COACHING ESL LEARNERS TO WRITE A

CLOSING PARAGRAPH
April 19, 2019
|
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

SPM 2015: Why is having good neighbours important?

INTRODUCTION: Personally, I will never forget Uncle Siva, my neighbour in Taman

Tunku Intan, Balik Pulau, Penang. Uncle Siva is more than a neighbour to me. ….

BODY: …Uncle Siva’s deeds to the neighbourhood ….his selflessness ….incidents

where he helped his neighbours …

CLOSING: We must love our neighbours. Everyone in my

neighbourhood knows I love all my neighbours, particularly Uncle Siva.
One day, I will be a permanent occupant in his house. Soon, I will be his
first daughter-in-law. What a small world!

SPM 2013: Write a story about being alone.

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. …..

BODY: ….saw nobody ….learnt to be independent ….survived on coconuts …caught

fish…. so lonely …missed family ….
CLOSING: The sunrise on the seventh day was a bit jovial. As usual, I
strolled along the beach for my morning walk …. I could not believe my
eyes! A speedboat was approaching and I waved frantically … I was
delirious with joy knowing that I would not be alone anymore.

TECHNIQUE 2: DESCRIBING NATURE/SETTING

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 …

CLOSING: …. The serene secluded bay of Teluk Chempedak with its

clear turquoise sea is a sight that I would never want to erase from my
mind. Given a choice, it will always be a place where I would love to live.

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.

INTRODUCTION: Unbelievable! Unbelievable! Really Unbelievable! I could hardly

believe what I heard when Fiona, the most popular girl in school, invited me to join her in
a camping trip. I was bursting with joy as it was also my first experience going on a
camping trip. ….

BODY: ….describing the activities during the camp ….feelings

CLOSING: Before leaving the campsite, I managed to catch a blue

butterfly. Moments later, I released the butterfly and watched as it
fluttered and danced in the breeze. I said goodbye to it and all the trees,
and boarded the bus home.

TECHNIQUE 3: A FUNNY THOUGHT

SPM 2018: Imagine you went to a big sports event. Describe what you saw, what
happened and how you felt on that day.

INTRODUCTION: As a former school sprinter, I always missed attCLOSING sports

events particularly the ones that involved athletics. I was all agog when recently I had a
chance to support Malaysian athletes at the Asian Games. ….

BODY: … describing what I saw, what happened and what I felt …

CLOSING: Despite having to face the big crowd, I had no regret at all
being there to watch the Asian Games. I wondered if the organiser would
create a new special athletic event for retired athletes like me. Surely,
veteran athletes like me could run but they must also ensure an
ambulance on standby!

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!

TECHNIQUE 4: GIVING OPINION OR ADVICE

SPM 2018: Some people complain that they have no free time. Discuss the reasons why
they might say this and suggest how they could use their time better.

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 ….

CLOSING: …. No matter who we are, we should be the one who is in

control of our time. We must be the master who determines what would
be our priorities ….

SPM 2015: Social networking has caused a lot of problems. How far do you agree?

INTRODUCTION: I am always irritated when some people simply blame social

networking for the problems that have been happening in the society. Are they
kidding? …..

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. ….

BODY: ….the problem faced ….how it was solved

CLOSING: The experience taught me a good lesson. I learnt to be more

cautious …. Another lesson which is worth shared is that ….

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 ….

CLOSING: ….we were fatigue but satisfied ….everyone had a great

time …. “I can’t wait for next year’s celebration!” I exclaimed.

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.”

TECHNIQUE 6: HOPE, DREAM, WISH

SPM 2018: Young people should be trusted to make their own decisions. How far do
you agree with this opinion? Explain why.

INTRODUCTION: It is heart-breaking when one has to listen to every single thing

dictated by one’s parents. It is also disappointing when one is not given any chance to
be responsible for the decision he or she makes in life. …….

BODY: ….giving reasons why young people should be trusted to make their own
decisions…..

CLOSING: …. I really hope parents will be more lenient with their

children and allow more chances for their offspring to make their own
decisions in life … It is also my dream to see ….

SPM 2014: Why are animals important to human beings?

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. ….

BODY: ….giving reason on the importance of animals to human beings …

CLOSING: ….. It is of my ultimate hope that mankind will do everything

and anything to protect the wildlife ….we wish younger generations to
join our efforts and save the endangered species ….

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 ….

CLOSING: …. Although Ahmad Ghani had an incredible journey in the

music industry, nothing could have prepared him for what would happen
next.

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 …

CLOSING: Someone knocked on the door hard repeatedly. I took a deep

breath and slowly opened the door. Dr Jamal was staring at me furiously
and he demanded nothing but the truth about his son from me.

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. ….

BODY: ….explaining the the importance / benefits of having open houses …

CLOSING: … Can we deny the benefits of open houses mentioned

above? What will it be like if open houses are banned? ….

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.