Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

PART 1: Reading and Use of English

1. Paper 1 is divided into 5 parts and has a total of 40 questions.

2. Each question is worth 1 mark, so Paper 1 carries 40 marks in total.
3. The time allocation for Paper 1 is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Part 1 – Short Texts (Questions 1 – 8)

Test Focus
• understanding main ideas
• understanding specific details
• guessing meaning of unfamiliar words

1. In Part 1, candidates are required to read 8 short texts, each about 90 words in length, and answer
1 multiple-choice question based on each text.
2. Each question comes with 3 options – A, B and C, Candidates must choose the best answer.
3. The text types include:
➢ advertisements
➢ notices
➢ text messages
➢ news reports
➢ articles
➢ emails or letters

Tips to Score!
✓ Skim through the questions so that you know what to look for when
reading the texts.
✓ Read the texts carefully.
✓ Pay attention to the visual, if provided.
✓ Read the questions and options given carefully.
✓ Choose the best answer.

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 Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

Part 2 – Cloze Text (Questions 9 - 18)

Test Focus
• grammar usage
• vocabulary in context

1. In Part 2, candidates are required to complete a linear text with 10 blanks.

2. The text is about 250 – 300 words in length.
3. Each blank has 4 options – A, B, C and D, Candidates must choose the best option. A sample
answer is given for the first blank.

Tips to Score!
✓ Read the text slowly. You may try filling in the blanks on your own
as you read to connect the sentences.
✓ Take note of the tense used and the tone of the passage.
✓ Now look at the options given. Choose the most frequently used
word.
✓ When in doubt, look at other words before or after the blank.
Sometimes they will give you clues.
✓ You may also use the elimination process – strike out all the least
likely options until you get to the answer.

Part 3 – Extended Text (Questions 19 – 26)

Test Focus
• understanding main ideas
• understanding specific details
• guessing meaning of unfamiliar words
• recognising author’s attitude or opinion on the topic

1. In Part 3, candidates are required to read a longer text and answer 8 multiple-choice questions.
4 options are given for each question – A, B, C and D.
2. The text is between 650 – 700 words in length, and may be factual or fictional.

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 Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

Tips to Score!
✓ Skim through the questions so that you know what the focus of the text
is, as well as what you need to look out for when reading.
✓ Read the text carefully, Ask yourself what is the purpose of the text, and
what it is about.
✓ Read the questions and options given carefully.
✓ Choose the best answer.

Part 4 – Gapped Text (Questions 27 – 32)

Test Focus
• understanding main ideas
• understanding specific details
• guessing meaning of unfamiliar words
• recognising typical features at word, sentence and text
levels

1. In Part 4, candidates are required to complete a passage with 6 sentences removed. 8 options
are given in jumbled order and candidates must choose six sentences that are most suitable to fill
in the gaps.
2. The text is between 350 – 400 words in length.

Tips to Score!
✓ For this question, it is important that candidates are able to understand
structure, coherence and cohesion of a text.
✓ When selecting the sentences to complete the text, pay attention to:
• the tense used – make sure it is consistent
• linkers – firstly, however, although, etc.
• demonstrative pronouns – this, that
• vocabulary – words with similar or opposite meaning

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 Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

Part 5 – Matching and Information Transfer (Questions 33 – 40)

Test Focus
• understanding main ideas
• understanding specific details
• guessing meaning of unfamiliar words
• recognising author’s attitude or opinion on the topic

1. In Part 5, candidates are given various text types of about 370 words in total.
2. There are 2 parts to this question. The tasks include completion of notes or diagrams, matching
and short answer questions.
3. Candidates must choose words that are directly from the text to complete the notes / short
answers.

Tips to Score!
✓ Read the text given carefully.
✓ Read the instructions for each part carefully. Make sure you understand
what is required.
✓ Identify the keywords in the text that matches with the information you
are looking for.
✓ Pay attention to the number of words you are allowed to write. Do not
write more than what is specified.
✓ Make sure you use the exact same words that appear in the text. Do not
change the form.
✓ Make sure that the spelling is correct.

