MUET MOMENTS: Lesson 17: Writing Skills II

 By DR KOH SOO LING

Writing Skills II
For the second writing task of the test paper, you are expected to write an essay of not less than 350 words.

Basic rules
> You need to read the question carefully to see what is required. You may need to define, describe, classify, compare, contrast, explain or show cause and effect.

> Plan your time. Make sure you have set aside some time to:

— study the question and write out the points
— write the essay
— check the essay

> Brainstorm for ideas. Organise the points in a logical manner.

The following are some organisational patterns that you can follow:
— Linear order
— Chronological order
— Problem-solution order
— Cause-effect order
— Topical order

> Put your ideas into an outline. There should be an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Make sure there is a strong introduction and a neat conclusion.

Make use of linkers or discourse markers to connect the ideas in your essay. (Examples of linkers are: firstly, secondly, next and consequently)

> Once you have finished writing your draft, go through the essay again to check for spelling and grammatical errors.

Example

You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this task.

Shyness is one negative characteristic that affects young people. What steps would a shy person need to take to overcome this problem? Your essay must be at
least 350 words in length.

NEXT WEEK: Sample reading test paper, part 1

ANSWER:

Introduction
Ask yourself this: do you become nervous when you are in the spotlight?
Strangers make some people shudder and the simple thought of talking in front of
people makes them freeze. Interestingly enough, this is a common phenomenon and many people in the world suffer from mild to extreme shyness and are struggling
to overcome it.

Body
> List the occasions that a person may be overwhelmed by shyness, for example learning a new skill, venturing into a new situation, trying to get to know new people. Once you have a list of 10 stressful situations, start dealing with them, one by one, starting with the “easier” situations.

> Try to pinpoint the thoughts before shyness hits and vocalise some “I” statements that you can repeat to yourself: “I can do this”, “I look good” and “I have something to offer”, for example.

> Build your self-confidence. Concentrate on what you know, what you can do and what you have accomplished.

> Look and act approachable. Have an open and friendly attitude. Smile and make eye contact.

> Set goals for yourself.

Conclusion
It is important to follow rules, but do not be overly ruled by them. Try not to overobsess about what everyone thinks about you. People usually prefer fun and
exciting people.

Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times