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Course Participant’s Module: Writing

MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA


(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

TASKS FOR

COURSE PARTICIPANTS 1

MUET 800/4 PAGE 1


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

Content Page
WRITING 1

1. GET IT RIGHT! 2

2. CHECK IT OUT! 3

3. DOs and DON’Ts 4–5

4. LINES GALORE 6–7

5. WHAT’S IN TREND? 8 – 11

6. DATA MATTER 12 – 14

7. WORDS, WORDS and MORE WORDS 15 – 17

8. STEP BY STEP 18 – 19

9. IT’S ALL UP TO YOU! 20 – 23

WRITING 2

1. WHAT IS WRITING TO YOU? 25 – 26

2. MIND YOUR LANGUAGE 27

3. BRING OUT THOSE IDEAS 28 – 29

4. HELLO… 30

5. SO WHERE IS IT GOING TO BE? 31

6. PUTTING IT TOGETHER 32 – 33

7. WRITE RIGHT! 34 – 36
Writing a Complete Essay

MUET 800/4 PAGE 2


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

GET IT RIGHT!

MUET Writing Overview

Task 1

Task Sheet 1

Answer the following questions by choosing the correct answer A, B or C.

1. The MUET 800/4 Academic Writing has

A one part
B two parts
C three parts

2. Candidates must write …

A one long response


B two short responses
C one long and one short response

3. How much time do candidates have for Writing Task 1?

A 40 minutes
B 60 minutes
C 90 minutes

4. How much time do candidates have for Writing Task 2?

A 20 minutes
B 40 minutes
C 50 minutes

5. Which of the following is true?

A Question 1 carries more marks than Question 2.


B Question 2 carries more marks than Question 1.
C The two questions are scored equally.

MUET 800/4 PAGE 3


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

CHECK IT OUT!

MUET Writing Overview

Task 2

Task Sheet 2

Look at the following list and decide whether they might appear in Question 1 or Question 2.
Tick the right column.

Question 1 Question 2

A A pie chart

B An opinion

C A current issue

D A point of view

E A graph

F A table

A significant event in
G
history

H A diagram of a machine

I A global phenomenon

J An illustration of a process

DOs and DON’Ts

Task Sheet 3

MUET 800/4 PAGE 4


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

Complete the table using the phrases provided.

(NB: You may use any of the phrases more than once.)

DOs DON'Ts

Question 1

Question 2

Question 1 &

Question 2

Suggested Phrases

MUET 800/4 PAGE 5


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

• Write a separate introduction and • Plan your answer.


conclusion. • Stop and plan your ideas.
• Support your ideas and claims. • Use irrelevant information.
• Copy words and phrases directly from • Write clearly.
the question paper. • Stop writing after 20 minutes.
• Learn essays by heart. • Write in an academic style.
• Stop to select and organise information. • Compare and contrast the information.
• Leave time at the end to check. • Write an introductory and summarising
• Discuss only one side of the topic. statement.
• Describe the information. • Repeat ideas and vocabulary.
• Copy information inaccurately.
• Write in note form or bullet points. • Leave out important data.

• Describe only part of the information.

LINES GALORE

Task Sheet 4
MUET 800/4 PAGE 6
Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

4.1 Look at the following graph and put one of the numbers next to the given word below:

( ) a trough ( ) a gradual fall

( ) erratic movements ( ) a plateau

( ) a gradual rise ( ) to take a plunge

( ) level off ( ) a steady increase

( ) a dramatic fall ( ) leap upwards

( ) fluctuations ( ) a decline

( ) reach a peak ( ) slump

( ) a sharp recovery

4.2 Represent the following verbs below in individual line graphs.

to stagnate to bottom out

MUET 800/4 PAGE 7


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

to surge to crash

to tumble to soar

to top out to plunge

to slump to plummet

4.3 Adjectives and adverbs can be used to describe the degree of change.
Complete the table with the correct adverbs.

1. A dramatic fall to fall dramatically

2. An abrupt rise to rise ………………………………………….


3. A sudden decline to decline ……………………………………...
4. A moderate growth to grow ………………………………………..
5. A slight increase to increase …………………………………….
6. A rapid drop to drop ………………………………………...
7. A gradual decline to decline ……………………………………...
8. A steady recovery to recover ……………………………………..
9. Erratic sales to sell …………………………………………
10. A unexpected levelling off to level off ………………...………………….

