot take the issue for granted.

4. It is fundamental for us to understand the issue well / be kind to others (SPM 2021) / preserve our cultural traditions (SPM 2022)

5. Crime rate in our neighbourhood is alarming / distressing.

6. Killing of wildlife by poachers is appalling / dreadful / horrendous.

7. Child abuse is an inhumane / a vicious / malicious act.

How to do something? How to address an issue/a problem?

1. As far as I am concerned, prompt actions must be taken by the relevant authorities.

2. I hold the view that everybody must join forces.

3. Teenagers must know and accomplish their roles and responsibilities.

4. Parents must foster / inculcate kindness/values in their children since young.

5. Stern actions is not an option. Those who are found guilty of the crime must be punished severely.

6. The authorities must fortify the implementation of the law.

7. It is paramount / vital / focal / fundamental / pivotal to raise awareness among teens on the negative effects of vaping.

Why actions must be taken?

1. From my perspective, bully, if not treated well, can be cancerous / malignant / widespread.

2. It is generally accepted that we must put a stop to vaping among school students before it gets widespread / rife / rampant.

3. When human beings keep polluting the nature, the effects can be detrimental / fatal.

4. We can prevent vandalism from being a norm among some of the teenagers.

5. Actions are taken to curb / curtail the issue from getting worse.

6. Forests must be preserved for the sake of future generations.

7. It is done to create a civilised / learned / humanised / society.

In essence, it is a stark reality that candidates are required to give opinions when they write in SPM 1119/2. Candidates must know that opinions can be presented either as a personal or general point of view. Definitely, some of our candidates do need our guidance and coaching to express opinions in written form. Let’s coach them to apply the relevant words, phrases and expressions shared above!