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I taught form 4 students directed writing.  One of the types is Article or Report.  The formal article normally looks like a report to complain or make suggestion to people with authority.  When I gave this example of article to the students, it caused a little bit uproar and chaos as they finished reading it.  What a day!   For obvious reason, I did not submit this report to the principal though 😀

To: Principal of SABK Madrasah Al Attas

Date: 17 September 2018

Title: Reasons for students lack of motivation among Form 4 students to learn English

Recently, a survey was conducted to find out reasons for Form 4 students’ lack of motivation to learn English.  The survey was conducted among 50 students of all Form 4 students.  Other than quantitative survey, some of the students were interviewed to get more insight about their lack of motivation in learning.  The results of the survey demonstrated that there are three main reasons for the students’ lack of interest in learning English.

Firstly, the students do not have the right attitude towards learning.  They are not keen to participate in classroom activities conducted by teachers during lesson and some of them would rather fall asleep throughout the learning sessions.  Those who were interviewed feel that classroom activities do not help them to understand the materials discussed and thus, they have difficulty to stay focused and stay awake during lesson.  They also commented that most of the time, they feel bored with the activities conducted in class and do not feel the importance to participate in those activities conducted.

 Secondly, English is perceived as colonial language and has less value as compared to Arabic language.  Thus, learning English is considered as less important as compared to learning Arabic language.  The students feel that it is more important for them to master Arabic language as compared to English language due to this skewed conception of importance of both languages.  Due to this, most of them feel that there are no needs to complete the homework exercise on English subject even though they are prompted by their English language teachers numerous times to complete and submit their homework on time. 

 Thirdly, some parents of the students do not emphasise the importance of English language mastery as compared to Arabic language.  The lack of emphasis by parents inadvertently strengthen their children’s belief and value of English language.  For those who sincerely believed that English language is not as important as Arabic language, they do not invest in buying reference or exercise books in English for their children.  The lack of parental support makes it difficult for the students to have more positive outlook on English language and thus, the students feel that it is acceptable to get below average grade for English.

It is unfortunate that these reasons become deterrent for the students to enhance their English language proficiency.  The following suggestions should be able to encourage interest in English language among students if implemented accordingly.  The first way is that teachers should stress the importance of learning various languages and mastery of various subjects as preparation for the future, not for examination per se.  This can be done in many ways whether unofficially or officially through various activities.  Secondly, the school can invite alumni who are successful in various fields due to their language proficiency especially in English.  For example, an alumnus who has a PhD from a western university could serves as an example of a former student who had studied at this school could be proficient in various languages such as English, Arabic and Malay.  Lastly, the school can organize an event where parents can meet various alumni with various professions that would allow them to interact and ask questions about various career prospects of individuals with various language proficiency.  These suggestions would help to enhance students and their parents’ positive perception on English language.  [555 words]

Prepared by:  Hadijah Jaffri

I use this article as an example of speech in my English class.  I told the students, even though this is a speech, it can be turned into factual composition if they delete the salutation parts (introduction and conclusion) ad amend some of the sentences to make it less of a speech and more like normal composition.  For example, in continuous composition, we don’t use the term like “I would like to urge..” or “I would like to present…”, because both phrases denote “a conversational style” as if we are interacting face to face with our audience which we do when we give a speech.  So, if we change that part a bit, we can have a factual composition instead.  Easy, right?  Yet, some students were struggling to understand the concept.  Sigh… This is one of the lowest points of being a teacher because you can’t help from feeling sad when some of your students don’t understand what you are teaching.  But, I consoled myself that sooner or later they will get it In sha Allah

Title: Pollution and the effects of pollution

Assalamu’alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh and a very good morning to all of you,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to present a topic which relates to our current concern, which is pollution.  What is pollution?  The meaning of the word ‘pollution’ means to make things dirty.  In another word, pollution is the addition of any foreign or poisonous substances into the environment at very fast rate than the environment natural accommodation.  Accordingly, the pollution of natural resources causes imbalance in the ecosystem. Pollution has become a major environmental issue as it has created lots of health hazards to the people and animals of any age group. In the recent years, the rate of pollution is increasing very sharply because of the industrialized waste material mixing out directly into the soil, air and water. In any case, if the serious pollution problems occur, it causes hazardous to the life.  It needs to be tackle seriously, otherwise our future generations would suffer a lot.