WHAT’S IN TREND
Task Sheet 5

5.1 Describing graphs

MUET 800/4 PAGE 8


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

In the table that follows, there are nine line graphs (A-I) illustrating trends or developments in the
column on the left. Opposite each graph, you have four statements which describe the trend or
development. In each case decide which statement is correct. There may be more than one
answer for each illustration.

i. The trend in number of patients was


A
upward.
ii. The number of patients fluctuated
slightly.
iii. There were considerable
fluctuations in the number of patients.
iv. There were fluctuations in the number
of patients.

B i. The number of patients fell


dramatically.
ii. The number of patient numbers fell.
iii. The number of patients fell steadily.
iv. There was a dramatic drop in the
number of patients.

C i. The trend in the number of patients


was upward.
ii. The number of patients fluctuated
wildly.
iii. There was a downward trend in the
number of patients.
iv. The number of patients was erratic.

D i. The trend in the number of patients


was downward.
ii. The number of patients fluctuated
slightly.
iii. There were wild fluctuations in the
number of patients.
iv. There were fluctuations in the number
of patients.

i. The trend in the number of patients was


E
upward.
ii. The number of patients hit a peak.
MUET 800/4 PAGE 9
Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

iii. There was a peak in the number of


patients.
iv. There was a slight dip in the number of
patients.

F i. The trend in the number of patients was


flat.
ii. The number of patients rose.
iii. The number of patients rocketed.
iv. There was a steep rise in the number of
patients.

G i. The number of patients soared.


ii. The number of patients rocketed.
iii. There was a steep rise in the number of
patients.
iv. There was a gradual rise in the number of
patients.

H i. There was a steady fall in the number of


patients.
ii. The number of patients fluctuated.
iii. The number of patients plunged.
iv. The trend was flat.

I i. There was a slight dip in the number of


patients.
ii. The trend in the number of patients was
upward.
iii. The number of patients dipped.
iv. The number of patients reached a peak.

MORE VERBS OF CHANGE

Task Sheet 5.2

Matching Task
MUET 800/4 PAGE 10
Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

Match the following descriptions with the graphs that follow.


I. Sales bounced back.
II. Prices climbed.
III. Sales fluctuated.
IV. Sales dipped.
V. Sales peaked.
VI. Prices crashed.
VII. Prices levelled off.
VIII. Inflation soared.

1 ______________________________________

2 ______________________________________

3 ______________________________________

4 ______________________________________

5 ______________________________________

6 ______________________________________

7 ______________________________________

Task 5.3

For each item below, choose the most appropriate option to complete the statement.

MUET 800/4 PAGE 11


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

1. Car production shows a slight decline.

a slight increase.

a dramatic decline.

a dramatic increase.

2. Production slumped and then reached a peak.

reached a peak and then fell rapidly.

reached a peak rapidly and then fell.

reached a peak and then dropped.

3. Costs of production rose steadily and then stabilised.

held substantially and then stabilised.

rose substantially and then held steady.

held steady and then rose substantially

4. Coffee sales have increased slightly.

decreased slightly.

increased dramatically.

decreased dramatically.

DATA MATTER
Task Sheet 6

Task 6.1
MUET 800/4 PAGE 12
Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

The bar chart below shows the results of a questionnaire to find why native and non-native
speakers of English at a university in Australia learn languages. The questionnaire was given to
2000 students.

You need to develop your speed in using language and finding information from a graph, chart or
diagram. Write down the answers to the questions below about the bar chart as quickly as you
can. Remember to write the information accurately.

MUET 800/4 PAGE 13


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

1. What does the bar chart show? __________________________

2. How many students participated in the survey? __________________________

3. Where were the students from? __________________________

4. Which of the two groups was more positive

about language learning? __________________________

5. Which is the most frequently given reason by both

groups for learning languages? __________________________

6. What percentage of native speakers

found language learning useful for work? __________________________

7. What percentage of second language speakers

found language learning useful for work? __________________________

8. Why do most native speakers learn a language? __________________________

9. Which reason for learning languages is the least cited

among native speakers? __________________________

Task 6.2
Based on Task 1 write sentences for each piece of information elicited from the chart.

