1. Composition
Here are some general tips on what to do when you attempt a writing question.
Step 1 : Read the question.
 Note what you have to do
 Look out for words like „agree with‟ or „disagree with‟ etc
Step 2 : Read the dialogue or study the map or pictures( if there are any )
 Take note of the main points
Step 3 : Jot down the main points
 Try brainstorming. Write everything that comes to your mind. Do not worry
whether it is correct or wrong.
Step 4 : Prepare an outline
 Choose the best points
 Arrange the points in order
 Put the main points in the body
 Think of an interesting introduction and conclusion
Step 5 : Write the essay
 Write each paragraph for each point
 Give details, describe or provide an example to make your point interesting
Step 6 : Revise and edit
 Read your essay
 Check if you have answered the question
 If necessary rearrange the paragraph
 Use a variety of words. For example „ the conclusion is‟ use „in a nutshell‟,
„helped‟ use „aided‟ etc
Step 7 : Proofread
 Check your grammar, spelling, punctuation
Step 8 : Final draft
 Check your grammar, spelling, punctuation

2. Informal Letter.
You write informal letters to the people you know, for instance your family or friends.
When you write an informal letter, there is a format that you have to follow. Pay
attention to the punctuation and always check to see that you have the following:
Item Example
Sender’s address No 34, Jalan Sembilan, Taman Sepuluh,
57000 Kuala Lumpur
The date 10 November 201?
Salutation  Dear Uncle Kamal
 Dear Oman
 Dear Aunty Britney
An opening  How are you? We are all fine here
 I hope you are in the best of
health. As for us, Father has not
been feeling well.
A closing  Well that is all for now. I will write
to you again when I get back from
camp
 I will stop here for now. Please do
drop me a line when you can.
Ending  Yours lovingly,
 Yours,
 Love,
 Faithfully,
 Regards
The writer’s signature  Henry
 William

3. Formal Letter
You write formal letters for business purposes, formal functions, schools, to the
government etc. When you write a formal letter, there is a format that you will have to
follow. Pay attention to the punctuation and always check to see that you have the
following:
Item Explanation
Your address  Your address should appear on the
 Left-hand corner.
Line Separator A horizontal line across the page
separates your address from the
recipient‟s address.
Address of the person to whom you are  The recipient‟s address should be
writing ( recipient )  Below your address.
 The postcode and name of the town
should be underlined.
Date  The date is written on the right
along the same line as the last line
of the recipient‟s address.
 The month should be spelt out (i.e.
it should be in words, not numbers).
It must be written in full (do not use
abbreviations such as Sept) and in
capital letters.
Salutation/Greeting  If you know the name of the
recipient, then do use his surname
(Dear Mr Tan)
 If you do not know the name of the
person to whom you are writing,
then use Dear Sir or Madam
Subject heading  The subject heading gives the
reader an idea what the letter is
about.
 Write the subject heading directly
below the salutation and it should
be underlined
The body of the letter  The body of the letter refers to the
contents of your letter.
 It should be divided into short and
clear paragraphs.

4.  All paragraphs should be numbered
except for the first and last
paragraphs.
a. In the first paragraph, you should state
the reason for writing (whether it is to
inform, to complain, to invite etc).
b. From the second paragraph onwards,
you should include information that is
deemed necessary, depending on what
you are writing about.
The number of paragraphs depends on
what you are writing.
c. In the last paragraph, state what you
expect from the recipient. This is usually in
the form of an action or response. It is a
common practice to end a formal letter
with phrases such as I look forward to
hearing from you or I hope prompt action
will be taken to solve this problem.
A note of thanks is usually included
 Remember to organise the
information in a clear and logical
manner.
 Also, do not write lengthy
paragraphs.
Ending  You can end the letter by writing
“Yours faithfully”.
 In practice, we usually use “Yours
 sincerely”, if we know the recipient
but for exam purposes I would
advise you to use only “Yours
faithfully”.
Complimentary ending Mention to the recipient that you are
looking forward for a reply.
Signature Do not forget to sign the letter and write
your name below it in capital letters with in
brackets

5. Name The name as to be in full and capital
letters
Example of an Informal Letter
902, Block C,
Tiara Apartment,
Jalan Jacquelina,
49500 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
31st January 2008
Dear Britney,
How are you? I hope you have recovered from your flu. Father, Mother and I are
fine. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for our grandmother.
Last Wednesday, she had chest pain. Aunty Natalie immediately drove her to the
nearest hospital. The doctors said the she had a mild heart attack.
She is still in the hospital. We went to visit her again this afternoon. Grandmother
looked a little pale but she was able to talk to us. Mother tried to get her to eat some
porridge but she refused to do so.
Grandmother asked after you. So we are hoping that you will come down to visit her
during the weekend.
Take care and do write as soon as you can.
Love,
Kim K

6. Example of a Formal Letter
Rajvind Gill,
10, Jalan Jujur,
Taman Jayadiri,
68000 Ampang,
Selangor Darul Ehsan
______________________________________________________________________
The Director,
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council,
Bangunan Mentari,
Ampang Jaya,68000
SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN 15 SEPTEMBER 2009
Dear Sir,
Poor Maintenance of Taman Jayadiri
I am writing this letter on behalf of the residents of Taman Jayadiri to complain about
the dismal conditions we have been putting up with for the past three months.
2. One of the main grouses of the residents concerns uncollected rubbish. Initially,
rubbish was collected three times a week. However, since June this year the garbage
collectors have only been coming once a week. Our litter bins are always filled to the
brim and we have no choice but to leave our bags of rubbish next to the bins. The
rotting waste causes a terrible stench. Worse still, stray cats and dogs scatter the
rubbish while looking for food. This is not only unpleasant but also unhealthy.
3. Most of the drains in Taman Jayadiri are clogged with rubbish resulting in the water
becoming stagnant. It is not uncommon to see plastic bags, bottles and dry leaves in
these drains. There is an urgent need to clear these drains as the stagnant water is an
ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. The residents are worried as there has been a
sharp increase in dengue cases in the last two months.
4. The street lights along several roads are also not working. This has caused several
accidents at night, mostly involving motorcyclists as they are unable to see in the dark.
Unfortunately, the dark streets have also led to another problem – an increase in crime.
Several residents, especially women, have fallen victim to snatch thieves.
5. The one and only playground in our area is also not well-maintained (point 10). The
grass is overgrown as it has not been cut for almost three months. Besides, the
playground equipment is damaged. Many of the see-saws and swings have been
spoiled by vandals.

7. I hope the council will look into our complaints and take prompt action to solve our
problems.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
RajvindGill_________
(RAJVIND GILL)