Pollution is classified into many categories according to the natural resources getting affected such as air pollution, soil pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, etc. Rate of pollution is increasing due to the selfishness of the human being to earn more money and to fulfill some unnecessary wishes. In the modern era where technological advancement is given more priority by the people, everyone has forgotten the real discipline of life.

Continuous and unnecessary cutting down of the forests, urbanization and large production through industrialization has involved as a huge cause of the pollution. Harmful and poisonous wastes created from such activities causes irreversible changes to the soil, air and water which ultimately push lives towards pain. This big social issue needs a public level social awareness programme to destroy by its root to get complete relief.

Thus, I would like to urge each and everyone of us to play our roles actively in minimizing the effects of our action to our environment.  We can start by recycling and reusing the things that we want to discard in order to reduce wastage.  As Vincent Van Gogh once said “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together”.  That’s all from me.  Thank you.                                          [354 words]

As someone who is not trained in TEASL, teaching English is challenging.  Sometimes I feel like I am an impostor, pretender as if I am well-versed in English.  Well, I did write my PhD thesis in English but it does not mean that I am qualify to teach English at secondary school level.  This is my initial thought when I did my Latihan Ikhtisas.  I hate the feeling of being an impostor.  A fake English teacher.  That’s the label that I give to myself.  But, based on my training as an instructor at university level and armed with research experiences, I know how to search and research information related to whatever things that I have to teach.  So, that’s why I don’t rely too much on textbooks or whatever reference books because my sources are varied.   If I found something useful for my students, I would revise it again and make it into handouts.  For every single composition, I include tips and techniques part so students get quick review on what to expect when writing a composition.  An example of that as the following:

Tips and techniques: Opinions, talks and speeches

1. Know the format of a talk/speech.

Greeting and introduction   Beginning of speech   Body: –         Presents a topic/problem/issue –         Gives information/ examples   Conclusion –         Conclude a topic/problem/issue –         Thank the audience

 

2. Read the question carefully. Are you asked to use all the points given or some of the points?
3. Present your points concisely.
4. You can use the following phrases to structure your speech.
5. Know your target audience.

List of Useful Phrases for Public Speaking

1. When you want to start the conversation/speech

• A very good morning I bid to all of you.
• Good morning to the examiners [or judges] and all my fellow candidates [friends].

1. When you want to introduce your audience with your point/view/opinion

• The situation I have been given is…
• According to the situation…
• Based on the situation given…
• I have 3 reasons to justify my point.
• First and foremost/ Firstly,
• I would like to tell….

1. When you want to link your previous point(s) with the following point(s)

• Secondly,…
• My second point is…
• Another reason is…
• Furthermore/Moreover/In addition,…
• Therefore/Hence/Thus,…
• However/ In contrast,…
• Other than that/ On the other hand,…
• Conversely,…
• Consequently/ Subsequently,…
• For example/For instance,…
• Take for example,…… and so on/many more/ others

1. When you want to conclude or end your part

• Finally/ Lastly,
• Last but not least,…
• In conclusion/As a conclusion/ To conclude….
• In short/In a nutshell,…

Sample question:

Your school is organising a competition in line with the celebration of “Character Building Day”.  You decide to participate in the competition and deliver a talk about influential people that influence a person’s character or qualities. 

Use the points below to write your talk.

• character can be influenced by person – parents are the most influential
• parents know children – birth – spend most time with
• children imitate parents’ behaviour – similarity of behaviour
• parents are first educator – manners learn at home
• children learn values from parents – values reflect on character

Sample speech: 

Hi, a very good morning to the judges and my fellow friends. As we are talking about how a person’s character can be influenced by another person, the people whom I think have the most influence in a person’s life are parents. There are three reasons why I think so.

Firstly, parents are the people whom know us since birth. We become like the person whom we spend the most time with. Parents are the people whom we see every day from the moment we are born, until the day we are adults. Hence, very naturally, they become the people whom we look up to and start imitating the way they talk, act, and even think.  There are several proverbs to illustrate the similarity of character or qualities between parents and their children.  Examples of the proverbs are “Like father, like son” or “An apple does not fall far from the tree”. 

My second reason is because parents are the first educators to their children before anybody else. Table manners and basic etiquettes are taught at home, by the parents.  It is also the parents’ responsibility to inculcate good manners and conducts of their child.  Parents leave huge impacts on us that we ourselves fail to recognize it sometimes. 

