Among all the SPM subjects that you should master, you cannot deny that English is one of the most important ones.
Don't you want to prove your proficiency in a global language and become qualified for various academic and career opportunities?
But wait, what are the important points in the latest SPM English syllabus?
What is the SPM English format for 2024/2025?
The SPM English syllabus is known as the CEFR-aligned Standards-Based English Language Curriculum.
Do you also find this term to be lengthy?
Let us explain.
This CEFR-aligned curriculum (CEFR represents the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, an international standard that reflects language proficiency) was introduced in 2021 to help students achieve these objectives:
- Build a love for literature to enhance aesthetic, imaginative and intellectual growth
- Be critical readers who make informed arguments and decisions with cultural sensitivity, empathy and awareness
- Explore, reflect and adopt literary values on universal concerns and issues from various periods and cultures
- Apply the gained knowledge, skills and values to become global citizens
- Use appropriate language, form and style in various communicative contexts
- Respond to, analyse and evaluate various literary text types
- Appreciate and cultivate values, positive attitudes, patriotism and citizenship via language activities
So, what has changed?
Before the updated SPM English curriculum, the old SPM English format covered the following themes:
- Language
- Science and technology
- Information and communication technology (ICT)
- Environmental sustainability
- Moral values
- Patriotism
In addition to these themes, the new SPM English format also covers:
- Creativity and innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Global sustainability
That is why you shouldn't be surprised if you were asked to write an English essay SPM on ways to support local community efforts!
Other than these updates to the content of the syllabus, SPM English 2024/2025 candidates will also sit for a total of 4 papers:
- Paper 1: Reading and Use of English
- Paper 2: Writing
- Paper 3: Speaking
- Paper 4: Listening
Previous SPM candidates had only SPM English Paper 1 and SPM English Paper 2, which were generally writing and grammar/comprehension-focused papers.
As a student, you may feel worried about these changes. Not to worry though, you only need to be clear about the latest format and marking schemes of SPM English papers.
What are the key areas of the new SPM English curriculum?
Moving on to the key areas of your SPM English syllabus for the 2024/2025 season.
For students to understand the key areas of their SPM English syllabus, we will look at the assessment objectives in your SPM English curriculum and the learning areas that fulfil these objectives.
The assessment objectives outlined in the SPM English format, which helps students obtain CEFR B1 and B2 levels of English use, are to improve their ability in:
- Corresponding, interacting and collaborating with others for various purposes.
- Understanding and processing information from various sources.
- Utilising and presenting information in written and spoken forms.
- Understanding and responding to various texts.
- Expressing ideas, thoughts, opinions and feelings imaginatively and creatively, in written and spoken forms.
- Understanding and utilising grammar correctly and effectively.
There are four main learning areas in the SPM English syllabus, each corresponding to a specific SPM English paper:
Reading and Use of English
This part of the SPM English curriculum enhances students' reading skills in English, aiming to build their ability to understand, apply, analyse and evaluate various texts in English. Reading and Use of English is assessed in SPM English Paper 1, where students must answer multiple-choice and subjective-response questions.
These SPM English past papers and references will help you understand SPM English Paper 1 and other papers.
Writing
Students will learn to apply, analyse, evaluate and create various writing works in English. Writing is assessed in SPM English Paper 2, where students must answer both limited and open subjective-response questions.
SPM English Paper 2 is pretty much an English essay paper. It is broken down into 3 parts:
- Part 1: Writing a short communicative message. Example: Email to a friend in 80 words.
- Part 2: Guided writing. Example: Explain the harms of smoking in 125-150 words.
- Part 3: Extended writing. Example formats: article, report, story.
Speaking
Students will pick up skills to understand, apply, analyse and evaluate various scenarios involving listening and speaking in English. Speaking is assessed in SPM English Paper 3, where students must answer both limited and open subjective-response questions during the English speaking test.
Note that you will have both individual and group speaking assessments in SPM English Paper 3!
Listening
Finally, students will learn to understand and analyse various texts involving listening skills in English. Listening is assessed in SPM English Paper 4 through a series of objective questions.
Worried about your English speaking test? Know that there are some helpful tips to ace your SPM English papers.
How to master the new SPM English syllabus?
We hope that you're now more clear about what you will study in your SPM English curriculum. Of course, nothing is better than taking practical steps to improve your English proficiency, like completing an English essay SPM exercise!
That is why, to master your new SPM English syllabus, you need to be aware of the topics that will come out in your SPM English Paper 1 and more. Take it from us that you should get started early and apply these tips below to succeed in SPM English 2024/2025.
Read up on current issues
Yes, you should include idioms and proverbs to add some spice to your English essay.
And yes, you should know correct English grammar to choose the right answer in SPM English Paper 1 (and even in your English speaking test).
However, the updated SPM English format also emphasises skill areas like critical thinking, creativity and innovation, and the integration of community-related or contemporary themes like global and environmental sustainability.
What does this mean?
You have to keep up with the latest trends and issues to master your SPM English syllabus!
Here are some practical ways you can read up on current issues within and outside of Malaysia so that you can improve your writing and speaking skills in English:
- Follow social media pages run by reliable news outlets (tip: you can watch short clips of news updates in English)
- Subscribe to an English newsletter so that you are updated daily on what is happening around the world
- Find a YouTube channel you enjoy that discusses current issues in English
Try your hand at reading some news articles about Malaysia by BBC.
Use supplemental study resources
Many students make the mistake of using only the study materials for SPM English 2024/2025 that their school provides.
You should know there are amazing resources out there to help you master the SPM English format and even to help you get used to the English essay format faster!
We are talking about online resources that will help you build your skills for reading, writing, speaking and listening in English, as assessed in your SPM English curriculum. After all, most online resources are either free for students or require a reasonable subscription fee.
Try these free English study websites known to help students who are learning English for the CEFR B1 to B2 levels:
- BBC Learning English
- Learn English Online by the British Council
- Easy World of English
Use these websites as a supplemental tool to your existing SPM English resources and expand your knowledge and skills in various language areas. How about this reading exercise on unusual adjectives?
More amazing resources to boost your SPM English success here.
Talk to your English teacher
You probably know by now how important it is that you speak with your English teacher, whether it is a question about your upcoming English speaking test or an error in your English essay.
Your English teacher should be the No. 1 person you turn to if you want advice on how to improve your current English proficiency. They will know what to expect in the SPM English 2024/2025 exams and should inform the class of any updates to the SPM English syllabus.
Nonetheless, we understand if it is difficult to seek your English teacher for advice - your other classmates are likely asking for their advice, too! We encourage you to work with a qualified English tutor for the best SPM English support, like an English tutor on Superprof.
How Superprof helps you conquer SPM English 2024/2025
Are you aware that you can prepare for SPM English 2024/2025 with the help of a Superprof tutor?
Superprof is a leading global platform that connects students to teachers of diverse subjects, including English! When you head over to Superprof, you can immediately find over 100,000 English tutors who are ready to help you master the latest SPM English syllabus.
Learning the SPM English curriculum with a Superprof tutor provides you with benefits such as:
- Flexible English lessons with your tutor that you can schedule according to your availability
- The choice of in-person and online English lessons
- Choose from thousands of trained and qualified SPM English tutors
- Getting to know your English tutor before the lesson, by reading their Superprof profile and reaching out to them to set a lesson date!
Now that you are familiar with the SPM English syllabus and have equipped yourself with helpful learning strategies (AND an amazing Superprof English tutor who can guide you throughout your SPM English curriculum), you are ready to conquer this SPM subject!
All the best with your studies!
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