MELICA PART 13: OFFERING SEVEN OPTIONS TO GALUS CANDIDATES FOR EMAIL WRITING

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 https://jonathanbecher.com/2016/10/23/why-are-there-seven-days-in-a-week/

So far, based on SPM 1119/2 sample and past papers issues by the Malaysian Examination Syndicate, it is evident that candidates will receive an email from someone they know such as their cousin, best friend, friend, ex-classmate, or uncle. I doubt, candidates will have to discuss serious issues and suggest effective solutions that concern the society or nation in Part 1. In short, for Part 1, the content may be mainly about personal issues or matters. Therefore, I believe it is good for lower intermediate candidates to be exposed to these seven options of written responses for Part 1:

1. To write a one-word response.

2. To rewrite the keywords in the question or task.

3. To assume to know the subject or topic mentioned in the question.

4. To apply ‘I Know’ Technique

5. To create a character or place

6. To respond appropriately to the situation given such as offering help, congratulating, and wishing ‘Happy Birthday'.

7. To express hope or wish (closure).

The six options above should permit the galus (gagal lulus) candidates to give their personal responses.  It is also hoped that the six options above are also applicable in other learning contexts. As we know, some galus or lower intermediate candidates may not have a clear idea what they can write in their email. The solution is simple – keep coaching them to write what they can and if possible, apply all the six options shared above. The three model essays below illustrate examples of sentences for each of the options.

Question 1

Hi Lina,

Great! (A) School holiday is next week! (B) Part-time job? You are asking the right person (C).

I suggest you apply to be a cashier. I know you love to count money (D). The job suits you because you have some experience (E). Besides, I know you worked as a part-time cashier last year (F). Lina, I suggest you work at Sinar Supermarket (G). My best friend, Ammar works there (H). I know Ammar likes you and you also like Ammar (I). Moreover, Sinar Supermarket also gives free lunch to its staff (J).

I hope my opinion helps you. Bye cashier!

Written responses by lower intermediate candidates can be made in these ways:

1. For introduction, candidates give a suitable one-word response such as Great! (A). Other related responses are Hooray! Awesome! Amazing!

2. For introduction too, candidates can rewrite the keywords in the questions such as sentence B above.

3. Candidates can always assume to know the subject or topic well by writing sentence C above.

4. Candidates can always apply ‘I Know Technique’ which refers to the recipient really knows the sender well such as knowing his/her charateristics, likes and dislikes, future plans, and family members. For examples, sentences D, E, F and I above.

5. Candidates can create a character like Ammar (H) and place like Sinar Supermarket (G).

Question 2

Hi Haris,

I am here to help you, Haris (A). How is your life in Lumut? Hope you are good. Yes, I remember your brother Haraz. I know Haraz well. He loves shopping (B). I think you can tell Haraz to give you RM50 or RM100 every month. You must save his money in a bank. You must advise him to think about his future.

Maybe you can ask Diana, Haraz’s girlfriend to talk to him why he must save money. I know Haraz fears his girlfriend (C). Yes, I think Haraz should get extra pocket money too. He can help your Uncle Din at his mini market in Tangkak (D). He can get a part-time job at the mini market.

That’s all. Hope Haraz can save money and buy his phone soon (E). Bye!

Written responses by lower intermediate candidates can be made in these ways:

1. For introduction, candidates may write a suitable sentence to offer help or show willingness to assist such in A. Other sentences can be something like, ‘Don’t worry, I will help you.” or “I will be happy to help you, Haris.”

2. Candidates can always assume to know the subject or topic well by writing sentence B above.

3. Candidates can be creative. They can always create a character, like Diana in sentence C above.

4. Candidates can be creative. They can always create a character, like Uncle Din in sentence D above.

5. Candidates can express hope or wish as illustrated in sentence E.

Question 3

Hi Dave,

Really? (A) Is Sarah’s birthday just around the corner? Don’t worry Dave, RM100 is a good budget.

What should we get her? (B) Well, I think we should buy a travel bag for Sarah. I am sure Sarah will love it because she loves to travel (C). Besides, I know she needs a new bag (D). Dave, I will be happy to go to Kenanga Mall with you (E). We can go there this Sunday. Meet me at 3.00 pm in front of Hassan Nasi Kandar (F) at the mall.

Let’s buy her a pink travel bag! Bye!

Donni

The written responses by lower intermediate candidates can be made in these ways:

1. For introduction, candidates may write a suitable one-word response such “Really?” in A. Other relevant responses could be ‘Cool’ and ‘Amazing’.

2. Candidates can rewrite the task given before they answer the question such as in sentence B above.

3. Candidates can apply ‘I Know’ Technique like in C and D above.

4. Candidates can be creative. They can always create places like in E and F.