Examples:
1. The bar chart shows the results of a survey.
2. Two thousand students took part in the survey.
3. The students were from a university in Australia.

Use the sentences to help you write a continuous text.


Example:
The bar chart shows the results of a survey on the reasons for learning languages among 2,000
native and non-native speakers of English at a university in Australia.

MUET 800/4 PAGE 14


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

______________________________________________________________________________
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WORDS, WORDS and MORE WORDS

Task 7

Read and understand the information in the table below and attempt the exercises below.

MUET 800/4 PAGE 15


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

Hours spent on activities by different age groups in Someland


Activity Teens 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s +
Age
Watching 1,200 700 400 500 600 700 1,100
TV/videos
Socialising with 150 150 300 250 250 200 200
4 or less people
Socialising with 350 350 50 50 25 25 25
4 or more people
Doing individual 150 100 200 200 50 75 150
exercise
Doing group 450 350 200 150 50 0 0
exercise/spot
Watching movies in 100 75 50 25 25 50 75
cinemas

7.1 Partially Jumbled Texts

In the model answer below, seven (7) parts of the text have been jumbled. Put the words in the
right order and write them out in the blanks provided below.

The table shows how (1) different groups people age in spend their leisure time in
Someland over the course of a year. It can be clearly seen that the (2) amount available of varies
leisure time considerably across the age groups and that (3) levels people ways of different age
different have very of spending their leisure time. According to the figures, as people age in
Someland their social lives decline. (4) Teenagers twenties and people socialising in their on
average 500 hours per spend year on and 350 hours of that time is with a group of more than 4
people. Although the total hours of socialising by people in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s is fairly
constant (between 300-350), socialising with more than 4 people drops dramatically to 50 hours
in the 30s and 40s age groups and to only 25 hours for 50 year olds. Group and individual task
follow a similar pattern.
(5) People spend of time all ages their a good part of leisure on entertainment such as
TV/video viewing and cinema. In both cases, teenagers and retired people spend around twice as
much time as those who are of working age. Home entertainment ranges from just over a
thousand hours for teenagers and retired people and an average of 600 hours for everyone else.
(6) Cinema hours for 100 of the teenagers’ accounts leisure time and 25-50 hours for retired
people and the rest.

In conclusion we can see there is a (7) significant activities towards solitary and smaller
group trend as people grow older and that teenagers and retired people spend a lot more time on
entertainment than those of working age do.

MUET 800/4 PAGE 16


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

1._____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________.
2._____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________.
3._____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________.
4._____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________.
5._____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________.
6_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________.
7._____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________.

Task 7.2 Synonyms

Find the following words in text 7.1. What other words or phrases can replace them?

11. shows 22. considerably


33. According to 44. fairly
MUET 800/4 PAGE 17
Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

55. dramatically 66. similar


77. cases 88. ranges
99. an average 1010. in conclusion

111. 132.
12 14
153. 174.
16 18
195. 216
20 22
237. 258.
24 26
279. 2910.
28 30

STEP BY STEP
Task 8

MUET 800/4 PAGE 18


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

Read and understand the information in the table on television viewing according to age and
location of city or town. Answer the following questions and give suitable reasons why you think
the trends are as reported.

Average hours/week of television viewing by age and by towns in 2005


Population Profile 2 years 3 to 12 to 19 20 to 34 35 years
and 11 years years years and
below above
Town
Johor Bharu 22.7 18.9 12.3 21.3 26.8
Malacca 20.0 14.5 12.3 19.8 23.5
Petaling Jaya 23.8 14.3 13.7 22.9 29.2
Georgetown 23.7 14.7 12.6 23.2 28.4
Kuala Lumpur 23.3 14.3 13.5 22.4 28.5
Kuantan 20.6 13.5 13.2 20.1 24.7
Kota Bharu 22.1 15.5 13.0 22.0 26.4
Kota Kinabalu 21.2 15.2 12.7 20.5 25.7
Kuching 19.4 14.1 12.4 18.2 23.9
Labuan 20.7 14.4 11.7 21.5 23.4

1. Which town has the highest total average hours per week of television viewing?
2. Is there a change in viewing habits from town to town?
3. Compare and contrast their television viewing habits.

