ENHANCING THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR WRITING AMONG THE SPM 1119/2 CANDIDATES

The SPM 1119/2 Writing paper is a crucial component of the Malaysian English examination, testing students' ability to express ideas effectively in written form. Is it important for the SPM 1119/2 candidates to know and understand about the assessment criteria for writing? Of course, the answer is a definite yes. Understanding the assessment criteria is essential for candidates as it enables them to structure their essays properly, improve their writing skills, and maximize their scores.

Firstly, knowing the assessment criteria helps candidates focus on key areas that examiners evaluate, such as content, communicative competence, organization and language. Do you think all the candidates understand clearly and can explain about each assessment criterion confidently? Well, I believe some can do so but many could be blurry.

Secondly, awareness of the criteria allows candidates to avoid common mistakes that could reduce their scores. For example, if a candidate knows that coherence and cohesion are important, they will use linking words and cohesive devices appropriately. Similarly, if they are aware of the importance of vocabulary range, they will avoid excessive repetition and use varied word choices or less common lexis to enhance their writing.

Furthermore, understanding the assessment criteria helps students develop effective writing strategies. They can practice writing essays with a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion. Additionally, they can work on improving grammar and sentence structures through targeted exercises.

In conclusion, knowing the writing assessment criteria for SPM 1119/2 is vital for candidates to perform well in the examination. It allows them to meet examiners’ expectations, avoid mistakes, and enhance their writing skills. By mastering these criteria, students can approach the exam with confidence and increase their chances of achieving a high score.

Perhaps, my simple YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NscuzmUxl1I&t=383s should be watched by your candidates to enhance their understanding of what Malaysian Examination Syndicate / examiners expect to see in their essays.