First Writing Exercise:

Choose 3 TOPICS and write an OPENING PARAGRAPH for each topic. Your introductory paragraph
must have a strong THESIS STATEMENT with 3 Topic Sentences.

1. Keeping pets is a waste of time and money. What do you think? Discuss the pros and cons.
( SUEC - 2015 )

2. Crime rates are increasing all the time resulting in great worry, fear and insecurity. Discuss
the main causes for this alarming trend. ( SUEC - 2015 )

3. The current cost of living is very high. In your opinion, what are the ways for families to
reduce their monthly expenditure in order to stretch their ringgit. ( SUEC – 2018 )

4. More and more young people are using credit cards to settle their bills. Discuss the
advantages and disadvantages of using credit cards. ( SUEC – 2017 )

5. Should students pursue further studies locally or abroad? What are your views? ( SUEC –
2019 )

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

1. Keeping pets is a waste of time and money. What do you think? Discuss the pros and cons. ( SUEC
- 2015 )

Many families around the world, especially where there are children, have a
pet. In recent times, keeping pets has become a norm for childless couples, and
anyone who loves animals. Common pets include cats and dogs, but there are also
people who favour rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, birds (such as budgies)
and goldfish. These pets are acquired from pet shops and even rescue shelters.
Although pet keeping seems to be a norm among many, there are people who view
this as a waste of time and money. In my view, pet keeping involves both pros and
cons. Pets may provide companionship and positively affect the owner’s health,
but pet ownership also involves cost and great responsibility.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. Crime rates are increasing all the time resulting in great worry, fear and insecurity. Discuss the
main causes for this alarming trend. ( SUEC - 2015 )

Crime rates in many parts of the world is growing at an astronomical rate. In

Malaysia particularly, we hear about crimes involving drugs, thefts, kidnapping and
even murder almost on a daily basis. The increase in crime rates result in anxiety,
distress and uncertainty is safety among the public. As such, the authorities must
take swift actions to reduce the number of crimes. However, to so, the main causes
for the increase in crime rates must first be identified. As I see it, poverty, poor
family system and lack of enforcement are some of the main causes for crime
rates to escalate.
3. The current cost of living is very high. In your opinion, what are the ways for families to reduce
their monthly expenditure in order to stretch their ringgit. ( SUEC – 2018 )

Many Malaysians in these trying times are struggling to make ends meet and many
do not have much savings for rainy days and even their retirement years. This
phenomenon can be attributed to the current high cost of living. The increase in
process of essential items such as food, housing, healthcare and tertiary education
as well as a weak ringgit have created the high cost of living we are facing.
Nevertheless, lives have to be continued and savings must be made. In my opinion,
creating a monthly budget, cutting down unnecessary expenditures and
making smart choices when spending our hard-earned money are some of the
ways families can reduce their monthly expenditure to stretch their ringgit.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. More and more young people are using credit cards to settle their bills. Discuss the advantages
and disadvantages of using credit cards. ( SUEC – 2017 )

A credit card is a thin rectangular slab of plastic or metal issued by a financial

company that lets cardholders borrow funds to pay for goods and services. The
cardholders then, pay back the borrowed money, plus interest, as well as any
additional agreed-upon charges within a certain time period. Credit cards are very
popular among young people as they bring numerous benefits but in fact, they are
like weapons – dangerous in the wrong hands. Credit cards allow users great
convenience and offers cash back and other reward programs but if used
unwisely, consumers may fall into unspeakable debts, creating poor credit
ratings along the way and eventually cause financial ruin.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

5. Should students pursue further studies locally or abroad? What are your views? ( SUEC – 2019 )

Pursuing your studies after secondary school is of utmost importance. A higher

education allows you to pursue a career that interests and inspires you. When you
have the freedom to choose your career, you’re more likely to enjoy it. Higher job
satisfaction also comes from higher income, better employment benefits, and more
advancement opportunities. In Malaysia, secondary school students have the
options of either pursuing their studies locally or abroad. As far as I am concerned,
students should opt to go abroad if the opportunity arises. Furthering your studies
abroad enables you to see the world, experience different education styles and
return to wider career opportunities.
 USEFUL EXPRESSIONS TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION
 
In my opinion, ...                                    In my eyes, ...
To my mind, ...                                      As far as I am concerned, ...                   Speaking personally, ...
From my point of view, ...                        As for me / As to me, ...
My view / opinion / belief / impression / conviction is that ...                                   I hold the view that ...
I would say that ...                                 It seems to me that ...                            I am of the opinion that ...
My impression is that ...                         I am under the impression that ...            It is my impression that ...
I have the feeling that ...                          My own feeling on the subject is that ...
I have no doubt that ...                            I am sure / I am certain that ...                
I think / consider / find / feel / believe / suppose / presume / assume that ...
I hold the opinion that ...                         (I form / adopt an opinion.)                      I dare say that ...
I guess that ...                                       I bet that ....                                          I gather that ...
It goes without saying that ...