WRITING EXTENDED ESSAY (QUESTION 2)

(Part 1- Writing the introduction)

Instruction to students:
Before you do these exercises, please read page 183-190 in your reference book (Success in MUET by Dr
Hooi Carol & Roslina Abdul Latiff) from the subtopic, Introducing Paragraphs to Writing Thesis
Statement.

INTRODUCTION

2. Make your reader know

1. Grab your reader's attention by using 3. Give your reader a clear
one of these hooks: your stand (S) in the issue
i.e. agree, disagree or picture of what the whole essay
 Facts/ Definition/ Data/ Statistics partially agree with the topic is about using a thesis
 Questions or motion. statement (TS).
 An anecdote (Story)
 Examples
 Contrast (Opposite situation)
 Projection (Imagining future)
 Quotation/ Saying

Exercise 1- Writing Introduction

Snatch thefts are becoming more rampant in Malaysia. Many people have been robbed and severely
injured in these incidents. Can the public take their own steps to avoid becoming victims of snatch
thefts?

Write an essay expressing your opinion on the statement. Write at least 250 words.

Can you identify the common hook used in the introductions below?

(a) HOOK: ________________

Recent crime statistics as published in the New Straits Times dated on 2 November
2020 revealed that more than 95% of snatch theft victims were women who have had
their handbags and jewellery snatched. They have also revealed that most of the victims
were seriously injured in these incidents. The number of snatch thefts in the country is
increasing alarmingly and many innocent people have lost cash, valuables and some, even
their lives!

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(b) HOOK: ________________

What can we do to prevent snatch thefts in Malaysia? Do we have to lie down and play
the victims every time somebody decides to take what belongs to us? Do we only start
to take drastic actions when the crime happens to us or our loved ones? The number of
snatch thefts in the country is increasing alarmingly and many innocent people have lost
cash, valuables and some, even their lives! We have to act now and take the necessary
steps to avoid becoming victims ourselves.

(c) HOOK: ________________

We often hear people say, “It is better to be safe than sorry”. Though this may sound
like a cliché to some, there is much wisdom in these simple words of advice. The number
of snatch thefts in the country is increasing alarmingly and many innocent people have
lost cash, valuables and some, even their lives. By taking necessary measures and simple
precautions, it is possible to avoid becoming the next snatch theft victim.

Exercise 2- Writing Thesis Statement

Write thesis statements for the following essay questions based on the stand given. When you are done,
compare your answers with the samples of answer given.

(a) The number of road accidents is increasing in our country every year. Human errors is said to be
one of the leading causes of road accidents.

Write an essay expressing your opinion on the statement. Write at least 250 words.

Stand: Agree

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(b) “Tolerance is the most crucial factor in the unity of a multiracial country”.

Write an essay expressing your opinion on the statement. Write at least 250 words.

Stand: Agree

(c) Young people nowadays face a lot more problems than their parents ever did.

Write an essay expressing your opinion on the statement. Write at least 250 words.

Stand: Agree

(d) “Academic qualifications determine a successful career”.

Write an essay expressing your opinion on the statement. Write at least 250 words.

Stand: Partially agree

(e) The public should be encouraged to use public transportation more.

Write an essay expressing your opinion on the statement. Write at least 250 words.

Stand: Agree

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(f) “An early marriage is a recipe for disaster”.

Write an essay expressing your opinion on the statement. Write at least 250 words.

Stand: Agree

(g) Social networking sites have had huge negative impacts on both individuals and society.

Write an essay expressing your opinion on the statement. Write at least 250 words.

Stand: Disagree