Unlocking Article Purposes: From Confusion to Clarity

Many SPM 1119/2 candidates often approach article writing with uncertainty because they have little or no idea about the different purpose of each task in an article. Instead of recognising that an article can be written to inform, persuade, advise, explain, or even entertain, many pupils simply see it as another essay task. This lack of awareness leads to vague introductions, weak arguments, and conclusions that fail to leave an impact. Without clarity on purpose, their writing lacks direction, and examiners can easily detect the absence of focus and audience awareness.

To address this issue, teachers must explicitly teach the purpose of article writing and provide guided practice that highlights each purpose. Perhaps, teachers can design classroom activities where pupils identify the purpose of each task. By consistently reinforcing these purposes and linking them to exam expectations, teachers can help candidates develop confidence, clarity, and precision in their article writing.

An article in the SPM 1119/2 is usually written for a school magazine, newsletter, or newspaper. Its purposes may include:

• To inform: Provide readers with facts, explanations, or updates about a topic.

• To explain: Clarify issues, processes, or ideas so readers understand better.

• To persuade: Convince readers to adopt a viewpoint, change behaviour, or support a cause.

• To entertain: Engage readers with interesting, lively, or creative content.

• To advise: Offer suggestions, tips, or guidance on a matter.

Here are five SPM 1119/2 standard article questions, each designed with tasks that reflect a specific purpose of writing. It is essential for candidates to recognise these purposes, as they guide the tone, organisation, and language of their responses. Without this awareness, pupils often produce unfocused articles that fail to meet exam requirements.

Teachers play a crucial role in addressing this gap. They can assign tasks that require pupils to identify the purpose of each question, either individually, in pairs, or in small groups, depending on learners’ readiness and ability. This purposeful practice does not only strengthen pupils’ understanding of article writing but also builds confidence in tailoring their content to suit the examination’s expectations.

PRACTICE 1

You saw the notice below on the school notice board.

Articles Wanted! Artificial Intelligence in Pupils’ Life

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of our daily lives, from education to entertainment. We would like to hear your views about AI.

Your article should include:

• examples of how AI is used in pupils’ life (Purpose: To inform readers with facts or realities)

• the advantages and disadvantages of AI in education (Purpose: To explain ideas so readers understand better)

• your opinion on whether AI should be widely used in education (Purpose: To persuade readers to adopt a viewpoint or convince readers to support a stand)

The best article will receive an attractive prize! Write your article in 200–250 words.

PRACTICE 2

You saw the notice below on the school notice board.

Articles Wanted! Leading a Sustainable Lifestyle: A Great Choice

Sustainability is about making choices that protect the environment and ensure a better future. We would like to hear your ideas about living sustainably.

Your article should include:

• examples of sustainable practices teenagers can adopt (Purpose: To provide readers with information or real practices)

• the benefits of leading a sustainable lifestyle (Purpose: To explain ideas so readers understand better or to convince readers to practise sustainable lifestyle)

• suggestions on how teenagers can contribute to sustainability (Purpose: To offer advice or recommendations or to convince pupils can also play their roles to practise sustainable lifestyle)

The best article will receive an attractive prize! Write your article in 200–250 words.

PRACTICE 3

You saw the notice below on the school notice board.

Articles Wanted! Character Building

Family plays an important role in shaping who we are. We would like to hear your thoughts about building a person’s character.

Your article should include:

• examples of values taught at home (Purpose: To provide readers with information or relevant details)

• the importance of family in shaping character (Purpose: To persuade readers to adopt a viewpoint or convince readers to support a stand on the importance of family in shaping character)

• ways children can further develop their character (Purpose: To suggest practical ways and explain each way so readers understand better)

The best article will receive an attractive prize! Write your article in 200–250 words.

PRACTICE 4

You saw the notice below on the school notice board.

Articles Wanted! Mental Health Issues among Teenagers

Teenagers today face many challenges that affect their mental health. We would like to hear your views about this important issue.

Your article should include:

• common mental health issues faced by teenagers (Purpose: To provide readers with information or relevant details)

• the effects of the mental health issues (Purpose: To explain to and convince readers that mental health issues do affect teenagers)

• suggestions on how teenagers can seek support (Purpose: To suggest or recommend practical ways and explain each way so readers understand better)

The best article will receive an attractive prize!

Write your article in 200–250 words.

PRACTICE 5

You saw the notice below on the school notice board.

Articles Wanted! The Importance of Knowing about Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is an essential skill for young people today. We would like to hear your ideas about why it matters.

Your article should include:

• examples of financial skills pupils should learn (Purpose: To provide readers with real life examples, information or relevant details)

• the importance of financial literacy in daily life (Purpose: To explain to and convince readers that financial literacy is important)

• advice on how teenagers can improve their financial knowledge (Purpose: To offer advice or practical ways for teenagers to improve their financial knowledge. The purpose can also be to persuade or convince teenagers that there are ways to improve their financial knowledge)

The best article will receive an attractive prize! Write your article in 200–250 words.

In the next write-up, I will focus on the useful phrases, words, and sentences that ESL learners can confidently use when they want to inform or explain in an article for the SPM 1119/2. I will also share sample sentences which highlight tone that shifts from informing to persuading.