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 Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

PART 2: Writing

1. Paper 2 is divided into 3 parts and has a total of 3 tasks.

2. The time allocation for Paper 2 is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
3. Each question is worth 20 marks, so Paper 2 carries a total of 60 marks.
4. Take note that you are required to write 3 essays of different lengths so make sure you divide
your time well.
Part 1 – Short Communicative Message

Test Focus
• make and respond to simple requests and suggestions
• explain simple processes
• narrate factual or imagined events or experiences
• express and respond to opinions and common feelings
such as happiness, sadness, surprise and interest
• punctuate written work with moderate accuracy
• spell written work with moderate accuracy
• begin to use formal and informal registers appropriate
to the target audience in familiar situations

1. In Part 1, candidates are given a short informal message (email) as a stimulus.

2. Candidates are required to write a response in about 80 words.
3. This question is worth 20 marks in accordance to the following marking scale:

Content Communicative Organisation Language Total

achievement
0 – 5 marks 0 – 5 marks 0 – 5 marks 0 – 5 marks 20 marks

Tips to Score!
✓ Read and understand the stimulus given. Take note of what is required in your answer.
✓ Identify the sender and your relationship with him / her – i.e. friend, family member,
neighbour, etc.
✓ Underline the key information you are required to respond to in the answer.
✓ Write the email address correctly and include an appropriate subject.
✓ Begin with a suitable greeting.
✓ Present your points in an organised manner. Make sure you include all the information
required in the stimulus.
✓ End the email with a suitable closing.
✓ Pay attention to the word limit.
✓ Read through your answer and make sure there are no spelling, punctuation or
grammatical mistakes.

Easy English 5
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 Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

Part 2 – Guided Writing

Test Focus
• explain the advantages / disadvantages of ideas, plans or arrangements
• explain the main points for / against an idea or argument
• express and respond to real or imagined opinions and feelings
• organise, sequence and develop ideas within a text of several paragraphs
on familiar / unfamiliar topics
• punctuate written work on a range of text types with reasonable accuracy
• spell written work on a range of text types with reasonable accuracy
• use formal and informal registers appropriate to the target audience

1. In Part 2, candidates will be given a stimulus in the form of a situation with three prompts in
bullet points.
2. Candidates are required to write an essay based on the stimulus in about 125 – 150 words.
3. This question is worth 20 marks in accordance to the following marking scale:

Content Communicative Organisation Language Total

achievement
• focus on the • format and • well-organised • appropriate
information writing and coherent - grammar
given and conventions, use of and
use of all the use of punctuation, appropriate
information appropriate paragraph and vocab
in the register – cohesive usage
answer informal, devices
neutral or (linkers,
formal conjunctions,
pronouns)

0 – 5 marks 0 – 5 marks 0 – 5 marks 0 – 5 marks 20

marks

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 Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

Tips to Score!
✓ Read and understand the stimulus given. Take note of what is required in your
answer.
✓ Underline the keywords in the stimulus given. Highlight the three points required in
the prompts.
✓ Begin your essay with a good introduction.
✓ Present your points in an organised manner in the content paragraphs. Make sure
you respond to each prompt in the stimulus.
✓ Use cohesive devices to link your ideas.
✓ End your essay with a short conclusion.
✓ Pay attention to the word limit.
✓ Read through your answer and make sure there are no spelling, punctuation or
grammatical mistakes.