Thirdly, parents are the ones who impart values into our lives. Values are assets which we hold on to for the rest of our lives and this is the greatest influence of all. Values are what we make our decisions upon, and it is what shapes our character.  Our behaviour reflects on the values that we have.  In addition, the values that we have also reflect our parents’ personality and values that they adhere to.  Thus, it is important for the parents to impart good values because their children’s personality and values would mirror their own personality and values.

In conclusion, I think that though there may be many others who can influence a person’s character such as teachers and peers but ultimately, parents are the greatest influencers of all. With that, I conclude my speech. Thank you very much.

349 words

You want more sample of speech?   

One of the continuous writing compositions that I have to teach is Argumentative composition [an essay where you defend your stand or view either agree or disagree].

ARGUMENTATIVE COMPOSITION

Tips and techniques

1. You have to write a composition not less than 350 words. You have to write it within 45-50 minutes.
2. You have to discuss an issue and give your opinion or take a stand.
3. The main purpose is to persuade your reader into agreeing with your point of view.
4. Points are based on hard facts. To take a stand on this argument, you will have to know the facts of the subject/ issue.
5. Note the specific structure and language features of an argumentative composition.

With the current rising social issues at our society, corporal punishment should be implemented at school as deterrent to the uprising social issues among teenagers.  Write a composition to state your view about this issue in not less than 350 words.  

Corporal punishment is the act of using physical force to punish a student for wrongdoing.  It might involve a ruler across the back of the hand or a cane to the rear.  Corporal punishment has since been outlawed as a cruel and unusual punishment.  However, we often heard of the adage ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’.  Thus, I believe that corporal punishment should be incorporated back as part of punishment to deter unruly behaviors and wrongdoings at schools.

 Some experts claim that corporal punishment is a good way to prevent students from breaking rules and committing offences, especially repeat offenders.  Seeing their schoolmates getting the cane will deter others from smoking or any wrongdoing.  This is what behavioral psychologists called as vicarious learning in which people learn through observing the behaviors or consequences of behaviors of others. 

 In addition, corporal punishment is also a form of preparation for real life.  Wrongdoing has to be punished.  Students have to be taught to be responsible and accountable for their actions.  Using corporal punishment in school would serve as a clear message to all students that any wrongdoing will not be rewarded and dealt accordingly. 

Also, corporal punishment can also serve as a viable alternative to suspension.  In general, students often do not enjoy school.  A suspension from school can send out the message that it is rewarding rather than a punishment when students break school rules and regulations. 

 Even though public caning can cause injuries or trauma unnecessarily yet if it is done properly, caning can deter or decrease the probability of any wrongdoing to be carried out in the future by students.  In this regards, a caning schedule is part of the school regulation in which what warrants one stroke of cane, what offence gets two and so on are clearly spelt out and be understood by all teachers and students. 

In conclusion, corporal punishment should be brought back as part of school punishment to give power back to teachers again.  Currently, teachers struggle to chastise students because current punishments have no intimidation power.  A lack of corporal punishment leaves teachers powerless to prevent bad behavior.  I do agree that corporal punishment should be implemented again at school to keep managed students’ behavior.  [375 words]

When I taught essay writing, I always thought about how to engage my students to write essays.  One of the things that I can think of is to give them good and “interesting” examples of essays.  As I browsed various books and magazines to get some ideas before writing the essays, I found myself feeling elevated and yet disappointed at the same time.   I felt enlightened reading some good essays or articles but at the same time I felt there are something missing from the “story”.  So, I ended up to compose some of the essays on my own, based on my own experience and story.  It works!  The students love it!  And at the same time, they get to know me better (a little bit) from reading those essays.  2 in 1.  Teaching content and instill values at the same time.  Attaboy!

DESCRIPTIVE COMPOSITION

Tips and techniques

1. You are usually asked to describe a person, a place or an event.
2. There will be no points given to guide your writing unlike Directed Writing composition.
3. You should be able to write clear and vivid descriptions to help the reader create a mental picture of what is being written.
4. Describing is an important skill. You will need to describe people, places, scenes in many types of composition.

Write a composition of about 350 words about your favorite place.  

Durham is a small university town which situated at the northeast of England.  As a historical city, it became a centre of pilgrimage in medieval England in the 11^th century.  The cathedral and adjacent castle which were built around 11^th century was designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.  Durham is a hilly city with steep riverbanks surrounded by densely wooded vegetations.