Question

Write a report on the distribution of viewing hours in the towns mentioned in the table.
Step A

MUET 800/4 PAGE 19


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

Understand the requirements of the task, i.e.


a) Write a report.
b) Describe distribution of viewing hours.

Step B
Summarise topic, introduce data.

Write a suitable introduction.


E.g.
The graph shows the number of television viewing hours of different age groups in
different locations in Malaysia.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________.

Step C
Plan the body – state the main points and state other important and relevant points.

Write the body of your report.

Paragraph 1: Which city/town has the lowest viewing hours of television?


Why? (Reasons)
Paragraph 2: Which city/town has the highest viewing hours of television?
Why? (Reasons)
Paragraph 3: Is there a change in viewing habits?
Why? (Reasons)
Paragraph 4: Compare the different viewing hours in the different locations.

Step D

Plan the conclusion.


Restate main ideas developed in body paragraphs.
E.g.
In general, it can be seen that viewing hours are highest in the larger cities of Malaysia
and adults above 35 years of age enjoy television more than any other age group…

IT’S ALL UP TO YOU!

Task 9

Read and understand the information in the table, pie chart and text below. Answer the following
questions and give suitable reasons why you think the trends are as reported.

MUET 800/4 PAGE 20


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

Lead-in Questions:

1. What does the table show?

2. Which age group is most affected by mental problems?

3. What is the percentage?


MUET 800/4 PAGE 21
Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

4. Which age group is least affected by mental problems? Why?

5. What is the percentage?

6. What does the chart show?

7. How many factors are there affecting mental health?

8. Which is the biggest contributing factor that affects mental health?

9. What is the percentage?

10. Which factor comes after the death of husband or wife?

11. Which factor comes after unemployment?

12. Which factor comes after illiteracy?

13. Which is the least important factor affecting mental health?

14. Which factor probably affects senior citizens the most?

15. Why are adult women more susceptible to mental problems compared to adult men?

16. Which factor will most likely affect adolescents?

17. Which factor will most likely affect adult men?

Based on the information derived from answering the questions above, write a report on Mental
Health for your community newsletter. In your report, include factors affecting mental health.
Your report should not be less than 150 words.

Task 10

MUET 800/4 PAGE 22


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

Using the information given above, write an article on the sales of vehicles in Indonesia,
Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, to be published in the consumer association newsletter.
In your article, include factors affecting the sales of vehicles in these four countries. Your article
should not be less than 150 words.

Task 11

MUET 800/4 PAGE 23


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

The pie charts give a profile of the Internet users of Guland. Using the information given in the
charts and textbox, write an article entitled A Profile of Guland’s Internet Users. In your article,
explain the relationship between the use of the Internet and the various locations. Your article
should not be less than 150 words.

MUET 800/4 PAGE 24


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

TASKS FOR
COURSE PARTICIPANTS 2

MUET 800/4 PAGE 25


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

WHAT IS WRITING TO YOU?

An Opinion Poll on Teaching of Writing

What do you think would help students most to improve their writing? Tick your answer.

Would Would Would Would


help help help not
most a lot a little help
1. Improving vocabulary

2. Learning how to write a paragraph

3. Having the teacher mark all mistakes

4. Improving handwriting

5. Word processing on the computer

6. Learning to type

7. Having more time to write

8. Having more opportunities to practice writing

9. Improving spelling

10. Understanding punctuation

11. Understanding grammar

12. Learning how to organise ideas

13. Reading more

MUET 800/4 PAGE 26


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

2. What do you think is most important to a reader? Tick your answer.

Most Very Not


Important
important Important important

1. The topic

2. Ideas

3. The words

4. Neatness

5. Spelling

4. The length of the essay

5. Coherence

4. I think that good writers __________________________________________


(Tick the appropriate column.)

Yes No
1. are good spellers.
2. do not feel anxious about or intimidated by writing.
3. understand punctuation.
4. always use the right words.
5. need help with their writing.
6. may have problems getting started.
7. have very large vocabularies.
8. are well educated.
9. achieved good grades in writing when they were in school.
10. write from personal experience.
11. need to be alone in order to write.
12. took to writing naturally.
13. are usually women; most men don’t write well.
14. get it right the first time (don’t have to re-write).
15. are able to know how to find their mistakes and correct them.

