Descriptive Article (Introduction Writing)

SPM 1119/2 - Part 3 Article for Description

RECAP!

When writing for SPM examinations,
you need to always keep the following marking criteria in mind.


C / CA / O / L

Multiple Choice

C/CA/O/L are the marking criteria for an SPM examinations-based essay.

What do they stand for?

• CONTENT

  COMMUNICATIVE ACHEIVEMENT

  ORGANISATION

  LANGUAGE

• CONTENT

  COMMUNICATIVE ATTENTION

  ORGANISATION

  LORE

• COMPUTER

  COOL AID

  OLYMPIADS

  LAMBO

• COMMUNICATION

  CONTENT ASSESSMENT

  ORGANISATION

  LIBRARY

PAPER 2 - PART 3


DESCRIPTIVE ARTICLE

When we write an article, we want to attract and keep the reader's interest.

We can do that by:

1. using descriptive language (eg: adjectives)

2. addressing the reader personally.

3. asking rhetorical questions.

DESCRIPTIVE LANGUAGE INCLUDES...

• ADJECTIVES (e.g: furry, adorable, ancient)

• SPECIFIC TERMINOLOGIES / NAMES (e.g: sanctuary, institutions, psychiatrist)

• IDIOMS / PROVERBS (e.g: a needle in a haystack, pity party)

• FIGURATIVE EXPRESSIONS (e.g: a hidden gem, a diamond in the rough)

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences uses descriptive language well?

• The lush greenery and vibrant sounds of chirping birds make the zoo feel like a magical escape into the wild.

• The zoo spans an area of 50 acres and includes sections like a rainforest habitat and an aviary.

• It operates daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and offers educational programs for visitors of all ages.

• The zoo houses over 200 species of animals from around the world, including lions, giraffes, and penguins.

Asking questions in article...
Can we?

YES!

• you can ask rethorical questions such as, "did you know that there are less than 50 preserved anthropological sites from all around the world?"

• questions can help to involve readers in your article & hold their attention

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a good example of using questioning in academic writing?

• Have you ever wondered how zoos contribute to wildlife conservation?

• Why are people even visiting zoos these days?

• Don’t you think zoos should just stop keeping animals in cages?

• What if we just get rid of zoos altogether, who even cares?

Multiple Choice

Based on what you have understood from the previous slides, which of the following is a good Article introduction?

• Have you ever wondered where those cute, cuddly giant pandas you see in zoos come from? Well, last year on a trip to China I found out. I visited the Woolong National Nature Reserve. It was an unforgettable experience!

• Giant pandas, known for their cute and cuddly appearance, originate from China. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit the Woolong National Nature Reserve, where these fascinating animals are protected. The experience was truly unforgettable.

Read the following introduction again,

Have you ever wondered where those cute, cuddly giant pandas you see in zoos come from? Well, last year on a trip to China I found out. I visited the Woolong National Nature Reserve. It was an unforgettable experience!

Compare the two:

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the adorable, cuddly giant pandas that captivate visitors in zoos around the world? Interestingly, during my travels to China last year, I had the chance to find the answer for myself. My journey took me to the renowned Woolong National Nature Reserve, a sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of these extraordinary creatures. It was an experience etched vividly in my memory, one that offered a glimpse into the world of these gentle giants.

Improved

Have you ever wondered where those cute, cuddly giant pandas you see in zoos come from? Well, last year on a trip to China I found out. I visited the Woolong National Nature Reserve. It was an unforgettable experience!

Original

• NA

• It communicates straightforward ideas & holds readers attention.

• It uses cohesive devices and ideas are coherrent.

• uses complex structures and CEFR B2 and above expressions & vocabulary.
  
  

• Content

• Communicative Acheivement

• Organisation

• Language

​MARKING CRITERIA EXPLANATION

In what way was the improved better?

Open Ended

Now, rewrite the paragraph below to improve it.

Use appropriate questioning techniques, more compound & complex sentence structures and try to incorporate the following vocabulary:

timeless, ancient, civilisation, a glimpse of, awe-inspiring

"Have you ever thought about how people from the past built incredible structures without modern technology? On a trip to Egypt last year, I got to see the miracles myself. I visited the Great Pyramid of Giza. The experience was absolutely incredible!"

Well done for today!

See you again for the continuation!