Every year, thousands of students nationwide sit for the SPM examination.
The recent SPM 2023 saw over 395,000 candidates registered for the exam!
Among the most important papers that candidates have to sit for is, of course, the SPM English paper.
For these students to quickly and effectively improve their English proficiency, they are consistently encouraged by their teachers and peers to use reference and past papers to prepare for the SPM English exam.
By using these SPM English papers, students can familiarise themselves with the types of questions and exam patterns across all the papers, as well as assess their strengths and weaknesses in the language. Hence, this article will discuss where to find SPM English reference and past papers, along with how to utilise these papers for effective exam preparation.
What do I need to know about SPM English 2024/2025?
Every student wants to know how to ace the SPM English papers.
Before that, they need to be aware of the latest SPM English format and know what to expect in SPM English 2024/2025.
It's worth noting that there are four SPM English papers that candidates need to sit for, which cover the language areas of reading and comprehension, writing, speaking and listening in English. Since the structures for these papers are different, you should take the time to study the complete SPM English format and familiarise yourself with the components of each paper.
Here is a brief overview of SPM English Paper 1 and the rest of your SPM English papers that you will sit for in SPM English 2024/2025:
Paper 1 (1119/1): Reading and Use of English
This is a 1 hour 30 minutes paper that is split into five sections. The majority of the questions in this paper are multiple-choice questions but there are also some subjective-response questions you'll have to complete. There are 40 questions in total. Answer all questions.
Paper 2 (1119/2): Writing
This is another 1 hour 30 minutes paper, but it is split into three sections. There are only subjective questions to be completed in this paper, which include open-response and limited-response questions. There are 5 questions in total but you should answer only one question in Section 3.
Paper 3 (1119/3): Speaking
This is a brief paper that takes you 13 minutes to complete. The examiner, who is known as the interlocutor, will ask you several subjective questions requiring both open-response and limited-response answers. There are 8 questions in total, which you will answer individually and in pairs.
Paper 4 (1119/4): Listening
Finally, this paper is 40 minutes long. There are only objective questions in this paper but take note that you may have to provide short-form answers towards the end of the paper (fill in the blanks based on what you have heard in the audio recording). Answer all 30 questions.
We recommend you read about the updated SPM English syllabus to know more!
Where to find SPM English reference and past papers
You'll likely be able to find the SPM English papers you need as long as you use the right website or head to a bookstore that sells official SPM English format materials. If you are currently looking for reference papers or past papers for SPM English, we recommend checking out the places below to obtain official SPM English materials.
Popular Malaysia
No doubt about it, if you want to ensure that you've gotten your hands on the latest SPM English papers, such as past papers and sample papers, Popular Malaysia is a reliable bookstore chain that has consistently provided students with up-to-date study materials for SPM English. There is likely a branch near you!
Look out for these SPM English papers that you can find at Popular Malaysia:
- SPM Koleksi Kertas Peperiksaan Akhir Sijil Pendidikan MRSM Bahasa Inggeris
- SPM Kertas Percubaan Bahasa Inggeris (CEFR) by Ilmu Bakti
- SPM Koleksi Kertas Model Bahasa Inggeris (CEFR) by Ilmu Bakti
Mehraj Books Online
Although this is a lesser-known book distributor, students looking for affordable SPM English reference and past papers will be happy browsing for study materials on this website. Whether you are looking for past papers or references focused on preparing you for your English speaking test, you can find useful SPM English papers below RM10!
They also have a physical bookstore if you would like to browse through their SPM English materials in person:
Mehraj Book Distributors
Location: 10, Jalan Pandan 8/8, Pandan Jaya, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor
Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
What about other resources to prepare for SPM English 2024/2025?
Check out the websites below that are run by SPM leavers and teachers of SPM subjects.
Bumi Gemilang
If you have been actively searching for SPM trial papers, past papers or reference papers, then you must have come across Bumi Gemilang at least once or twice. This website which is run by teachers offers various SPM English papers across the years which are free for students to access and download.
We also encourage you to read their study notes and tips that can help you master your English essay SPM format and other components of SPM English 2024/2025.
How to prepare for SPM English 2024/2025 with reference and past papers
So now you have the reference and past papers you need to ace your SPM English Paper 1 and more. But it's a matter of how you approach these materials that will determine how well you perform in the actual SPM English exam.
We'd like to walk you through some points on how to utilise your SPM English reference and past papers effectively. Are you ready to prepare for your SPM English 2024/2025?
Create study notes
After completing a set or two of your SPM English papers, you may want to make a mental note of the knowledge you have gained to better tackle the next paper.
We encourage you to turn those mental notes into actual study notes!
Effective study notes should help you understand and remember the material you have learnt, focus on the key learning areas and prepare you for exam revision. Many students who are looking to improve their writing in English essay topics or even prepare for their English speaking test will use flashcards, colour-coding and even spidergrams to create clear, concise study notes that they can always refer back to.
Another thing to look out for is active note-taking when completing your SPM English papers. Here's an interesting article on reading and making notes for students.
Do a mock test
What's the best way to know you are prepared for SPM English 2024/2025?
Well, a mock test should be able to tell you!
A mock test is a practice exam that is done according to the format and rules of the real exam. Say you were to do a mock test for SPM English Paper 1. At home, that would mean setting a timer for 1 hour 30 minutes and completing all those questions within the given time. Don't even try glancing at your study notes!
By doing a mock test at home, you can get a sense of what it is like to sit for your actual SPM English papers. By following similar timings, rules and exam questions, you will know what the upcoming SPM English exam feels like. At the same time, you can test yourself and see how well you have understood everything you have learned so far.
If you are marking your paper after completing your mock test at home, be sure to follow the official SPM English format and marking scheme.
Learn English with a tutor
You may find it hard to boost your English language skills if you rely solely on the formal classes you are attending at school.
And if you don't speak English at home, working on listening and speaking skills for Papers 3 and 4 can be even more challenging!
At this point, it is recommended that you attend one-on-one or even small group lessons with an English tutor, especially if that someone is trained in teaching the SPM English syllabus. Working with an English tutor can help you compose and structure English essay topics, become more proactive in your English speaking test and feel more confident in answering SPM English Paper 1.
It's time we talk to you about the amazing benefits of learning with an English tutor on Superprof...
What makes Superprof the go-to platform for students sitting for SPM English?
Did you know that millions of students are learning with tutors on Superprof?
This number includes students sitting for their SPM English papers!
Through Superprof, students are easily connected to tutors of diverse subjects, including SPM English. Many students are choosing Superprof for its quality tutoring experience and opportunities to learn from teachers around the world. There is even a first free lesson option provided by most tutors so that students can decide whether they want to continue learning with a particular tutor.
To prepare for SPM English 2024/2025 and build on skills such as English essay SPM writing, head over to the Superprof Tutors webpage and key in "School English" as your subject. After this, you can filter out your options for SPM English tutors by selecting your learning mode (in-person or virtual), residential area, lesson budget and tutor response time.
You are also encouraged to click on SPM English tutors' profiles you are interested in and see for yourself whether they have a teaching background in SPM English or have received positive student reviews.
The price for SPM English lessons on Superprof is as low as RM25 per hour! With the guidance of a Superprof tutor and the preparations you are making with SPM English reference and past papers, you are well on your way to achieving success in this SPM subject.
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