ANSWERING TIPS FOR ENGLISH UPSR

TIPS in answering ENGLISH questions (Paper 1 and Paper 2 )

PAPER 1
English Paper 1 contains 40 multiple choice questions. They cover the vocabulary, social situation, grammar and comprehension aspects of the language.
In Section A, pupils are to answer questions which test their vocabulary.

Pupils are given three different types of questions namely word level questions, phrase level questions and sentence level questions.

For this section pupils need to study the pictures given in order to answer most of the questions. Pupils can use the ‘Wh’ questions to derive the information from the pictures.

Make sure you read all the options given. Understand them and finally make your choice. Remember to choose the best answer.
In Section B, different social situations are given through the speech bubbles in the pictures. Before proceeding to the options (A, B, C and D), look at the picture and then read the dialogues in the speech bubbles. Understand the social function in the questions (to enquire, to assure, to inform, to explain, to apologise). Then choose the best sentence that fits the empty speech bubble base on the social function.

In the grammar section (Section C) pupils are required to answer questions on grammar, punctuation and spelling. For grammar, pupils need to read the questions and understand the grammar rules that need to be applied. After choosing the answer, you need to think whether the answer you have chosen is the best answer. Reason out the answer by recalling the grammar rules you have learnt.

When choosing the answer for the punctuation questions, pupils need to read all the options given. While reading the sentences, circle the errors. Then compare the sentence with the other options in the question until you find the sentence without errors.

When answering questions on synonym or antonym, make sure you give the synonym or antonym in context (the meaning of the word used in the sentences) and not its general meaning.

For questions that test spelling, pupils need to read the options given carefully. After that compare the words with the other options and choose the word that has the correct spelling.

Usually questions in Section D test pupils on vocabulary and grammar. Read the text given first then determine the tense. Look for clues (words that show the tense) in the text to help you. You also need to refer to the picture given.

A linear and a non linear text are given in the comprehension section. Pupils need to read the text given at least twice. During the first reading, pupils need to get an idea what the text is about. This will help them to get a general view of the text. During the second reading, make sure you understand the whole text especially the important points. If there is a word in a sentence that you don’t understand, underline it and read the sentence again a few more times. You may be able to guess the meaning of the word. Then read the questions carefully and choose the best answer. Make sure you read all the options given before choosing the best answer.

PAPER 2

Section A

* This section tests pupils’ ability to write sentences. Pupils will be given a picture and they have to construct five sentences. Pupils may choose to construct the sentences without using the helping words.

* Pupils need to construct a variety of sentences namely

Simple sentence
Example: The boys are playing football.

Compound sentence
Example: The boys and their friends are playing football in the field.

Complex sentence
Example: Johan, who is wearing jersey number seven, is playing football in the field.

* Do not make assumptions. Write sentences on what you see in the picture. If you want to use names, make sure that you describe clearly the person you are writing about.

Example:
Zul is sitting with his friends. (WRONG)
Zul, who is the tallest among the boys, is holding a hockey stick. (CORRECT)

* After you have completed all the five sentences, make sure you check the grammar, punctuation and spelling. Write clearly so as not to confuse the examiner.

* Don’t relate yourself to the picture.

Example:
My uncle and aunt are watching television in the living room. (WRONG)
A man and a woman are watching television in the living room. (CORRECT)

Section B

* This section contains two questions. Pupils need to transfer the information from the question into the table. Then, they have to make a choice based on the question given and state the reasons for the choice.

* For information transfer pupils need to be aware of the spelling, punctuation and their writing. They need to write clearly and obey the punctuation rules. If the answer written is not legible, no marks will be awarded for the answer. Pick and choose the information based on what is required in the table. Do not copy in any particular sequence.

* For the second part of the question, pupils need to make a choice and state the reasons for their choice. Before you start your answer, read the instruction. Make sure you write based on the choice made.

Example:
You and your family are going on a trip. Based on the information given, which type of tour would you suggest? Give reasons for your choice.

* Don’t only write statements. Support them with logical and suitable reasons. Give some elaboration on your reasons.

Example:
I would choose Aerobus 380 because it can carry the most number of passengers. It is also the longest and the widest among the three planes. Thus, it will be more spacious and I will be able walk around in the plane especially since I’m going to Paris. It is the fastest and does not need any refueling until its destination. It is powered by four jet engines. It will be able to reach the destination faster than the others.

* After completing the answers, pupils must check the sentences for grammar, spelling or punctuation errors.