Other than its religious landmark, Durham is also home to Durham University.  It was founded as the University of Durham in 18^th century.  It is claimed to be England’s third oldest university after the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.  Regardless of its splendid reputation, it was not the reason why I chose Durham to further my study for my PhD.

I never knew the existence of Durham University when I was searching for a place to further my study.  One of my friends advised me that when selecting a university for a postgraduate study such as PhD, I should not look at the university’s reputation per se, but also the location where the university is situated.  In this case, reputation alone does not guarantee the best learning environment needed by a postgraduate student.  As a postgraduate student, what I needed most was a learning environment and culture that would help me get through the ups and downs of my PhD journey.

My friend suggested that I should consider Durham University as a place to further my study because Durham is also one of the most picturesque cities in England.  I fell in love with Durham on the very first moment I set my eyes on the university campus, especially the School of Education. I could never thank enough my friend who gave me that advice.

Durham has witnessed various manic episodes of my life especially after my father passed away when I was in my second year of study.  Had the gentleman who rode the bicycle did not stop me when I was contemplating to jump into the River Wear near the St Hilde and Bede college, I might not be alive now and be able to tell my story to my students about the hardship that I had endured as a postgraduate student.

If people ask me why I love Durham and could not help from talking about it countless times, I would just say that Durham is my favorite place and it will always have a special place in my heart as long as I live.  [412 words]

I wrote this essay when I was teaching form 4 student Narrative Composition [Continuous Writing] back in 2018 [this was the time when I did my Latihan Ikhtisas].  This is based on my own story.  The students were amazed that I use my own life experience to write a short narrative like this as an example that I gave them.  I still remember one of them said this “Teacher, ini cerita pasal Teacher ke?  Wah, Teacher pun tak suka sekolah ni ke dulu?”[Translated: Teacher, is this your story?  Wow, did you also dislike this school?”].  I replied by rolling eyes while saying “Yes, like some of you, I also dislike this school but my mother requested me to stay until I finished form 5.  Now, go back to read this essay again and highlight any word that you don’t understand.  Later on, find the meaning of the words that you don’t understand from the dictionary”

NARRATIVE COMPOSITION

Tips and techniques

1. A narrative tells a story. The main purpose of a narrative is to explain in a story telling manner.
2. Know the difference between

Question	What it means
i)       Write a story based on ii)     Write a story beginning with …. iii)    Write a story ending with ……	Your story is about ….. You must start your composition with the line(s) given Your story ends with the line(s) given

 

3. Sometimes the title of the composition is an idiom or a proverb. Be sure you know its meaning before you start on the composition.
4. Note the specific structure and language feature of a narrative composition.

Write a story ending with a proverb by Confucius “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop”

My fists were clenched.  Hurt and angry, I glared at my mother.  She whispered softly, ‘This is the best chance for education, Dear.  Behave yourself’.  I did.  Not because of my mother or any need for studying that I might have stayed at this school.  It was the feeling that I needed to prove that I would never be the black sheep in the family that made me stayed at this school.     With three older siblings who were graduates from local and overseas universities and another one was studying at a local university doing Accountancy, I felt pressured to excel in my study too.  I felt hopeless when I could not change to a different school that I wanted that has science stream classes.  I hated myself for being a weakling.   As the youngest in the family, many might assume that I was the baby in the family and pampered by my family.  It was a far cry from the truth.  I was never being pampered.  In fact, I was consistently compared with my older siblings who were high achievers.  Being a late bloomer, I was never academically high achiever during primary school.  As I started to bloom during my adolescence, I was still struggling to get the kind of excellent grades that my parents could be proud of.  Yet, deep inside my heart I knew that I could become someone that I envision myself to be, rather than someone that anyone would expect me to become.     The question was how could I prove to all that I was a good student, a high achiever like my older siblings?  What should I do?  These questions gave me nightmares.  I started to think to find ways to be a better student.  But, I still did not know how to become one.    One day, feeling especially sorry for myself, I huddled in a corner and refused to talk to anyone.  After a while, my friends started to avoid me and treat me invisibly.  A senior who saw me sulking muttered ‘Stop wallowing in self-pity’.  With that, I realized that even if I did nothing to change my current situation, I was actually made a decision.  I thought to myself that ‘Decision is not only being made if I do something, it is also being made if I do nothing’.     Rather than doing nothing, I decided from then on to study hard and be persistent even though I might make mistakes or fail along the way to be academically high achiever.  Finally, what Confucius once said made sense to me ‘It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop’.            [442 words]