A QUICK GUIDE TO CONTINUOUS WRITING (SPM ENGLISH)

TYPES OF COMPOSITIONS

NARRATIVE

DESCRIPTIVE

FACTUAL

ARGUMENTATIVE

REFLECTIVE

1. NARRATIVE COMPOSITIONS

Stories

Stories which begin with a given sentence

Stories which end with a given sentence

A narrative is a story. It has to have a beginning, a series of incidents leading to a conflict or climax and a
suitable ending.
Tips on Writing Narrative Compositions
1.

Write a suitable introduction. Introduce your characters. Provide a setting and start the story.

2.

Make your characters lively and interesting. Limit your characters to about three or four. Your
reader should be able to identify the main character and the minor characters.

3.

The incidents you relate must lead to a conflict and later to a climax.

4.

Resolve the conflict and end the story.

5.

Make your story realistic. You can do this by one of the following methods:

a.

Give actual names of places, roads, etc

b. Use dialogues
c.

Give your story a time frame.

d. Bring in actual events, for example, Merdeka Day, the SEA Games, etc

Some Types of Opening

i.

Describe the background to your story

This sets things off in a straightforward manner; establishing clearly your characters and
situation.
Example:
There was once a poet who spent all his days shut up in his dark and shabby rented room on
top of a coffin shop.

ii.

Describe the setting

Describing the setting will create the mood for your story.
Example:
Towards two oclock, the huge theatre was thronged floor gallery, boxes and stage were all
crowded. So many people were gathered in front of the box offices that the management had
to telephone the police, fearing a riot.

iii.

Use direct speech

This can be a lively way to begin, especially if your character says something that grabs
attention.
Example :
May God wipe out my whole family if I am lying! she whispered, raising hand in oath.

iv.

Use sounds
Using words which convey sounds is an easy way to start on a dramatic note.
Example :
Plop! The lead at the end of the fishing line dropped into the sea.

2. DESCRIPTIVE COMPOSITIONS
Describing people
1.

When describing people, select only the significant details.

2.

Mention some of the following:

- build, facial features, clothing, height, hairstyle, age, size of the person, distinguishing
marks or scars.

3.

Mention character or personality traits, habits, behaviour and relationship with others.
Write about a person you admire
Composition outline
Introduction
- who the person is
- how you know the person
Body
- physical description
- character/personality
- habits

- important incidents
- relationship with you and others
- why you admire him/her
Conclusion
- what the person stands for
- what the person means to you
Describing places or scenes
When you describe places, pay attention to the following aspects :
Type of place
Location
Distance
Attractions
Facilities/Amenities
Accommodation
When you describe scenes, pay attention to sensory description.
Sounds
Smell
Taste
Touch
Sight
A description of a village scene on a hot sunny day

3. FACTUAL COMPOSITIONS
The main purpose of factual composition is to inform. So, to write factual compositions, you
must have accurate information about the topic being discussed.
Information about a topic
Causes and effects
Analysis of problems, issues and situations and proposals for solutions

Some examples of factual topics:

Pollution causes and effects
Tuition reasons for its popularity
Tourism how to promote it
Deforestation causes and effects
E-learning benefits
Dental care importance
Smoking health effects
Mobile phones health hazards
4. ARGUMENTATIVE COMPOSITIONS
An argumentative composition requires you to develop or justify a given argument or to put
forward a particular point of view.
An argumentative composition requires you to do one of the following :
take one side of an argument and present your stand clearly
put forward your argument for and against and then make a stand
5. REFLECTIVE COMPOSITIONS
A reflective composition is one in which you express your personal thoughts, opinions
feelings. To write reflective compositions, you need to have a good command of the language
which will enable you to express yourself clearly.
Examples of Reflective essays:
My dream house
Things I treasure
My ideal husband of wife
Memories
The qualities I would look for in a friend
My greatest problem
Boey KN, SMK Kamunting