SAME PROMPT, DIFFERENT PATHS: A JOURNEY THROUGH SPM 1119/2 STORYTELLING

When SPM 1119/2 students read and compare three different stories based on the same exam question, they gain valuable insight into the diverse ways a single prompt can be interpreted. They may also evaluate whether each story has successfully fulfilled all the tasks. No doubt, each story may approach the theme, characters, or setting differently, showcasing a range of creativity and narrative techniques. This exposure helps students understand that there is no one “correct” way to respond to a question, encouraging them to explore their own voice and style while remaining within the question’s expectations.

Through deep discussion, students begin to notice how language choices, sentence structures, and cohesive devices affect the flow and impact of a story. They can analyse how each writer builds tension, develops characters, or uses descriptive language to evoke emotion. These comparisons sharpen their critical thinking and help them identify effective storytelling strategies that they can apply in their own writing.

Moreover, this process fosters collaborative learning. As students share perspectives and critique each story’s strengths and weaknesses, they build confidence in expressing ideas and evaluating narratives. They learn to appreciate the importance of clarity, coherence, and originality; key elements that examiners look for in SPM 1119/2 essays. Ultimately, reading and discussing multiple stories cultivates a deeper understanding of narrative writing and empowers students to write with greater purpose and precision.

Image credit to https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/diverge-roads.html

Teachers may assign these tasks to the students (individual, pair or group work):

1.      Read Story 1 and Story 2. Which storyline is better? Why?

2.      Among the three stories, which one fulfils every task accurately/clearly? Why?

3.      Which one has an interesting introduction? Explain.

4.      Which story answers the question the best? Why?

5.      Study Story 1 and highlight its cohesive devices.

6.      Study Story 2 and underline its complex structures.

7.      Study Story 3 and list down its less common lexis.

8.      Which story is your most favourite? Justify your preference.

9.      Which story needs improvements? Explain your views.

10.   Which part of the story that you would like to change? Explain.

11.   What new idea or character you think should be added? Explain.

QUESTION

Write a 250-word story which begins with, "All her family members were stunned and all eyes were glued to Lisa. "

In the story describe:

·        an unexpected incident that happened to Lisa

·        how Lisa revealed the truth to her family members

STORY 1:

All her family members were stunned and all eyes were glued to Lisa. No one had expected her to walk through the front door that evening, drenched from the rain and trembling with shock. Only that morning, the police had informed them that Lisa’s car was found wrecked near the old bridge; they had assumed the worst.

Although her mother gasped in disbelief, Lisa managed to whisper, “I’m alive, but you all deserve to know the truth.” Her voice quivered as she began to recount the harrowing events of the past two days. While driving to work, she had swerved to avoid a stray dog and plunged into the river. Fortunately, a fisherman had rescued her before the car sank completely. Since her phone was destroyed, she had no way to contact anyone, and she had stayed at the fisherman’s cottage until she regained her strength.

As she spoke, her father clenched his fists, torn between relief and anger. Lisa continued bravely, explaining that she had been too afraid to face them earlier because she had been driving without a valid license. The confession silenced the room once more.

Nevertheless, her mother wrapped her in a tight embrace, tears streaming down her cheeks. The family realized that Lisa’s honesty mattered far more than her mistake. From that night onward, she promised to be more responsible, knowing how fragile life could be. Indeed, the truth had not only shocked them but also reunited their hearts once again.

Notes for teachers:

1.      Cohesive devices (10): although, since, while, fortunately, as, nevertheless, because, although, before, indeed

2.      Less common lexis (6): drenched, harrowing, plunged, silenced, trembling, rescued

3.      Complex structures (5): highlighted in the story (e.g., “Although her mother gasped in disbelief…,” “Since her phone was destroyed…,” “While driving to work…,” “Because she had been driving without a valid license…,” “Knowing how fragile life could be…”)

STORY 2:

All her family members were stunned and all eyes were glued to Lisa. Her hands were shaking as she placed the gleaming trophy on the dining table. For months, they had believed she was studying abroad yet here she was, standing in front of them, a national singing champion.

Earlier that year, Lisa had secretly and unexpectedly joined a televised singing competition, concealing her participation because her father disapproved of performing arts. Although she had faced numerous obstacles, including sleepless nights and financial struggles, she had persevered. Whenever she felt like giving up, she reminded herself that passion was worth pursuing, even if it meant taking risks.

When her name was announced as the winner the previous night, Lisa was overwhelmed with disbelief. Since she could not bear hiding the truth any longer, she booked the earliest flight home. Now, facing her family’s bewildered expressions, she took a deep breath and revealed everything; the auditions, the rejections, the nights she had sung in cafés to afford travel expenses.

For a moment, silence enveloped the room. Her father’s stern face softened as he realised how determined she had been. While he had always valued practicality, he finally understood the power of dreams.

Nevertheless, tears of pride welled in her mother’s eyes as she whispered, “You did what you love.” Lisa smiled, her heart swelling with relief and gratitude. Indeed, the truth she revealed that night not only surprised them but also brought them closer than ever before.

Notes for teachers:

1.      Cohesive devices (10): although, yet, because, including, whenever, even if, when, since, while, nevertheless

2.      Less common lexis (6): gleaming, disapproved, persevered, bewildered, enveloped, gratitude

3.      Complex structures (5):

3.1   Although she had faced numerous obstacles, she had persevered.

3.2   Whenever she felt like giving up, she reminded herself that passion was worth pursuing.

3.3   Since she could not bear hiding the truth any longer, she booked the earliest flight home.

3.4   While he had always valued practicality, he finally understood the power of dreams.

3.5   Even if it meant taking risks, she believed it was worthwhile.

STORY 3:

All her family members were stunned and all eyes were glued to Lisa. She stood at the doorway, her face pale yet composed, clutching an envelope tightly in her trembling hands. For weeks, she had been acting strangely, avoiding questions and staying out late. No one knew the secret she had been hiding until that evening.

Although her parents had assumed she was preparing for her university exams, Lisa had actually been working part-time at a local hospital. Since her younger brother’s surgery bills had been piling up, she felt responsible for easing her family’s burden. While exhaustion often overwhelmed her, she endured it silently, determined to contribute whatever she could.

Taking a deep breath, Lisa placed the envelope on the table and said softly, “This is my salary. I’ve been working at the hospital after school.” Her mother gasped, and her father’s eyes widened in disbelief. Because she had concealed the truth for so long, she feared their disappointment. Yet, instead of anger, her parents’ faces filled with admiration.

Nevertheless, tears rolled down her mother’s cheeks as she hugged Lisa tightly, whispering words of gratitude. Her father, usually stern, smiled for the first time in weeks, proud of her sacrifice and resilience.

That night, the family shared a quiet dinner, their hearts filled with newfound warmth and unity. Indeed, Lisa’s revelation not only astonished them but also reminded everyone what true love and devotion meant.

Notes for teachers:

1.      Cohesive devices (10): although, until, since, while, because, yet, instead, nevertheless, for, indeed

2.      Less common lexis (6): composed, burden, endured, concealed, admiration, resilience

3.      Complex structures (5):

3.1  Although her parents had assumed she was preparing for her university exams, Lisa had actually been working part-time.

3.2  Since her younger brother’s surgery bills had been piling up, she felt responsible for easing her family’s burden.

3.3  While exhaustion often overwhelmed her, she endured it silently.

3.4  Because she had concealed the truth for so long, she feared their disappointment.

3.5  Instead of anger, her parents’ faces filled with admiration.