How to Score A+ in SPM English for Science and Technology (EST)

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Editor's Note: A Malaysia Students Blog reader (Anonymous), who has benefited from reading our post on SPM English for Science and Technology (EST), just left a comment sharing helpful tips on how to score A+ in SPM EST. The post was reposted here with some minor edits on spellings and a few relevant links added. We sincerely thank him for sharing these insightful tips with the upcoming SPM candidates. It reminds us why does this blog exist in the first place: Malaysian students helping Malaysian students - we help/guide each others because sharing is caring! For those who did well in your past STPM, MUET or SPM exams, please consider writing a post to share your informative tips and educational experiences with us!



Greetings, I'm writing this on 31st March of 2012. I have received my results on 21 March and scored straight A's. A+ for EST. Alhamdulilah :)

Now I can't tell how to get A+ for this subject because the way to obtain it varies which include the ''strictness'' of the marker, maybe format, the difficulty or English usage. I can only help by sharing what I have gone through.

Some may ask ''should I take EST? ''. It's okay to be doubtful and at the same time careful as well. In my school, only 2 people took EST. In other words, in the exam hall there were only 2 lads sitting for EST (the other person got an A). What surprises me is that his command of English is obscenely ridiculously superior to mine. In addition, he is the top 5 scrabble champion in Asia and Melaka state champion of ''Spell It Right''. On EST day, he forgot to follow report format, which in all probability cost him an A instead of A+. I do not know if format alone that gave him an A. He wrote 5 pages. I wrote 2 and a quarter :D. The point is EST is a ''fragile'' subject. In other words, it’s like standing on a fence. You may fall onto lush green field of grass or a hard concrete floor on the other side. Essay influences marks the most. Most say essay alone determines your EST grade. So be twice careful with essay yeah! That's the best I can describe about EST.

My experience:
My school do not offer EST thus no EST textbook. Maybe it never existed at all. I searched for EST and i can only find exercise books for practise and past years. Combine them all together it may equal the thickness of a SUCCESS book. I’ve tried online but to no avail :(

Since my school do not offer EST in class thus I only have class for 9 subjects. (EST is the 10th subject). Only in form 5 when it is time to submit ''slip mata pelajaran SPM'' then I realised EST is available. Yes, I had a lot of questions in mind. I went online and finally found this website in early 2011. No recent posts at that time :(

Since my school does not offer EST, We had to study on our own. We never studied together because we were too busy with other subjects and co-curriculum. We had no time to do EST practises. All we did is read the question (essay), answer concisely in our mind, then have a look at the sample answer. We answered objective questions in the same manner. So... our EST books were really clean (no writing at all XD) Since he has superior command in English to me, I consulted him which happened rarely :P. We had no training and no guidance from teachers at all. Even teachers recommend we do not take EST. We had our respective reasons actually.

What I did during SPM EST paper is I calmed myself. I find that when I’m calm I do not doubt my answers and I can think clearly. Secondly, I answered my ''information transfer'' questions directly from the passage. Its like cut the answer from the passage and paste it into the answer table. Nothing is added. I answered my essay question according to the points given. I neither write nor think of additional points. I only focus on my English and format to avoid carelessness. I only managed 2 and a quarter pages =.= (shameful). The other guy taking EST did 5 pages. Simple concept. Only point and elaboration. No additional points. Well, I think that’s about it. 2 years in one post. haha. Of course a lot of students do well in EST but each have their own story to a glorious end. I guess my story have come to a glorious end as well.

What I would like to say to students taking EST is best of luck! I understand your doubts and concerns about this subject but the decision is only yours to make since you alone know your capability. Do not underestimate this subject like the seniors up there do. Do not burden your thoughts with this subject. Yes, miracle happens.

Congratulations in advance to the future SPM students. I'm not a spiritual type of person but since I passed SPM with flying colours, yes, there is god.

Peace be upon you.
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