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CLOSING PARAGRAPH
April 19, 2019
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Zanurin bin Mohamad Safar
Most learners have no specific technique to write the closure for their essay. In fact,
some of them may have no idea on how to write their closing paragraph. Certainly, they
need guidance. However, how can ESL teachers guide their learners? What techniques
can be offered to them to end their essay?
An essay generally has three parts namely introduction, body and CLOSING. Each part
has its features and techniques which learners must be exposed to and gradually master
them. No doubt, writing is always the least favoured skill among learners, nevertheless,
they do not have many choices. Whether they like it or not, learners have to know how to
improve their quality of writing, if they aim to score well in writing assessment.
This write-up focuses on 7 techniques which can be employed to write the closing
paragraph. The techniques shared here may not be alien to some teachers but the
sample closing paragraphs are indeed new. It is not necessary for learners to master all
the seven techniques. The following are the techniques and sample closing paragraphs:
TECHNIQUE 1: A SURPRISE
INTRODUCTION: The cool turquoise water glistened in the sun. I could feel the
freshness of the breeze from the South China Sea. It was my second day being alone
on this tropical paradise. …..
SPM 2017: If you had the opportunity to move to another part of Malaysia, where would
you choose to live? Explain your choice.
INTRODUCTION: Powerful waves crashed along the shore of Teluk Chempedak as the
sunset revealed its mesmerizing beauty. I was in Teluk Chempedak last holiday and I fell
in love with the place. …….
BODY: …..describing more about Teluk Chempedak ….providing solid reasons why
Teluk Chempedak is the choice …
SPM 2017: Describe the first time you went on a camping trip. You should write about
the activities at the camp and explain how you felt about the experience.
SPM 2015: ‘Honesty is always the best policy.’ Describe an experience when this was
true for you.
INTRODUCTION: Last December, I had a chance to visit Korea with my family. It is not
only one of the best family holidays but it is also a holiday that has taught me a great
lesson about honesty. Our holiday began …
BODY: ….found a wallet in Seoul ….much money ….honest ….went to police station
….found the owner ….very handsome man, Jung Wa …like a K-POP star …befriended
Jung Wa …
CLOSING: Jung Wa sent my family and I to the airport. It was hard to bid
farewell as if we had known each other for a long time. …. I giggled as I
thought about me and Jung Wa as a happy loving couple. Ha ha ha!
INTRODUCTION: When I was sixteen years old, I had no life. As a teenager, I felt like I
was a machine or robot who was programmed by my mother to study, study and study. I
had no free time at all. ….
BODY: …discussion on the reasons why some people claim they no time and
suggestions for better time management ….
SPM 2015: Social networking has caused a lot of problems. How far do you agree?
BODY: …presenting ideas denying social networking as the causes of many other
problems …
CLOSING: ….. We need to mirror ourselves. It is high time for us to re-
examine ourselves first before we make any judgment.
TECHNIQUE 4: A LESSON
SPM 2018: Write a story about a teenager who had an unusual hobby. Explain what was
the hobby and how the teenager’s friends became interested in it.
INTRODUCTION: Cooking, gardening, painting and reading are some of the common
hobbies. Most people have at least a hobby, nevertheless, some individuals enjoy
having unusual hobbies. …
BODY: ……descriptions of the unusual hobby ….ways how the friends became keen on
the hobby ….
CLOSING: ….. My friend has taught me that having a weird hobby can
change our life ….become famous …..can make money ….
SPM 2018: Describe a problem you once had while you were travelling. Explain what
you did to solve the problem and what you have learnt from the experience.
INTRODUCTION: I quickly jumped out of my bed, ran down the stairs and grabbed my
car key. I was already late to fetch my friends for our trip to Hatyai, Thailand. ….
TECHNIQUE 5: DIALOGUE
SPM 2014: Describe an important family celebration and how you felt about it.
INTRODUCTION: My mother had not stopped yelling at my brother who had been
procrastinating his task to decorate our living room. My sister and I were busy in the
kitchen attempting to bake our first cheese cake. Everybody had a chore ….
BODY: ….giving descriptions about the important family celebration such as parents’
wedding anniversary ….feelings ….activities during the celebration ….
SPM 2015: Describe what makes you happy and explain why.
INTRODUCTION: Money, money and money. It is the one and only thing that
guarantees my happiness. Some may disagree with me but who cares. …..
BODY: ….more details how I spend money ….explanation how money makes me happy
…
CLOSING: ….. hanging out with friends ….gave them a big treat … I
ended my speech that night by saying “No matter what other people say,
I always believe, money can give and create my happiness.”
BODY: ….giving reasons why young people should be trusted to make their own
decisions…..
INTRODUCTION: We cannot deny the fact that animals die mainly because of human
beings. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the main threats for the survival of wildlife
are deforestation and illegal hunting. ….
TECHNIQUE 6: A CLIFFHANGER
SPM 2016: Write a story about a time in someone’s life when music played an important
role.
INTRODUCTION: Violin, guitar, cello and saxophone were displayed on the dusty shelf.
Those musical instruments greeted all guests as they entered the mansion of Ahmad
Ghani, a very renowned veteran music composer. ….
BODY: ….descriptions of events or incidents showing the important roles of music in
Ahmad Ghani’s life ….
SPM 2017: Write a story in which you had to keep a friend’s secret. In your story, give
details of the secret and explain why it was important to keep the secret
INTRODUCTION: A tall, muscular old man was looking at me. His white hair, wrinkles
and grey beard stood out for sure. He walked closer and I realised he was Dr Jamal, my
best friend’s father. My best friend’s reminder not to reveal anything to his father was still
fresh in my mind. …
BODY: ….giving more details about the secret ….the reasons why it was important not
to reveal it …
TECHNIQUE 7: QUESTIONING
SPM 2017:
The Malaysian tradition of having open houses is important and should be practised
more. Do you agree? Give reasons to support your view.
INTRODUCTION: In 2018, there are altogether 35000 open houses held in Malaysia. It
is appalling that Malaysians spent RM20.2 million to organise open houses during
festivals such as the Eid, Chinese New Year and Deepavali. ….
SPM 2016: There are many things to do after your SPM examination. Write about your
plans for the next three months and the challenges you might face.
INTRODUCTION: Gulp! Gulp! Gulp! I finish drinking the succulent watermelon juice
within seconds. I stare the empty glass and start wondering what I should do when my
SPM examination ends next week. ….
BODY: …describing Plan 1 and Challenge 1, Plan 2 and Challenge 2, Plan 3 and
Challenge 3 ….
CLOSING: ….Will all my plans become a reality? What if I have to face
more challenges than what I have imagined?
CONCLUSION
Some learners always depend on their ESL teachers to guide them throughout their
learning process. They need their teachers not only to merely mention the names of the
techniques but also give relevant examples. Hopefully, the sample closing paragraphs
offered here will be helpful to teachers. I really hope my write-up this time gives some
insights to ESL teachers on how to coach their learners end their essay effectively.