3. SAMPLE QUESTION
The following is the short story you have
studied in the literature component in English
language.
Write about the main theme that you find
from the short story with close reference to
the text.
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Tanjong Rhu – by Minfong Ho
5. How marks are awarded?
Answering the question = 1 mark
(3 points x 3 = 9 marks)
Language Overall grading (5 marks)
Vocabulary
Sentence patterns
Organisation of ideas
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Point+ Elaboration + Example + Opinion = 3
7. How to write your INTRO?
• The short story I have studied is Tanjong Rhu by
Minfong Ho.
+
• Questions is _________. This is shown through
CHARACTER 1, CHARACTER 2, and CHARACTER 3.
• In the following paragraphs, I will discuss on the
________ with close reference from the text.
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Introduction
THESIS STATEMENT
ANSWER
TOPIC
8. SAMPLE of the…
The short story I have studied is Tanjong
Rhu by Minfong Ho. The main theme of this
short story is the conflict between traditional
and modern values and beliefs. This is shown
through the characters of Mr Li, Ah Ma, and
Ying. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss
the theme with close reference to the text.
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Introduction
9. How to write your POINT(1)?
POINT . ELABORATE . EXAMPLE(S) . OPINION(O).
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Point 1
10. SAMPLE of POINT(1)…
POINT . ELABORATE . EXAMPLE(S) . OPINION(O).
Mr Li, the main character, is a successful
Chinese businessman. Although he is a man
with modern mindset, Mr Li is filial to his
mother who is known as Ah Ma in the short
story. For example, Mr Li respects his mother’s
traditional practice of ancestral worship and
belief. He patiently waited for Ah Ma to finish
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11. POINT 1 continues…
POINT . ELABORATE . EXAMPLE(S) . OPINION(O).
to finish her prayer before going to his office.
Not only that, he tries to teach his daughter,
Ying, to show respect to the elders. This is an
important value in Chinese culture.
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12. Now YOU try writing POINT (2)
POINT . ELABORATE . EXAMPLE(S) . OPINION(O).
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Point 2
Use connectors:
Secondly/ Besides/ In addition/ Moreover/ Furthermore/
POINT
the theme is portrayed through the characters of Ah Ma
and Ying in the short story.
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ELABORATE
Ah Ma and Ying have different attitudes towards
ancestor worship.
EXAMPLE(S)
Ah Ma insisted on doing the whole process properly
while Ying felt that it did not matter how many times a
person has to bow as long as the act is carried out and it
does not waste too much time.
Point 2
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OPINION(O)
We can see that Ah Ma is very meticulous about the
traditional practices whereas Ying lives a modern
lifestyle.
Nevertheless, Ying loves her grandmother and calls her
‘Popo’.
Point 2
15. Let’s continue with POINT 3!
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Point 3
Use connectors:
Besides/ In addition/ Moreover/ Furthermore/
POINT
Ah Ma maintains a simple lifestyle while Helen, her
daughter-in-law, lives a luxurious life.
16. Let’s continue with POINT 3!
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Point 3
EXAMPLE(S)
For instance, Ah Ma rears chickens and takes care of the
family altar. Helen, on the other hand, enjoys going out
with friends and eat cakes which are made of foreign
fruits.
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Point 3
EXAMPLE(S)
Another incident is that Ah Ma refuses to go for cataract
operation. She could not bear the idea of cutting her eye
open even with the latest technology.
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OPINION(O)
This shows that Ah Ma is skeptical of the modern
technology and she rather uses binoculars to see better.
Point 3
19. How to write the CONCLUSION?
• Repeat your THESIS STATEMENT.
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Conclusion
20. SAMPLE of the…
In conclusion, the theme of conflicts
between traditional beliefs and modern
practices is vividly shown through the
characters of Mr Li, Ah Ma, and Ying.
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Conclusion
21. HANDS ON PRACTICE!!!
Question
• Based on the short story, Tanjong Rhu by
Minfong Ho, write on the theme of generation
gap.
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