MELICA 14: Model Essays for Lower Intermediate Candidates
MELICA is back after a long hiatus. It’s back for lower intermediate candidates to further equip themselves for SPM 1119/2. In the previous sharing, a number of learning activities were suggested to teachers. In this write-up, perhaps, teachers may want to consider carrying out these activities when each model essay is examined with their lower intermediate learners:
1. Guided Reading and Annotation
Have learners read the model essay aloud while the teacher guides them to highlight or underline key sentences (e.g., main idea, detail, cohesive device, conclusions).
Discuss the each content in relation to the writing tasks given.
2. Sentence Matching
Cut the essay into individual sentences and have learners match sentences to their appropriate sections (e.g., introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion).
3. Reordering the Essay
Provide the essay in a jumbled format.
Learners work in pairs to reorder the sentences or paragraphs to reconstruct the essay logically.
4. Vocabulary Building
Identify challenging words or phrases for weak learners and ensure they understand the meaning of each word/phrase.
Create activities like matching words with definitions or using the words in new sentences.
5. Additional Ideas
Let the learners discuss and suggest other relevant ideas or details to be added in the model essay.
Have learners expand them by adding details (e.g., adjectives, adverbs, reasons).
6. Essay Writing with Scaffolds
Use the model essay as a scaffold by removing certain parts (e.g., the introduction or cohesive devices).
Learners discuss and add the missing parts.
7. Peer Teaching
Pair stronger and weaker learners.
Stronger learners explain parts of the essay to their peers, ensuring comprehension through discussion.
Beyond doubt, each of the activities above can be adapted based on the learners' needs and abilities, ensuring they are engaged while gradually improving their writing skills. Happy exploring!
IMPORTANT NOTE TO STUDENTS/SPM CANDIDATES WHO READ THESE MODEL ESSAYS The three essays below are composed for WEAK / GALUS (Gagal Lulus) candidates. The vocabulary and sentence structures are mostly very simple. Therefore, the essays are not for those who aim to get at least an A-.
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