FORMAT OF SPM

ENGLISH
LANGUAGE PAPER 1

The following is an overview of Paper 1 of the SPM English

Language 1119 examination:
Section A

Section B

Type of questions

Directed Writing

Continuous Writing

Time Suggested

45 minutes

1 hour

One

Choose one from five

option

Number of questions

Task

Marks allocated

Write a response to a given

task according to required
format
( formal / informal letter,
article, report, speech/ talk)

Content
Language

15 marks
20 marks

Total

35 Marks

Write an essay abpout 350

words based on the following
types;
Narratives
Descriptive
Argumentive
Reflective
Recount

50 marks

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING

HOW TO WRITE DESCRIPTIVE

WRITING
Taste
-Flavour and
texture

Smells
- Aromas and
fragrances
Sensory
Description

Sound
- noises

Sight
- Scenes and
situation

Touch
- Textures and
sensations

Introduction

Chinese New year

Significant
Chinese
celebration

A Festival
Malaysia is a melting pot of different
races and cultures. Each race has its own
festivals, and Chinese New years is one of
the most significant celebration for the
Chinese community. The festival begins
on the first day of the lunar calendar or
the first day of the new moon, and ends
on the 15th day, known as Chap Goh Mei.
During this time. family reunions, open
houses,
the
lion
dance,
lighting
firecrackers and giving ang pows are the
order of the day.

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING

Main point
1
Spring
cleaning
Making
delicacies
Decorations

Like all other festivals, Chinese New Year

requires much preparation for the auspicious
fifteen days of celebrations. Houses are given
spring cleaning to sweep away any trace of
bad luck. The womenfolk make traditional
delicacies. Family shop for clothes and other
item to welcome the new year. Chinese shops,
restaurants, business premises are decked
with intricate festive decoration and
paraphernalia. Chinese temples are lit with
thousands of lanterns which makes them
appear a giant fairyland. Even the streets are
illuminated.

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING

Main point 2

Spring
cleaning
Making
delicacies
Decorations
Reunion
dinner

The eve of the Chinese New Year is the

high point of the celebration, and most
people look forward for it. It is the day when
family members come from afar and return
home for the reunion dinner. It is an
entirely family affair. Family members enjoy
sumptuous feast. The delicacies served
include waxed ducked, oysters, scallops, and
prawns. At the stroke of midnight, the New
Year will be ushered in. Firecrackers are set
of to bid adieu to the old year and welcome
the new year.
On the New Years day, everyone in the
family will be decked in their best clothes .
Ceremonial candles are lit and incense
burned, family members greet each other.
Ang pows or red packets, containing
DESCRIPTIVE WRITING

Main point 3
Ang pows
Lion dance
Chap Goh
Mei

money are given to children and to

those who are not married. Lion
dances have become ubiquitous
during Chinese New Year and they
are usually performed at houses,
business premises , restaurants, and
hotels to ward off evil spirits. The 15th
day, known as Chap Goh Mei, is also
regarded as the Chinese Valentines
Day. Single females throw oranges
into the river in the hope of attracting
good life partners.

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING

Chinese New Year is indeed a joyous

occasion for people of Chinese origin. It is
a time for family members to come
together. It is also a time for the
community to hold open houses and invite
their friends and neighbours over.
Conclusion

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING

TASK

Write an essay based on the similarities and

differences of two celebration that you celebrate.