Q-SCOPE

Dear participants of my workshop today, as promised, here is the Q-SCOPE handout. Hopefully, Q-SCOPE will help you improve the quality of your language in essay writing, in shaa Allah.

STRATEGY 4.1: Q-SCOPE

What is Q-SCOPE? Why?

Q: Analysis of past Continuous Writing questions (certain sentences/ sophisticated words / idioms can be memorized and applied in examination)

SCOPE: SPM CONTINUOUS WRITING: ANALYSIS OF PAST EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

SCOPE: The sentences to be memorized are based on focused areas.

1. PEOPLE (POSITIVE)

2. PEOPLE (NEGATIVE)

3. FEELINGS

4. PLACES

5. NATURE

6. ACTIVITIES/EVENTS (school, outside school, charity, personal, family)

7. FOODS

WHY Q-SCOPE?

AIM: To enhance language quality in essay writing

OBJECTIVES:

1. To increase the number of error-free sentences in composition

2. To increase the number of merits (wide vocabulary) in composition

1. DESCRIBING PEOPLE (POSITIVE)

1.1 Her look/ Her cute face was appealing (attractive)

1.2 Our host was very affable (friendly)

1.3 He was a benevolent (kind) man.

1.4 She was a hilarious (funny) lady.

1.5 My English teacher was a devoted (committed) man.

1.6 She was not only philanthropic (generous) but also industrious (hardworking)

1.7 He was audacious (brave) to do bungee jumping.

1.8 He showed virtuous (good) traits.

1.9 He is an efficacious (efficient) lawyer.

1.10 He is like an angel. His traits are beyond reproach.(perfect)

1.11 He is my driving force (motivator) to study hard.

1.12 The headman had a gift of gab (can communicate well). He could argue very well.

1.13 As the son of a rich man, he lives in clover (in luxury).

1.14 You should appoint him as the leader as he is a live wire (an active person).

1.15 I trust him as he is a man of his word (a trusted person).

1.16 She is small but she is a diamond in the rough (someone who has potential).

1.17 He had the audacity (bravery) to travel alone even though he was only 15 years old.

DESCRIBING PEOPLE: SAMPLE PARAGRAPH

SPM 2017: Write a story of a small town girl who worked hard to become a successful chef. Begin your story with: “She had used the last of her savings to get to the cooking competition in the big city and ...”

Shima was a small town girl who was................... to become a successful chef. The ............... And .................. young lady really wanted to be a ................ chef. She .................................... to use the last of her savings to get to the cooking competition in the big city.

2. DESCRIBING PEOPLE (NEGATIVE)

2.1 His staff hated his supercilious (arrogant) attitude.

2.2 She was not only voracious (greedy) but also barbaric (cruel).

2.3 The gangsters were dreadful (terrible) and ruthless (cruel).

2.4 The gruesome (ugly) stranger looked like a lunatic (crazy) man.

2.5 They were always at loggerheads (argue or fight).

2.6 She said nothing when I asked her a question. She could be a cold fish (unfriendly).

2.7 He has a heart of stone (unsympathetic).

2.8 She was a wet blanket (someone who spoils the good atmosphere).

2.9 She is crying wolf (to raise false alarm / to ask for help when it is not needed) so just ignore her.

DESCRIBING PEOPLE: SAMPLE PARAGRAPH

SPM 2015: Describe what makes you happy and explain why.
I was …………….. to spend time with my brother who was negative in many ways. At times, I could not stand his …… attitude. I would always be …………………….. with him.

DESCRIBING FEELINGS

3.1 I was elated / radiant / contented (happy) to meet Ronaldo.

3.2 I was distraught / devastated (upset) when my friend lost her father.

3.3 We were too edgy/ jittery (nervous). We did not know what to do.

3.4 We were flabbergasted / dumbfounded (surprised) when our idol came to us.

3.5 I was fuming / enraged (angry). I shouted loudly. I kicked the door.

3.6 She was perplexed / bewildered (confused) as she did not know which ring to choose for her wedding.

3.7 We were petrified (afraid) when the gangster walked toward us.

3.8 They read her diary. She was exasperated (frustrated).

3.9 She flew into rage (angry) when they read her diary.

3.10 We were bursting with joy (happy) when we were given RM10000 each.

3.11 She was delirious with joy (happy) to see her idol.

3.12 She was at sixes and sevens / baffled / (confused) because the question was vague.

3.13 He was dejected / poignant (sad) when he failed all his subjects.

3.14 His heart sank (sad) when he saw his results.

3.15 He was disenchanted / thwarted (dissatisfied) when he was cheated.

3.16 It was appalling (terrible / very bad) when I had to kill the scorpion.

3.17 They felt remorseful / rueful (regretful) and said sorry to me.

SPM 2014

‘A friend in need is a friend indeed.’ Describe how a friend helped you in a difficult time.

My father was dying. I was ………. to see him on his bed. I was ...... when I looked at my empty wallet. Then, Azam, my best friend came. He gave me RM1000. “Take it. Go to the hospital now.”, he said. I was …………………. Azam was …………. when I took the money.

SPM 2017

Write a story in which you had to keep a friend’s secret. In your story, give details of the secret and explain why it was important to keep the secret.

