PEER POWER IN ACTION: SHARPENING PART 2 WRITING SKILLS THROUGH COLLABORATIVE CRITICAL ESSAY ANALYSIS

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No doubt, at certain times or learning stage, students must work on their own. However, teachers cannot deny the fact that students also enjoy working with their friends in class. What kind of practical peer-learning and collaborative activities that SPM 1119/2 candidates can do when examining and analysing model essays critically together? Here are some suggestions:

1. Essay Dissection Circles

   Students work in groups to dissect a model essay paragraph by paragraph, identifying topic sentences, supporting details, less common lexis and straightforward ideas.

   
   

2. Complex Structure Hunt Challenge

   Students work in pairs to search for complex sentence structures found in the model essays. They should be able to highlight the main and subordinate ideas in each complex sentence collaboratively.

   
   

3. Criteria-Based Scoring

   Groups use the SPM marking rubric to evaluate a model essay. They justify their band decisions and compare interpretations with peers.

   
   

4. Cohesive Device Mapping

   Students highlight all linking words and cohesive devices in different colours, discussing how each improves flow and coherence.

   
   

5. Details Reconstruction Race

   Teams race to suggest other relevant details or supporting sentences to elaborate the main idea. They should present their new additional details to others to be assessed in term of their relevance.

   
   

6. Language Enhancement Workshop

   Groups identify basic or everyday vocabulary in the essay and suggest suitable less common lexis to replace the basic or everyday vocabulary. Students may also refer to any artificial intelligence tool such as ChatGPT and Gemini AI for assistance.

   
   

7. Mind Mapping

   Students produce a mind map for each essay. The mind map should contain the keywords of the ideas. This activity will allow the students to see and understand clearly how each main idea or topic sentence is supported well by a list of details or supporting sentences.

   
   

8. Introduction and Conclusion Post-Mortem

   Students examine the introductory paragraph in terms of ideas, words used and length. They analyse how the introduction can be written in about 30 words. Similarly, the students also examine critically, the ideas, words used and length in the conclusion. Teachers should encourage the students to share their findings.

PART 2 Model Essays

ESSAY 1

Discussion topic: Wildlife and habitat destruction

Writing tasks:

Task 1: Common causes of wildlife habitat destruction

Task 2: Effects of wildlife habitat destruction

Task 3: Ways to protect wildlife's habitat for future generations

                             Forests are getting smaller and smaller in the name of development and progress. Absolutely, this has affected wildlife. In my eyes, wildlife habitat destruction has become an alarming global issue.

                            There are some common causes of wildlife habitat destruction. Personally, it is primarily caused by reckless human activities and unsustainable development that threaten ecological balance. Additionally, deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban expansion also cause the loss of habitat.

                            Beyond doubt, the destruction of wildlife habitat has devastating effects. As habitats disappear, many species face extinction, disrupting food chains and biodiversity. Moreover, when natural ecosystems collapse, humans also suffer from climate imbalance, soil erosion, and loss of natural resources that support survival.

                           Indeed, there are ways to protect wildlife habitats for future generations. From my perspective, collective efforts are indispensable. Governments should enforce stringent environmental laws, while communities must engage in sustainable practices such as reforestation and waste reduction. Education and conservation programmes can also foster environmental stewardship among youth.

                         In conclusion, preserving wildlife habitats is imperative to ensure ecological stability and safeguard the planet for future generations.

ESSAY 2

Discussion topic: Spending habits among teenagers

Writing tasks:

Task 1: What do teenagers normally spend their money on?

Task 2: How can teenagers be smarter in spending their money?

Task 3: What are the ways to raise awareness about good spending habits among teenagers?

                             In today’s materialistic world, some teenagers spend money impulsively without realising the importance of financial responsibility and long-term stability.

                             Teenagers usually spend their money on a few things. Many spend on fashionable clothes, electronic gadgets, and fast food. Moreover, peer influence often encourages them to purchase trendy items, such as latest model of smart phones, merely to fit in.

                             Definitely, teenagers can be smarter in spending their money. To be smarter in spending, teenagers should learn to prioritise their needs over wants. They could, for instance, create a monthly budget and track their expenses carefully. Additionally, saving a small portion of their allowance regularly can cultivate financial discipline and self-control.

                           Raising awareness about good spending habits requires collaboration between schools, parents, and communities. Educational campaigns, workshops, and online financial literacy programmes can effectively teach teenagers about the value of money and responsible consumption.

                            In conclusion, developing wise spending habits among teenagers is essential to prepare them for a secure and sustainable financial future.

ESSAY 3

Discussion topic: The Value of Lifelong Learning

Writing tasks:

Task 1: What does lifelong learning mean to you

Task 2: Why is lifelong learning important to people?

Task 3: What are the ways to encourage lifelong learning among people?

                               In my eyes, lifelong learning refers to the continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one’s life, beyond formal education and academic boundaries.

                               To me, lifelong learning means being intellectually curious and open to acquiring new knowledge and skills even after completing formal schooling. Furthermore, it encourages self-improvement, adaptability, and personal fulfilment, which are crucial in today’s ever-changing world. In essence, it allows individuals to remain relevant and capable in various aspects of life.

                              Lifelong learning is important because it enhances employability and innovation. As technology evolves rapidly, those who constantly upgrade their knowledge can thrive professionally. Moreover, continuous learning enriches one’s perspective, promotes confidence, and strengthens social interaction, especially among diverse communities.

                               To encourage lifelong learning, I believe societies must foster accessible educational opportunities. For instance, online courses, community workshops, and skill-based programmes can motivate people to learn consistently. In addition, employers should provide training incentives to nurture a culture of growth.

                             In conclusion, embracing lifelong learning empowers individuals to adapt, progress, and contribute meaningfully to an ever-evolving global society.