Essay Writing in the UPSR English Exam - Paper 014

In Paper 014, one of the questions requires candidates to write a picture composition between 80-100 words. This is what the instructions for the question say:

"You may use the words given to help you."

 Students should use the given words in their writing as the words explain the plot or key events in the story. The difficulty many students face is to write their composition within the number of words specified. From experience, it is better to write between 90 and 100 words as your composition would then cover enough details to make the story more interesting. If your writing is about 80-90 words, it could make the story weaker in terms of the development of your plot. Here's an example from my e-learning course that you can find at my website: www.myenglishbooks.com :

Writing the Letter of Invitation

Question

You would like to invite your friend in Taiwan to visit you during the Merdeka Day celebration which is held on 31st August. Write the letter inviting him or her to stay with you and your family. Describe what you plan to do during your friend's visit.

Outline of your letter

Dear Jeremy,

Paragraph 1 (Introduction)
How are you getting on? I know you've just finished your mid-year exam and you've at least one month's holiday before your school reopens. Why don't you enjoy your break by coming over to Malaysia at the end of August? You can stay with my family and we'll have a great time together.

Paragraph 2
Tell your friend Jeremy why you're inviting him to come at the end of August. Provide details about Merdeka and the celebration that Jeremy would be able to see then.

Paragraph 3
Tell Jeremy about your other plans; for example : you would like to take him to Batu Caves and tell him what he can see there.

Paragraph 4
Give examples of two or three other things that you and Jeremy could do together: places to visit, Malaysian food, etc.

Paragraph 5 (Conclusion)
My parents would love to have you stay with us. Please let me know whether you can make it.

Your good friend,

Dinesh