I was ........................... when I had to keep Jim’s secret. My …… to see Jim suffering alone. I wanted to reveal the truth to his parents but I was ………… I wanted to help Jim more but I was ................ because he sternly warned me to keep quiet.

4. DESCRIBING NATURE

4.1 The air was invigorating (refreshing).

4.2 The sunset was magnificent (wonderful).

4.3 We saw a resplendent (impressive) rainbow.

4.4 We took photos at the grandiose (great) waterfalls.

4.5 The full moon was spectacular (great).

4. DESCRIBING NATURE: SAMPLE PARAGRAPH

SPM 2017:

If you had the opportunity to move to another part of Malaysia, where would you choose to live? Explain your choice.

I wish to move to Cameron Highlands. Cameron Highlands is truly ………………. I love the fresh and …………………… air. The hills and virgin forests look ………………..I do not have to go far to explore the ……………… forests and admire the ………… flora and fauna.

5. DESCRIBING PLACES

5.1 The view was memerizing (very attractive).

5.2 I fell in love with the breathtaking (very beautiful) view.

5.3 The beach was secluded (isolated) and pristine (unspoiled).

5.4 The village was serene (peaceful).

5.5 The buildings were gigantic (very big).

5.6 We visited the prominent (famous) and regal (stately) KLCC.

5.7 Our architecture of the house was spellbinding (fascinating).

5.8 The night market was vivacious (lively).

5. DESCRIBING PLACES: SAMPLE PARAGRAPH

SPM 2016: There are many things to do after your SPM examination. Write about your plans for the next three months and the challenges you might face.
One of my plans is to explore Kuala Lumpur. There are many ................. buildings there. The most ………………. would be the …………….. KLCC. The design and architecture of the Twin Towers are ……………….. I want to admire its ……………………….. building.

6. DESCRIBING ACTIVITIES / EVENTS IN SCHOOL

6.1 The students’ performance on Teacher’s Day was awe-inspiring / tremendous (awesome).

6.2 The march past was imposing (impressive).

6.3 Mr. Malik gave a rousing / stimulating (inspiring) speech.

6.4 Our Canteen Day was a howling success / triumphant (successful).

6.5 The farewell ceremony for our retired principal was remarkable (amazing).

6.6 The opening ceremony was splendid (grand).

6.7 The exhibition / talk was enlightening (informative).

7. DESCRIBING ACTIVITIES / EVENTS OUTSIDE SCHOOL

7.1 The trip to KLCC was uplifting / elevating (educational).

7.2 We could say the camping was fabulous (excellent).

7.3 Taking part in the math quiz was thought-provoking (challenging).

7.4 The cross-country event was strenuous (tiring) but exhilarating (exciting).

8. DESCRIBING CHARITY ACTIVITIES / EVENTS

8.1 The visit to the orphanage / old folks home was stirring (emotive) yet enlightening (educational).

8.2 We joined the laborious (challenging) but gratifying (enjoyable) beach cleaning project.

8.3 Our collaborative (joint) and relentless (ongoing) efforts made the project successful.

9. DESCRIBING PERSONAL ACTIVITIES/ EVENTS

9.1 It was satiating (satisfying) to go outing with friends.

9.2 Jogging at the park is gratifying (satisfying).

9.3 Yoga is very sedative (calming).

9.4 Reading novel is alluring (appealing).

Playing online games can be mind-blowing (amazing).

10. DESCRIBING FAMILY ACTIVITIES/ EVENTS

10.1 We had a thrilling (exciting) experience at the theme park.

10.2 Our family reunion/ day was astounding (amazing).

10.3 The wedding anniversary was reminiscent (meaningful).

The family trip overseas was (special).

DESCRIBING ACTIVITIES / EVENTS 1: SAMPLE PARAGRAPH

SPM 2017

Describe the first time you went on a camping trip. You should write about the activities at the camp and explain how you felt about the experience.

My first camping trip was ............ For first timers like, it was an ...... experience. We cooked for on our own. Even learning to make fire was ......................... for me. I loved jungle trekking even though it was .............................

10. DESCRIBING ACTIVITIES / EVENTS 2: SAMPLE PARAGRAPH
SPM 2014
Describe an important family celebration and how you felt about it.
My grandfather’s birthday was a thrilling celebration. Everybody had a great time. It was astounding to see my uncle who flew from Sydney just to be with us. My grandfather gave a stirring and reminiscent speech.

11. DESCRIBING FOODS AND DRINKS

11.1 The chicken rice which was prepared by my mother was very delectable (delicious).

11.2 The scrumptious (delicious) cheesy pizza was everybody’s favourite.

11.3 Durian ice-cream was lip-smacking (delicious)

11.4 We had palatable (delicious) dessert after our lunch.

11. DESCRIBING FOODS/ DRINKS: SAMPLE PARAGRAPH

SPM 2017
The Malaysian tradition of having open houses is important and should be practised more. Do you agree? Give reasons to support your view.
SPM 2017
Malaysians love open houses because they get a chance to savour delectable traditional cuisine such as the scrumptious ‘rendang’ and ‘ketupat’. Durian ice-cream which is normally served for dessert is lip-smacking and palatable.