SPM SAMPLE OF ESSAYS - DIRECTED WRITING

DIRECTED WRITING: 35 MARKS

DIRECTED: ARTICLE: Factual
You are concerned over the implications and long-term health effects of the haze. Write an
article to the local newspaper expressing your concern based on all the notes below.

the reasons behind the haze

role of government and society

steps that can be taken

give relevant examples of:

health complications

measures

roles of government and individuals

When writing the article you should remember:

-

to lay out the letter carefully

to use paragraphs

that you letter is to the press

Haze: A Danger to Health

The haze is a constant phenomenon faced by Malaysia and her neighbouring
countries. The haze is basically pollution of atmosphere, which is clogged with pollutants and
other substances from forest fires.
The haze is a direct effect of forest fire in Kalimantan and other parts of Indonesia
due to slash and burn method of farming. The Indonesian authorities appear to have no
power to control farmers from practising such methods. The haze is further worsened by
open burning practised by most Malaysians. Open-field burning of rice straw by the rice
planters and open burning of dried leaves and garbage done by the public are a few
examples that done by Malaysian. Many are ignorant of the health effects of open burning.
During the haze, hospitals and clinic often report a dramatic increase in respiratory
problems, lung infections and asthma attack. The Air Pollution Index (API) usually indicates

the hazardous and dangerous levels of pollution during this period. The haze has long-term
side effects. Prolonged inhalation of polluted air will result in serious lung infection which
particularly affects the elderly.
The government must play its role to reduce the haze treat. It has to cooperate with
the Indonesian authorities to stamp out forest fires. The culprits must be brought to justice,
either through healthy fine or prison sentence. Constant vigilance would ensure the
perpetrators do not repeat their offence.
The government should also raise the public awareness of the dangers of forest fire.
Continuous campaign of the cause, solutions and steps-need-to-be-taken to reduce the
haze need to be promoted through all types of social media like television, radio, newspaper
and even via internet. The authorities should also provide assistance to farmers and
introduce more sophisticated forest clearing methods.
In Malaysia, strict laws must be imposed to penalise those who practise open
burning. On-going campaigns on the dangers of open burning should be intensified.
Individuals too have a role to play. They must participate in every campaign and stop
burning. Students can advise their parents not to practice open burning.
Every individual has to remember that we do not own the world, but instead we lent it
from our future generations. We must protect our world so that our grandchildren woulh have
a healthy earth to live.

Ahmad Harun bin Hashim

Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

ARTICLE: Article for School Magazine / Newsletter

In spite of governments clear call to students to study English well, many students still show
very little interest in studying the language. As Chairperson of the English Language Society,
you are going to try to persuade the students to study the language by writing an article in
the school newsletter. In the article you have to tell the students the importance of studying
the language. Your article is given in the point form below:

will help you to further your studies

will help you to get a job

will help you in your job

will help you in your travels

will help you to enjoy many interesting programmes in television

will help you to appreciate many of the worlds most beautiful literary works

The Importance of Studying English

It is a big concerned for teenagers nowadays as they are unaware of the importance
of English language as they tend to ignore to learn the language. Students attitude towards
the language is also crucial to make sure that these teenagers can face the future world
better by learning English language as it is an international language.
Although the government has repeatedly told us of the importance of English, many
students are still not bothered about studying it seriously. There is also a campaign that still
on to make all the Malaysian becomes a better English learner, which is Enhance
Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, Strengthen the English. English is the most important and
the most useful language in the world today. There are many reasons why you should study
the language properly.
First and foremost, English will definitely help you a lot when you want to further
studies. Almost all books at university are written in English in all subjects. Plus, it is a
compulsory for any candidate to pass English with credit before entering any universities.
So, if you are poor in English, you will blow you chance for better education or worse, you
are going to have a big problem studying at university.
The second reason why you have to study English well is that it will help you to get a
job. When you go for a job interview, the interviewer will surely talk to you in English. The

first impression you should give in order to success and have the job is, to respond in
English fluently. Your chances of getting the job are very slim if you stutter while interviewing.
A good command in of English will also help you greatly in your job. If the company
you work is actively involved in international trade, you have to speak to prospective
customers in English. Miscommunication might occur if your English is bad. And this will put
your company at risk and you will likely be dismissed if this happen.
Good English will also help you a lot when you travel. Every country in the world
studies English. Even the roadside stall-holders in China speak fairly good English! At least
some of the people you meet on your travels in other countries can understand English. The
language is certainly practical when you are lost in your trip. Communication problem will not
happen if you can converse well in English. Inevitably, English is one of the languages used
in any airport in the world in making announcement. Knowing English well, therefore, make
travelling overseas easier.
Besides all these, entertainment is one of the major advantages you will experience if
you good in English. You will enjoy televisions best programmes. We must admit that many
of the best programmes are produced by the Americans and British companies. High self
confidence influenced by the programmes will indirect inculcate in yourself when you are
fluent in the language. Quality time is worthily spent if you understand and enjoy the
programmes.
Based from all the above elaboration, I hope that students will see the importance
and realise how importance the language is for their own future. Although it is a second
language in our country, it is now a main language all over the world.