Part 3 – Extended Writing

Test Focus
• explain the advantages / disadvantages of ideas, plans or arrangements
• explain the main points for / against an idea or argument
• express and respond to real or imagined opinions and feelings
• organise, sequence and develop ideas within a text of several paragraphs
on familiar / unfamiliar topics
• punctuate written work on a range of text types with reasonable accuracy
• spell written work on a range of text types with reasonable accuracy
• use formal and informal registers appropriate to the target audience

1. In Part 3, candidates will be given three questions (3 – 5) but they are only required to answer
one of the questions.
2. Candidates are required to write an essay in 200 – 250 words based on the stimulus given.
3. For each question, two or three prompts are given.
4. The types of essays tested are articles, reports, reviews and stories.
5. This question is worth 20 marks in accordance to the following marking scale:

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 Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

Content Communicative Organisation Language Total

achievement
• focus on the • format and • well-organised • appropriate
information writing and coherent - grammar
given and conventions, use of and
use of all the use of punctuation, appropriate
information appropriate paragraph and vocab
in the register – cohesive usage
answer informal, devices
neutral or (linkers,
formal conjunctions,
pronouns)

0 – 5 marks 0 – 5 marks 0 – 5 marks 0 – 5 marks 20

marks

Tips to Score!
✓ Study each question carefully. Take note of what each question requires.
✓ Choose a topic and a type of essay that you know well. Remember that each
type of essay has a different format and writing conventions. Use the correct
format.
✓ Underline the keywords in the stimulus given. Highlight the points required in
the prompts.
✓ Begin your essay with a good introduction.
✓ Organise your points in a logical order in the content paragraphs. Make sure
you respond to each prompt in the stimulus.
✓ Use cohesive devices to link your ideas.
✓ End your essay with a short conclusion.
✓ Pay attention to the word limit.
✓ Read through your answer and make sure there are no spelling, punctuation or
grammatical mistakes.

Easy English 8
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 Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

PART 3: Speaking

1. Paper 3 is divided into 3 parts and has a total of 3 tasks.

2. The time allocation for Paper 3 is about 13 minutes.
3. Paper 3 carries a total of 24 marks.
4. For this component, candidates will be tested in pairs.
Part 1 – Interview

Test Focus
• Giving factual information about self
• Talking about present circumstances
• Expressing opinions
• Explaining and giving reasons
• Talking about future plans
• Talking past experiences
• Grammar focus – present simple, adverbs of frequency
• Vocabulary focus – transport, hobbies, daily routines
•

1. In Part 1, the interlocutor will ask questions about topics that are familiar to the candidates such
as daily routines, family, school life, hobbies, etc.
2. This part will take about 3 – 4 minutes for both candidates.
3. The purpose of this part is to allow the candidates to warm up and prepare them for the more
serious topics of discussion.
Part 2 – Individual long turn

Test Focus
• Giving information
• Talking about past / present / future experience
• Explaining and giving reasons
• Expressing and justifying opinions
• Describing people, places and situations
• Speculations
• Naming personal characteristics objects and activities
• Paraphrasing words and ideas, if necessary
• Grammar / language focus – present and past tense, expressions for likes
and dislikes, expressions for giving reasons, expressions for giving
opinions
• Vocabulary focus – words for describing, expressing feelings and opinions

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 Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

Part 3 – Discussion

Test Focus
• Explaining and giving reasons
• Exchanging information and opinions
• Expressing and justifying opinions
• Negotiating agreement
• Making and responding to suggestions
• Discussing alternatives
• Language focus – expressions to agree and disagree, turn-taking, opening
and closing a discussion, moving along a discussion
•
•
1. In Part 3, the interlocutor will present a topic in the Candidate booklet to both candidates. Both
candidates will be given 20 seconds to study the mind map and prepare.
2. Then both candidates must discuss on the topic for about 2 minutes.
3. After discussing each point highlighted in the mind map, both candidates must come to a
decision.
4. Finally, both candidates are given a question related to the topic in which they must answer.
5. Part 3 takes about 4 – 5 minutes overall.
6. Candidates will be assessed according to the following criteria:

