By Ritchie Laudy

Han Chiang College conducted a four-day workshop for secondary school students who are sitting for their upcoming 2017 SPM exam. The speaker Ng Eng Tiek, a former University of Manchester graduate and a current teacher at SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian, gave students tips and techniques to answer the Bahasa Inggeris paper.

Here’s the interview with Han Chiang News…

What do you think about this SPM clinic organised by Han Chiang College?”

Well I think it is a very good effort. I think the college can reach out to more students if they attend the schools’ weekly assembly and let them know about this seminar.  

Can you explain briefly the format of this paper?

Students must always expect the unexpected because nowadays, the questions are not the traditional type of questions which appear repeatedly. Students must know that the questions have been revamped to a more “produce your own idea” questions. The reason is to avoid spoon-feeding the students. So basically, there’s no more straightforward questions.

Which part of the exam do you think students have a lot of trouble with?

The continuous writing. Students are expected to write professionally as well as having to decide what genre they wish to use. In writing essay for the exam, it’s not always about the quantity but the quality.

What can a student do if he finds himself stuck in the same long reading passage?

Students have to know that there are reading strategies out there for them to discover and utilise. For example, if you find yourself having a hard time understanding what the paragraph is about or what the main point is, perhaps you are not strong enough in your vocabulary. So you need to improve your vocabulary in order to comprehend passages.

What’s your advice to students to help them overcome their nerves during the exam?

Of course it is to have confidence. If you have prepared yourself, you know you are ready.

Any last words to the SPM students?

Passion and hard work – they are equally important.