SPM English Paper 2 Tips

Overview

This lecture provides detailed tips and planning strategies for answering SPM English Paper 2, focusing on structured approaches to Part 1 (email), Part 2 (essay), and Part 3 (article/review/story) using easy-to-remember techniques.

SPM Paper 2 Format & CEFR Levels

• The writing paper consists of 3 parts: Email (Part 1), Essay (Part 2), and Extended Writing (Part 3: article, review, report, or story).
• Part 1 targets CEFR A2 (basic), Part 2 targets B1, and Part 3 targets B2 (higher proficiency).
• Each part is worth 20 marks; analytical (not holistic) marking is used.
• Total allowed time is 1 hour 30 minutes for all three parts.

Part 1: Email (Short Communicative Message)

• Write an informal email (about 80 words) responding to given scenarios and WH- questions.
• Use the "GIMMIES" technique: Greeting, Introduction, Main Ideas, Ending, Signature.
• Answer all three main WH- questions from the prompt.
• Maintain a friendly, informal tone and use informal language and contractions.
• Structure: To, Subject, Greeting, Intro, Main Ideas (answer all required questions), Ending, Signature.

Part 2: Essay (Guided Writing)

• Write an essay (125–150 words) based on provided notes/questions.
• Use the "TNC" technique: Topic (introduction), Notes (one paragraph per main note), Conclusion.
• Each paragraph should address one main idea (what, why, where) with supporting reasons and examples.
• Use appropriate essay format, less common vocabulary, and some complex sentence structures.
• Ensure each main point is elaborated and paragraphs are logically organized.

Part 3: Extended Writing (Article, Review, Story)

• Write 200–250 words; choose one task from article, review, story, or report.
• For Article: Use "T QP RR P" (Title, Question, Preference, Reason, Reason, Preference restated).
• For Review: Use "T NL NS R" (Title, Name & Location, Notes & Support, Recommendation).
• For Story: Use "SADE" (Setting, Action/Description, Ending).
• Each option must follow its own format, with clear structure and appropriate vocabulary and register.
• Use paragraphs, a variety of cohesive devices, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammar.

Marking Criteria (Applies To All Parts)

• Content: Relevant to the task, answers all required points.
• Communicative Achievement: Correct format and register, appropriate tone for the task type.
• Organization: Logical paragraphing, use of linkers and cohesive devices.
• Language: Suitable vocabulary and grammar; some errors accepted if meaning stays clear.

Key Terms & Definitions

• CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages—a scale for language proficiency.
• Cohesive Devices: Words like "furthermore," "in addition," "however," that link sentences/ideas.
• Register: Level of formality/informality in language.
• GIMMIES: Acronym for structuring informal emails (Greeting, Introduction, Main Ideas, Ending, Signature).
• TNC: Acronym for planning essays (Topic, Notes, Conclusion).

Action Items / Next Steps

• Practice writing each text type using the suggested planning techniques (GIMMIES, TNC, etc.).
• Highlight scenario, main tasks, and requirements when reviewing SPM questions.
• Complete any practice questions provided by your teacher for each part.
• Review textbook samples for each format and note vocabulary and structure used.