Grammar Vocabulary Communicative competence

• can communicate with a • can use a wide range of • can express him /
good degree of accuracy appropriate vocabulary herself with little
• can show a good degree to give and exchange hesitation,
of control of a range of views on a wide range • can initiate, maintain,
simple and some of familiar topics develop, and close a
complex grammatical • can convey relevant conversation with ease,
structures, meaning with good • can relate contributions
• can use a range of vocabulary choice to his / her partner and
cohesive devices negotiate towards an
outcome

Tips to Score!
✓ Familiarise yourself with the format.
✓ Read up on current issues so that you have some knowledge on a wide range of topics.
✓ Brush up on the relevant vocabulary and grammar / language focus. This will allow you
to speak more fluently and smoothly.
✓ Do not memorise your answers. If you memorise, you will have a tendency to be overly
dependent on certain topics, or not answer the specific questions that the interlocutor is
asking.
✓ Speak slowly but clearly. Do not rush through your answers.
✓ Practise speaking on your own. This will help you get used to making an oral
presentation.

Easy English 10
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 Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

PART 4: Listening

1. Paper 4 is divided into 4 parts and has a total of 30 questions.

2. The time allocation for Paper 4 is about 40 minutes.
3. Paper 4 carries a total of 30 marks.
4. For each part, the listening text is played twice.
Part 1 – Short dialogues / monologues (Questions 1-7)

Test Focus
• Understand specific details when listening to texts on familiar topics
• Understand independently the main ideas in extended texts on a wide range
of topics
• Understand independently specific information and details in longer texts
• Recognise independently attitudes or opinions in extended texts on a wide
range of topics

1. In Part 1, 7 short dialogues or monologues are played (60 – 70 words each).

2. For each text, there is a multiple-choice question with 3 options.
3. Candidates are required to choose the best option.

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 Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

Part 2 – Longer narrative / monologue (Questions 8 – 15)

Test Focus
• Understand independently the main ideas in extended texts on a wide range of
topics
• Understand independently specific information and details in longer texts
• Recognise independently attitudes or opinions in extended texts on a wide range
of topics
• Understand independently longer and more complex narratives on a wide range of
topics
• Guess meaning of unfamiliar words from clues provided by other words and by
context on a wide range of topics

1. In Part 2, a longer monologue is played (350 – 400 words).

2. There are 8 multiple-choice questions with 3 options based on the monologue.
3. Candidates are required to choose the best option.
Part 3 – Matching (Questions 16 - 20)

Test Focus
• Understand independently the main ideas in extended texts on a wide range of
topics
• Understand independently specific information and details in longer texts
• Recognise independently attitudes or opinions in extended texts on a wide range of
topics
• Guess meaning of unfamiliar words from clues provided by other words and by
context on a wide range of topics

1. In Part 3, 5 short monologues are played (50 words each).

2. Candidates are required to match the idea or information given to the speaker in the text.
3. There are 5 questions with 7 options.

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 Answering Techniques based on the Latest SPM Examination Format

Part 4 – Note completion (Questions 21 - 30)

Test Focus
• Understand independently the main ideas in extended texts on a wide range of
topics
• Understand independently specific information and details in extended texts on a
wide range of topics
• Recognise independently attitudes or opinions in extended texts on a wide range
of topics
• Understand independently more complex questions on a wide range of topics
• Guess meaning of unfamiliar words from clues provided by other words and by
context on a wide range of topics

1. In Part 4, a dialogue or an interview is played (600 – 650 words).

2. Candidates are required to complete the summary with one word per gap based on the listening
text.
3. There are 10 questions altogether.

Tips to Score!
✓ Familiarise yourself with the format.
✓ Read the questions carefully before the listening audio is played. Take note of what
you should be listening for.
✓ As the listening audio is played, keep your eyes on the question. Listen for the answer
to that question and do not be distracted by the other information given in the text.
✓ If you could not answer a question, do not panic. Keep going and answer the other
questions first.
✓ The second listen is for you to confirm the answers and to pick out what you might
have missed the first time.
✓ If time permits, check your answers before submitting the answer sheet.

Thank You!

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