ELEVATING SPM 1119/2 ESSAYS WITH POWERFUL VOCABULARY: ENRICHMENT PRACTICES
- Zanurin Mohamad Safar
- Jul 23, 2025
- 5 min read
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One of the most pressing concerns in the ESL Malaysian SPM 1119/2 writing classroom is the limited vocabulary range among even the most promising A-grade candidates. While these learners may exhibit good ideas, competent grammar and organisation skills, their writing often lacks lexical depth and variety. Their reliance on high-frequency, everyday words prevents their essays from standing out or reflecting the sophistication expected at the upper bands of the SPM writing rubric. This issue highlights the urgent need to consistently reinforce and nurture their awareness and use of less common lexis or low frequency vocabulary.
Personally, I believe vocabulary enrichment cannot be treated as a one-off activity. Would you agree with me, teachers? Absolutely, it requires continuous and meaningful exposure to diverse language in context through reading authentic materials, exploring model essays, and engaging in vocabulary-focused tasks. These tasks should include explicit instruction in word formation, nuanced meanings, and collocations, followed by opportunities to apply the new vocabulary in writing. In doing so, students begin to internalise these words and develop the confidence to use them naturally and appropriately, rather than forcing them into their essays.
Moreover, I believe that the use of less common lexis must be both strategic and purposeful. As a teacher, I see it as my responsibility to model how these words can be effectively embedded into sentences and paragraphs, demonstrating how thoughtful word choice can enhance precision, tone, and overall impact. In my experience, some of the most practical strategies include incorporating peer feedback, encouraging the use of vocabulary journals, and designing low-stakes writing tasks that allow students to explore and experiment with new words. These activities not only build confidence but also help students reflect on their own lexical growth. For me, under certain circumstances, vocabulary development can be about memorising long lists but most importantly, it must be an engaging and meaningful process that nurtures expressive, confident writers.
Below are examples of less common lexis, carefully selected based on specific themes and topics that I strongly believe potential A-grade candidates should be exposed to and guided to use accurately. These expressions are particularly valuable for enhancing the quality of writing, especially when articulating personal opinions in a persuasive manner. The sample sentences provided aim to demonstrate how such vocabulary can be effectively applied; the skills that are highly relevant and essential in both Part 2 and Part 3 of the SPM 1119/2 paper.
Health
I believe preventive healthcare is more efficacious than simply treating diseases after they occur.
The growing rate of obesity is a pressing concern that must be addressed through education and lifestyle reform.
In my view, mental health deserves equitable attention as physical health.
The obsession with body image often leads to detrimental habits among youth.
A sedentary lifestyle, though increasingly common, can have pernicious effects on long-term well-being.
I find holistic medicine particularly intriguing, as it treats both the body and the mind.
Vaccination programmes are indispensable for public health and disease prevention.
Environment
Environmental degradation is an incontrovertible reality we can no longer ignore.
I strongly support the adoption of renewable energy as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Protecting biodiversity is a paramount responsibility of our generation.
Personally, I believe strong values should guide our policies more than profit-driven motives.
Climate change poses an existential threat to future generations.
It is lamentable that many still dismiss the gravity of environmental destruction.
Individual action, though small, can create a cumulative impact on conservation efforts.
Teenagers
Adolescents today face unprecedented pressure from academic and social expectations.
I think schools should adopt a more empathetic and student-centered approach to teenage issues.
Peer influence can be both constructive and deleterious, depending on the context.
Teenagers need more opportunities to engage in autonomous decision-making.
I believe promoting emotional intelligence is as pertinent as academic achievement.
Identity exploration during adolescence can lead to transformative self-growth.
Social Media
Social media can be both empowering and exploitative, depending on how it's used.
I regard digital detoxes as a highly effective strategy for rejuvenating mental clarity and fostering cognitive well-being.
Excessive scrolling can lead to desensitisation, making individuals less emotionally responsive to important global issues.
Influencer culture promotes materialistic ideals that can be disparaging to self-esteem.
Some social platforms may cultivate negative elements, hence they may give exposure to dissenting perspectives.
In my opinion, social media has permeated nearly every aspect of modern life, influencing how we communicate, learn, and even think.
Influencers often monetise their personal lives, turning everyday moments into branded content.
Artificial Intelligence
I believe AI has the potential to revolutionise education, but ethical safeguards are imperative.
Some fear that AI may supersede human roles in the workforce, especially in repetitive or analytical tasks.
While AI enhances efficiency, it may also lead to obsolescence in certain job sectors.
The integration of AI into daily life raises the need for stringent data privacy regulations.
I am both fascinated and cautious about the rapid advancement of machine learning.
Responsible AI development must be governed by international protocols.
The implications of AI on human identity and autonomy are profound.
Consumerism
The rise of online shopping has made impulsive purchases more common and harder to control.
I believe mindful consumption is essential in an age of overproduction.
The ephemeral nature of trends fuels unsustainable buying habits.
Advertisements often exploit psychological vulnerabilities to increase profit.
In my view, the relentless pursuit of new products fuels unsustainable production and environmental degradation.
Overconsumption not only harms the environment but also fosters a superficial sense of self-worth.
Application 1
Task: Pros and cons of online learning
Online learning offers a flexible and empowering alternative to traditional classrooms, enabling students to learn at their own pace. It is especially efficacious for independent learners who thrive in a self-directed environment. However, its ubiquity also reveals several detrimental effects, such as reduced social interaction and increased screen time. The lack of empathetic teacher-student relationships may hinder emotional development. While its proliferation is inevitable, online learning must be governed by thoughtful strategies to ensure balance and effectiveness.
Application 2
Task: The importance of taking part in charity projects among teens
Participating in charity projects offers teenagers a transformative experience that nurtures empathy and social responsibility. Such involvement fosters emotional intelligence and helps them move beyond materialistic mindsets. It also provides a student-centered platform for meaningful engagement beyond academics. These projects build resilience and teamwork, skills that are pertinent in real-life situations. Although some may view such efforts as minor, their cumulative impact is undeniable, shaping a more compassionate and socially aware generation of future leaders.
Application 3
Task: Ways to enhance sustainable lifestyle
To enhance a sustainable lifestyle, we must embrace mindful consumption and reject ephemeral trends that promote waste. Adopting renewable energy sources and supporting ecocentric policies can mitigate environmental harm. A shift towards minimalism helps reduce overconsumption and fosters intentional living. It is imperative that both individuals and governments act now to counter the existential threat of climate change. While change may seem small, its cumulative impact can significantly protect our planet for future generations.
In essence, I believe that enriching the vocabulary of potential A-grade SPM 1119/2 candidates goes far beyond simply expanding word lists. For me, it’s about nurturing a mindset that appreciates expressive clarity and lexical sophistication. When I expose my students to less common lexis and give them regular opportunities to apply these words meaningfully, I see a noticeable improvement in the way they communicate their ideas more effectively, more creatively. With consistent reinforcement and targeted guidance, I am confident they can break through the lexical ceiling and craft essays that truly reflect their linguistic growth and academic potential.
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