MUET 800/4 PAGE 27


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

MIND YOUR LANGUAGE

Task 2

Here are some examples of language. Determine the level of formality of each example
and write the letter representing it in the right column in the table below. (Some examples
can go in two boxes.)

Tick in the correct column.


Formal Neutral Informal
A Hi !
B I would be extremely grateful if you could please ...
C I’m afraid I need to tell you ...
D Nevertheless….
E He descended from the train at the subsequent station
F To sum up….
G c. u.
H Could you please ....
I Her grandmother was unable to accompany her.
J Her grandmother couldn’t go with her.
K I look forward to hearing from you.
L My essay is all about ...
M The sort of stuff people believe these days is rubbish.
N So, what have I been saying basically is…
O I would like to turn now to the next point in my argument.
P In this essay I am going to outline ...
Q You’ve no idea how angry I am.
R It is with considerable regret that I express my displeasure at …
S Unfortunately, I am rather angry ...
T Send me a new form, will you?

BRING OUT THOSE IDEAS

MUET 800/4 PAGE 28


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

Task 3: Brainstorming and Planning

Analyse the following question and brainstorm for ideas. You may use the following mind maps
to do so.

QUESTION:
It is generally accepted that families are not as close as they used to be.
Why has this change happened and what could be done to bring families closer together?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your experience.

Participant’s Task Sheet: (Table)

Reasons Examples Suggestions Examples

MUET 800/4 PAGE 29


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

Mind mapping ideas

Sample Cluster Diagram

MUET 800/4 PAGE 30


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

HELLO...
Task 4

Read the notes on the structure of an essay. Then write introductory paragraphs for the following
topics.
1. Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat
food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

______________________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________________

2. Is it better for children to participate in team sports or individual sports? Why? Use specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.

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______________________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________________

3. Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place
would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

______________________________________________________________________________
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MUET 800/4 PAGE 31


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

SO, WHERE IS IT GOING TO BE?

Task 5: Topic Sentences

Paragraphing and Topic Sentences – Task Sheet

1. Here is a text without paragraphs. Decide where it would be best to divide it into paragraphs,
then underline the topic sentences.

The care of old people is an issue all over the world, as it is no longer clear who has the
responsibility for looking after old people. There are two main choices: the government or the
family. If the government pays for the care of old people this usually means that the old people go
into old people’s homes. In these all people are given equal and high quality care. Countries such
as Sweden operate this system very efficiently. The problem is that this solution is very
expensive. The money comes from tax and many countries simply can’t afford it. It also often
means that old people go into homes where they know no one and have nothing to do. The
alternative is for families to support their elderly relatives. In theory this provides loving care and
means the old person can be an active member of the family. In practice, it often does not work
out, as families don’t have enough money, and so, much bitterness is created, and the old people
are neglected. I can see this happening all around me in my country where there is no government
support for old people. It is clear that neither of these solutions is good. Therefore, it seems to me
that a combination of the two is the best solution. The government should provide money to
families to look after their elderly relatives. But I also think that old people should save up money
during their working lives to look after themselves in old age.

(255 words)

2. What do you think is the purpose of paragraphs and topic sentences?

MUET 800/4 PAGE 32


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

Task 6: Structuring Academic Writing

Information Box

Question: The care of old people is a growing problem. Some say the government should care
for old people. Others say that it is the family’s responsibility. Discuss these views and give
your own opinion.

Academic writing can involve discussing the advantages and disadvantages of different
solutions. In this case, it usually follows this structure:

1. Introduction

General statement about the topic

2. Body

A Arguments for solution 1 (+ supporting evidence)


B Arguments against solution 1 (+ supporting evidence)

C Arguments for solution 2 (+ supporting evidence)


D Arguments against solution 2 (+ supporting evidence)
E Etc. with any other solution
3.
Conclusion giving writer’s final opinion based on above arguments

NB. This topic shows just one kind of academic writing. Others include proposing
solutions and justifying opinions. These require different structures.