Section C

* Pupils need to write creatively in this section based on the pictures and words given in the question. Pupils must read the instruction before writing their answer. Pupils may need to use all the words. Sometimes they may not need to use all the words. This depends on the instruction. Therefore, it is crucial for pupils to read the instruction carefully.

Example:

1. Write a story based on the pictures below. You may use the words given to help you. Write your
answers in the space provided.

OR

2. Write a story based on the pictures below. Use all the words given to help you. Write your answers in
the space provided.

* Pupils are free to name the characters in their answer. They can also name the places in the pictures.

* Start your answer with an interesting introduction and end it with an interesting closure. Your introduction need not be too long. Two or three sentences will be sufficient.

* Write at least four sentences for each picture. Make sure you describe the pictures well. You may use proverbs and similes to make your answer more interesting.

* After completing the answer, read through the sentences. Check for any errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Overall, pupils need to be alert and concentrate while answering the questions. Leave the question that are difficult, answer the easier ones and come back to the difficult ones later. Read the instruction before attempting to answer the questions. Finally, check all your answers before you hand in the answer script to the invigilators. So, good luck and may God bless you all.

The most efficient ways to learn English

What is the difference between effective and efficient? Let's say you had to travel from Rome to Paris; what means of transportation would you use? You could walk, run, ride a bike, drive a car, use a motorcycle, take a train, or fly (by plane). All of these methods of transportation are effective, they work; you will get there. But, which methods require the least amount of energy and accomplish the job in the shortest period of time? These methods are the most efficient. I am sure you would agree that traveling by plane is more efficient than riding a bike although Lance Armstrong might not agree.

Learning English can be broken down into two areas: input and output. Input consists of reading and listening while output consists of writing and speaking. Clearly, in order to have good quality output, you must have a lot of good quality input. Think of how long a child listens before beginning to speak. As adults, we are not going to wait two years before attempting to speak, but the more input we get, the more output we can produce. The same applies for reading and writing. The more you read, the better you write. I can even say that the more you read, write and listen, the better you speak.

My advice to all serious English learners is to approach your goal with a sense of urgency. That means you need to work effectively, but more importantly, you need to work efficiently. Based on my years of teaching and studying foreign languages, I have put together what I consider to be the most effective and efficient ways to develop each area of language.

Input

Reading

Learn at least five new vocabulary words every day. My suggestion is to use index cards with the word on one side and the definition on the other. Keep the cards in a box and review them frequently by saying the word and trying to give the definition. Keep the definitions as short and concise as possible. Five to seven words is best. If you learn five words a day, that’s 1,825 words per year. Considering that the average high school student probably has a vocabulary of 5,000 to 6,000 words, in a few years your vocabulary should be sufficient enough to understand nearly everything written in English.
Time commitment: 30 minutes.

Listening

Listen to talk radio. The objective of listening to English is to hear as many words as possible in as short a period as possible. The more times you hear a word, the better you will be able to use that word. There is no more efficient way to do this than talk radio. The vocabulary is very diverse and there are no periods of silence because unlike television, visuals cannot be used to keep an audiences attention. The key is to listen as often as possible. Maximize your time by listening to talk radio when doing other activities such as driving, walking, cooking, eating, getting dressed. If you can, try keeping the radio on while you go to sleep so it's the last thing you hear while falling asleep and the first thing you hear as you wake up.
Time commitment: 0.

Output

Writing

Keep a journal and write at least 500 words per day. By writing every day you will be reinforcing everything you have learned. It will also force you to question the accuracy of what you are writing. This process of intense concentration will help organize the vast array of information you have in your subconscious mind. Write about whatever you want, but be sure to challenge yourself with new vocabulary and various grammar structures.
Time commitment: 30 minutes.

Speaking

Read aloud. Reading aloud allows you to practice perfectly. Remember that it is perfect practice that makes perfect. By reading aloud you are speaking grammatically perfect English. If you have a typical conversation, errors will be made. Not just for English learners, but for native speakers as well. If  errors are repeated continually, it becomes increasingly more difficult to correct those errors. Also, you will be using vocabulary words that you would not normally use. In a typical one hour conversation, you might speak for 30 minutes with a number of errors, but if you read aloud, you can speak for one hour without any grammar mistakes using new vocabulary words.
Time commitment: 1-2 hours minimum.

Do these four things each day for one month and I promise you that you will be amazed at your improvement. There are no secrets to language acquisition, just a lot of hard work to accomplish something that will enhance your life forever.

Successful people do the things that unsuccessful people are unwilling to do!

I wish you all the best on your journey!