Are you contemplating registering for Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)? If you are a student who studied under the Malaysian national curriculum and have completed the SPM examination, you can pursue STPM. Of course, there are a few prerequisites to be met. Firstly, you must have a credit in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah subjects. Secondly, you must meet the grade value requirement in your SPM results, which depends on the stream you choose to pursue in STPM.
Many students overlook STPM due to common misconceptions like it is too difficult to pass or not recognized internationally by local private universities.
While STPM is challenging, it is not impossible to pass this exam. Every year, many students sit for STPM and pass with flying colors. Moreover, it is recognized both locally and internationally. It is also one of the most affordable pre-university options out there.
There are a total of 23 subjects available for selection. However, students are limited to choosing a maximum of five subjects, which includes the mandatory General Studies (Pengajian Am).
Selecting subjects that bring you joy and allow you to thrive is crucial, mainly because you'll be dedicating the next 18 months to studying them. If you possess a creative inclination and have a passion for reading and writing, opting for Literature in English as an STPM subject can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of our world. This subject lets you delve into our society's social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions by exploring stories, novels, poems, and plays,
If you are interested to take the literature in English subject, read on to find out more regarding the exam format and marking scheme.
What is the Exam Format?
The updated Literature in English syllabus came into effect in 2012, and the first examination based on it was conducted in the same year. The revision of the syllabus has been influenced by the modifications made by the Malaysian Examinations Council (MEC) to the existing STPM examination.
The latest Literature in English syllabus considers Malaysia's latest advancements in literature studies and syllabus design. The syllabus incorporates a mix of well-established and lesser-known texts to capture these changes. This allows candidates to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the historical and contemporary developments in literature and develop the skills to interpret and analyze these texts.
The latest STPM curriculum has been divided into three parts (paper 1, paper 2, and paper 3), each taught separately over eighteen months. Examinations will be conducted at the end of each term, and the conclusion of that respective term will announce the results.
Please refer below for the detailed examination format:
PAPER 1 (920/1) - Poetry & Short Stories
2 hours | 75 marks
Section A: Critical Appreciation
- This section consists of a question on a poem and a question on an excerpt from a short story offered in the syllabus
- Candidates are required to answer one question only.
Section B: Poems
- 1 essay question given
- Answer 1 compulsory essay question
Section C: Short Stories
- 1 essay question given
- Answer 1 compulsory essay question
PAPER 2 (920/2) - Plays
2 hours | 75 marks
Section A: Critical Appreciation
- This section consists of a question on an excerpt from Twelfth Night and a question on an excerpt from A Raisin in the Sun.
- Candidates are required to answer one question only.
Section B: William Shakespeare: Twelfth Night
- 1 essay question given
- Answer 1 compulsory essay question
Section C: Lorraine Hansberry: A Raisin in the Sun
- 1 essay question given
- Answer 1 compulsory essay question
PAPER 3 (920/3) - Novels
2 hours | 75 marks
Section A: Critical Appreciation
- This section consists of a question on an excerpt from Pride and Prejudice and a question on an excerpt from The Joy Luck Club.
- Candidates are required to answer one question only.
Section B: Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice
- 1 essay question given
- Answer 1 compulsory essay question
Section C: Amy Tan: The Joy Luck Club
- 1 essay question given
- Answer 1 compulsory essay question
If you would like to know more about the STPM Literature in English format, you can refer to the Malaysian Examination Council’s official website.
How is the Exam Graded?
Now that you are familiar with the format, let’s move on to the grading system and marking scheme. The grading system for STPM is uniform and provides a reliable indication of each student's performance. As a result, the STPM exam results accurately represent how well a student has done throughout the three terms.
The determination of subject grades is based on the highest marks obtained for Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3. The grades are indicated with grades A to F, with grade A being the highest grade and grade F indicating a fail. Each subject grade is assigned a Subject Grade Point (SGP).
It is advisable to refer to the current grading system for all subjects in STPM, to understand better how the literature in English paper is graded, outlined below.
For subject grades, grades C to A, assigned values from 2.00 to 4.00, represent a full pass, while grades D to C–, assigned values from 1.00 to 1.67, represent a partial pass. Grade F, assigned a value of 0.00, represents a fail.
To thoroughly understand their subject results, students should familiarize themselves with the grading system. Becoming acquainted with the STPM grading system will enable students to assess their academic performance accurately. This self-evaluation will empower them to set personal goals and targets for improving their future grades based on their current results.
Commencing preparation early and avoiding last-minute cramming is crucial for students. If your grades for this subject are currently unsatisfactory, don't despair. Instead, start studying and revising diligently. The sooner you begin this process, the better equipped you will be to succeed.
At the beginning of the school year, allocate some time to analyze previous exam papers, paying attention to their structure and content. Initially, the exams may seem lengthy, challenging, and intricate. However, as you progress in your studies, you will undoubtedly gain confidence in the subject matter and the exam questions.
Tips to Score A for STPM English Literature
Scoring well in STPM Literature in English requires knowledge, critical thinking, and effective exam strategies. If you would like to find some resources to help you with this subject, please read: Top Resources to Excel in STPM English Literature. Here are some tips to help you perform well in the exam:
Understand the Exam Format
Familiarise yourself with the exam structure, including the types of questions and the allocated marks for each section. This will help you manage your time effectively during the exam.
Read & Analyse the Texts
Thoroughly read and analyze the literary texts that are part of the syllabus. Pay attention to the themes, characters, literary devices, and historical or cultural context. Take notes and highlight important points to aid your understanding.
Develop Strong Essay Writing Skills
Practice writing essays that analyze and interpret literary texts. Structure your essays properly with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus and supports your thesis statement. Use appropriate examples and quotes from the texts to support your arguments.
Practice Time Management
During the exam, manage your time wisely. Allocate a specific amount of time to read and analyze each question, plan your answers, and write your essays. Avoid spending too much time on one question and leave enough time to review your answers before submitting.
Review Past Papers & Marking Schemes
Familiarise yourself with past exam papers and the corresponding marking schemes. Understand the requirements and expectations of each question type. Practice answering questions within the given time limits and compare your responses with the marking schemes to identify areas for improvement.
Seek Feedback
Ask your teacher or peers to review and provide feedback on your practice essays. Their input can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your essay writing skills.
Superprof is a highly impressive tutoring platform that links enthusiastic learners and dedicated tutors worldwide, including in Malaysia. With just a few simple steps, you can discover an ideal STPM English literature tutor who meets your preferences regarding teaching qualifications, years of experience, tutoring methods, and hourly rates.
To begin, visit the Superprof Malaysia homepage and provide some basic information, such as the subject you desire assistance with (English) and your preferred learning mode (physical or online). The system will then guide you to a broad array of English tutors specializing in teaching literature that match your filtered criteria.
By utilizing Superprof, you gain access to the most up-to-date English literature exam formats and the finest tutoring platform available to excel in this examination. Embark on your lessons with Superprof today and take a step toward success!
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