UNLOCKING NARRATIVE POWER: ELEVATING SPM 1119/2 STORY WRITING WITH COMPLEX STRUCTURES

Writing complex sentence structures in narrative essays in SPM 1119/2 is crucial for enhancing depth, clarity, and sophistication. As far as I am concerned, complex sentences would allow SPM 1119/2 candidates to express multiple ideas within a single sentence, showing relationships such as cause and effect, contrast, or time. This not only improves the logical flow of the narrative but also helps convey nuanced emotions and motivations of characters. For ESL learners, mastering complex structures can elevate their writing from basic storytelling to more mature and engaging prose, making their narratives more compelling and reflective of higher-level thinking.

The impact of using complex sentences extends beyond stylistic improvement. Absolutely, it directly influences the reader’s experience. Well-crafted complex structures can build suspense, emphasise key moments, and guide readers through intricate plot developments. They also demonstrate a writer’s command of language, which is especially valuable in academic assessments like the SPM 1119/2 paper. Beyond doubt, accurate complex structures used in the story will enhance their language marks. Ultimately, incorporating complex sentences empowers students to write with greater precision and creativity, enriching both the content and quality of their stories.

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A quick revision for SPM 1119/2 candidates:

What is a complex sentence structure?

A complex structure (complex sentence) is a sentence that contains one main (independent) clause and at least one subordinate (dependent) clause that cannot stand alone.

In other words, it combines an idea that can stand by itself with an idea that depends on it for meaning.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions

Reason / Cause: because, since, as

Time: when, while, after, before, until

Contrast: although, even though, whereas

Condition: if, unless, provided that

Purpose / Result: so that, in order that

Relative clauses: who, which, that, whose

Some examples of complex sentence structures found in the story below:

1. Although her family struggled financially, she refused to abandon her aspiration.

   Subordinate clause (“Although her family struggled financially”) + main clause.

2. While others rested, she practised tirelessly in the dim light of their small wooden house.

   Subordinate time clause (“While others rested”) + main clause.

3. Because her family could not afford treatment, Dee worked part-time at a café to send money home.

   Subordinate reason clause (“Because her family could not afford treatment”) + main clause.

4. Even though life was unbearably demanding, she never allowed despair to conquer her spirit.

   Concessive clause (“Even though life was unbearably demanding”) + main clause.

5. Whenever she felt like giving up, she would close her eyes and recall her mother’s words.

   Subordinate conditional/time clause (“Whenever she felt like giving up”) + main clause.

Note: For enrichment, teachers may also ask the students to identify the cohesive devices and less common lexis used in the story above.

Cohesive devices:

yet, although, while, despite, nevertheless, because, even though, throughout, however, whenever, eventually, at that moment

Less common lexis:

renowned, perseverance, aspiration, ecstatic, ailing, conquer, obstacles, endurance, distinction, dazzling