MUET 800/4 PAGE 33


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

Read the writing below and identify the different parts in its structure. Write the appropriate letter
beside each part e.g. 1, 2A, 2B etc.

Question: The care of old people is a growing problem. Some say the government should care for
old people. Others say that it is the family’s responsibility. Discuss these views and give your own
opinion.

The care of old people is an issue all over the world as it is no longer clear who has
the responsibility for looking after old people. There are two main choices: the
government or the family.

If the government pays for the care of old people this usually means that the old
people go into old people’s homes. In these all people are given equal and high quality
care. Countries such as Sweden operate this system very efficiently.

The problem is that this solution is very expensive. The money comes from tax and
many countries simply can’t afford it. It also often means that old people go into
homes where they know no one and have nothing to do.

The alternative is for families to support their elderly relatives. In theory this provides
loving care and means the old person can be an active member of the family. In
practice, it often does not work out, as families don’t have enough money, and so,
much bitterness is created, and the old people are neglected. I can see this happening
all around me in my country where there is no government support for old people.

It is clear that neither of these solutions is good. Therefore, it seems to me that a


combination of the two is the best solution. The government should provide money to
families to look after their elderly relatives. But I also think that old people should
save up money during their working lives to look after themselves in old age.

MUET 800/4 PAGE 34


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

WRITE RIGHT!

Task 7
Write complete essays using the formats provided. You may wish to change some of the ideas.

Writing Task A

Sample Essay Outline:

Question: In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think
this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.

Suggested Notes:

I. It is a good idea for teenagers to have jobs while they are students because they can learn about
responsibility; they can learn the value of money and they can learn how to work as a member of
a team.

II. Students can learn responsibility.


a. They have to come to work on time every day.
b. They must serve customers in a friendly manner.
c. They have to maintain the items on store shelves with an inventory.

III. Students can learn the value of money.


a. Students will learn that it takes a lot of time and effort to make money.
b. Students will make wiser choices when buying things with their own money.

IV. Students will learn how to work as a member of a team.


a. Students will learn how to compromise with other employees (helping out when someone is
sick, etc.).
b. Students will learn about the friendship that comes from teamwork (feeling like you can trust
others).

V. Conclusion
It is a valuable experience for teenagers to have jobs while they are students because they will
learn to be responsible adults. They will have an appreciation for money and they will learn about
working with others. All of these traits will benefit them throughout their lives.

MUET 800/4 PAGE 35


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

Writing Task B

Write an essay for the following question using the format provided.

“Education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?”

Outline for an Academic Essay

I. Introduction
A. Introductory statement
B. Thesis statement: ____________________

II. Body
A. First Supporting Idea (Topic Sentence):
____________________
1. ____________________
2. ____________________
3. ____________________
B. Second Supporting Idea (Topic Sentence):
____________________
1. ____________________
2. ____________________
3. ____________________
C. Third Supporting Idea (Topic Sentence):
____________________
1. ____________________
2. ____________________
3. ____________________

III. Conclusion

D. Closing statement

E. Restate thesis: ____________________

Writing Task C

MUET 800/4 PAGE 36


Course Participant’s Module: Writing
MAJLIS PEPERIKSAAN MALAYSIA
(MALAYSIAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL)

Write an essay on the following statement. Justify your stand.

Modern technology is transforming the way we work and benefits all in society. Do you
agree?

It is particularly important in writing an essay to display clear thinking and organisation. You
should:

• have a clear introduction telling the reader briefly what areas you are going to cover.
• make it clear which side of an argument you are presenting. Use clear linking expressions
such as ‘On the one hand ... On the other hand’ and make sure you do not mix two sides of
an argument in the same paragraph.
• give examples clearly. Choose good examples which illustrate your argument when you
take notes, and when you write, introduce them with phrases such as ‘We can see an
example of this ...’.
• make it clear when you are giving your own opinion. Use expressions such as ‘in my
view’.
• give a clear conclusion which relates your argument back to the original question/s and
summarises your opinion.
• make sure that your English is accurate.
• ensure that you write in an appropriate style, and that your grammar and spelling are
correct.

Reference
1. M.K. Tickoo, English Language Learning and Teaching.
2.Materials adapted from www.ielts.org.uk.

MUET 800/4 PAGE 37

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