Tips to Write a Factual Essay for Continuous Writing, SPM

Sample Essay

What can we do to save the environment?

Pollution has harmful effects on the environment. Since we are the inhabitants of the earth,
each of us has to contribute to the prevention of pollution [general discussion]. We should
accept personal responsibility and participate actively in making the environment, pollution
free [thesis statement].

First of all, we can participate in saving the environment by adopting the 3Rs of solid waste
management: reduce, reuse and recycle [stating first point]. Reuse things that are still
good to use and recycle things that you can recycle. Spend extra five minutes sorting out
what is rubbish and what is recyclable [elaborating first point]. We can recycle almost
everything these days such as plastics, glass, clothes, metals, newspapers and so on.
Reduce the use of plastic bags by recycling them or not using them at all. We can use a
basket, a rucksack or other bags for our shopping [providing details and examples to
support first point].

Apart from that, in order to save our environment, we need to be aware that our actions
have effects on our planet [stating second point]. If we are friends of the earth, it will also
be friendly to us. Therefore, be a part of the solution by doing the right things in our daily
lives [elaborating second point]. For example, we may use unleaded gasoline in our cars
and keep our cars properly maintained to avoid excessive smoke emissions. Besides,
smokers should consider to quit smoking or at least follow the "No Smoking" sign. Avoid
open burning. We need oxygen to breathe and sustain our lives, so allow the earth to have
more clean air [providing details and examples to support second point].

Last but not least, we can save the environment by speaking out and telling people what we
know about pollution and its effects [stating third point]. Do whatever we can to get the
word out there[elaborating third point]. For instance, we may write an article for our
school magazine or local newspaper. We may also start a group with our friends and meet
once a week to discuss environmental issues and what we can do to help. In addition,
making a speech about preventing pollution in the community gatherings or school
assembly can also get the word out [providing details and examples to support third
point].

In a nutshell, we can save the environment by adopting the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and
recycle), doing the right things to prevent pollution in our daily lives, and speaking out what
we know about pollution [restating main points]. We should therefore accept personal
responsibility and participate actively to save the environment [emphasize the importance
of topic].
 No 101-67, Jalan 7/3L,

43650 Bandar Baru Bangi,

26th July 2012

Dear Cousin Lan,

How are you? I hope you are in the pink of health. I am fine here. I am writing this letter
to tell you about the benefits of the National Service Programme and to encourage you to
go [responding to the question]. There are many reasons why you should join the
programme.

First of all [connector], the benefit of the National Service Programme is it will develop
good habits in you [stating point 1]. You have to follow strict schedule there [elaborating
point 1]. For example, you have to wake up early in the morning so that you will not be late
for breakfast and marching activity [giving example to support point 1].
Besides [connector], you can make new friends at the camp [stating point 2]. You are
going to meet many others from all walks of life there [elaborating point 2]. For instance,
you will meet people from other states in Malaysia like Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan and so
on [giving example to support point 2]. Furthermore [connector], you will also learn
leadership skills and responsibility [stating point 3]. You might be given a chance to
become a leader such as the marching group leader, dorm leader and so on [elaborating
and giving example to support point 3].

Apart from that [connector], another benefit of the National Service Programme is you
can do many exciting activities [stating point 4]. Various activities are planned for those
who join the programme such as marching, tutorial, competition and many
more [elaborating and giving example to support point 4]. Next [connector], you can
see different parts of Malaysia [stating point 5]. You might be sent to a camp in another
state in Malaysia such as Melaka, Johor, Perak and so on [elaborating and giving
example to support point 5]. Moreover [connector], you will learn to be independent
[stating point 6]. At the camp, you must do your own chores [elaborating point 6]. For
example, you have to wash your own clothes, do your own bed, tidy up the dorm and many
more [giving example to support point 6].

In addition [connector], another benefit of the National Service Programme is you can
gain new experiences [stating point 7]. At the camp, you will meet new people and do
many new things which will change your perspective towards life [elaborating and giving
example to support point 7]. Besides [connector], you will practice teamwork at the
camp [stating point 8]. Like it or not, you must always cooperate with your team members
in the activities that you do especially in competitions or group assignments [elaborating
and giving example to support point 8]. Furthermore [connector], joining this
programme will strengthen your love of our country, Malaysia [stating point 9]. The
programme is designed to instill the patriotism in you [elaborating point 9]. As a result, you
will appreciate your country more and feel proud to be a Malaysian [giving example to
support point 9].

Other than that [connector], by joining the National Service Programme you can keep fit
and healthy [stating point 10]. You will have to take part in many physical activities such
as marching, jogging, wall climbing and so on [elaborating and giving example to
support point 10]. Next [connector], you will learn survival skills at the camp [stating
point 11]. These skills are very important in your life [elaborating point 11]. The examples
of activities which will enhance your survival skills are camping, jungle trekking and night
walk [giving example to support point 11]. Last but not least [connector], you will have
better discipline because this programme emphasizes very much on the discipline of the
participants [stating and elaborating point 12]. You will obey rules better, and have better
respect for others too [giving example to support point 12].

I have to stop writing now. Don't worry too much. Hope to hear from you soon. Bye.

Your cousin,
Ahmad Fahmi
How can television help students in their studies? (Continuous Writing)

Children and teenagers love watching television. Most of them spend more time watching
television than doing other activities [general discussion]. Television can help students in
their studies depending on the types of programmes watched by them [thesis statement].

First of all, there are many educational programmes on television which can help students
in their studies [stating first point]. These programmes are carefully constructed by the
creative producers to make them interesting. Besides, talented presenters as well as
interesting visual and sound make it easier for the students to understand and retain the
knowledge learned [elaborating first point]. ASTRO Tutor TV is a very good example.
There are revision programmes for every subject taught in school. Students can learn many
tips and do the exercises given in effort to prepare for public examinations such as UPSR,
PMR and SPM [providing details and examples to support first point].

Apart from that, the students’ language skills can be improved by watching television
programmes [stating second point]. Watching English movies, dramas and sitcoms will
provide the students with the input which will help them improve their English Language
[elaborating second point]. “Oh My English”, a popular programme on ASTRO, is a
sitcom about a replacement teacher from England trying to teach English to a group of
mischievous students. While watching this sitcom, students will have the opportunity to
learn English in context where common errors are highlighted and corrected in a fun way
[providing details and examples to support second point].

Last but not least, various documentaries shown on television can inspire the students to do
well in their studies as well as in their future lives [stating third point]. Watching these
documentaries can create interest in the subjects learned at school [elaborating third
point]. For example, watching a scientific documentary about the stars and the universe
can inspire the students to excel in science subjects. Consequently, they might become
scientists when they grow up [providing details and examples to support third point].

In conclusion, watching good programmes on television including educational programmes,