SPM English 1119 cheat sheet

Paper 1 is 1 hour 45 minutes and carries 75 marks; Section A (15 marks) is a multiple-choice reading task on short texts, Section B (10 marks) is a summary-writing task, and Section C (50 marks) is composition writing.

Section A tests inference, main idea, purpose, tone and vocabulary-in-context; the correct option must be supported by the passage, so an option that is true in general but not stated in the text is wrong.

Section B summary rules: select only points answering the given focus, write in continuous prose, use your own words, and keep within the stated word limit (about 130 words at SPM level); copied phrases earn no credit.

Summary scoring rewards content points first and language quality second; aim for 8-10 distinct relevant points, one per sentence or clause, with no personal opinion or examples added.

Section C composition is 50 marks: 30 for content and 20 for language; a 350-word target applies to the directed-writing task, and length matters because short answers lose content marks.

Directed writing (a talk, report, letter or article) requires all given notes to be expanded into full sentences, correct format features (salutation, heading, sign-off) and an appropriate register.

Continuous writing offers narrative, descriptive, argumentative and reflective prompts; a clear five-paragraph plan (introduction, three developed body paragraphs, conclusion) controls coherence under time pressure.

Language marks depend on sentence variety, accurate tenses and subject-verb agreement, precise vocabulary, and paragraphing; spelling and punctuation errors are penalised only where they impede meaning.

Time allocation rule: roughly 35 minutes for Section A, 25 minutes for Section B and 45 minutes for Section C, leaving 10 minutes for checking.

Paper 2 combines listening, speaking and writing tasks; each component is assessed on its own criteria, so a weak performance in one does not automatically reduce the score in another.

Listening items test gist, specific detail, attitude and implied meaning; answers must match what the recording says, and distractors often repeat a word from the audio while contradicting its meaning.

Listening strategy rule: read the questions before the recording plays, predict the type of answer (number, name, reason), and write during the first playing; a second playing is normally provided for checking.

Speaking assessment covers fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary range, grammatical accuracy and interactive communication; marks are awarded for sustained speech, not for one-word replies.

Individual speaking tasks usually require a short prepared talk (about 2 minutes) followed by responses to the examiner's questions; a structured talk has an opening, two or three developed points and a closing.

Paired or group discussion rewards turn-taking, asking and answering questions, and building on a partner's idea; dominating the exchange or remaining silent both lower the interaction score.

Pronunciation is judged on intelligibility, not accent removal: word stress (PHO-to-graph vs pho-TO-graphy), sentence stress on content words, and falling intonation for statements versus rising for yes/no questions.

Writing in Paper 2 may include a message, email, report or short essay based on stimulus material; the required format (greeting, subject line, paragraphing) is part of the mark scheme.

Register decision rule: informal for messages to friends (contractions, phrasal verbs), formal for reports and letters to officials (no contractions, passive voice where the doer is unknown).