PROBLEM-SOLUTION ESSAY: WATER CRISIS

Question: Malaysia in now facing a water crisis. Suggest three effective methods to deal with the water crisis.

     

     Water crisis is the lack of sufficient available sources of water to meet the demands of water usage within a region. Nowadays, in Malaysia, as many as 2 million residents in the Klang Valley are experiencing a disruption of clean water supply due to the on-going hot and dry weather. This issue is becoming quite serious in our country. The question is, how can we deal with it? There are several effective methods to deal with the water crisis, such as limiting water consumption, using alternative water resources and constructing more water dams. 

     Firstly, limiting water consumption is one of the effective methods to deal with the water crisis. There are many ways to limit the consumption of water among Malaysians, starting from turning off the tap when brushing one's teeth or washing one's face. Other than that is taking shorter showers. Next is reusing water ; for example, reuse the water that you use to rinse vegetables to water outdoor plants. We all know that now Malaysia is facing a water crisis, and it is imperative that we need to deal with it wisely and efficiently. At this moment, the water supply provided is very limited while the demand for it is very high. By limiting the water consumption, the rate at which the water supply is being used can be slowed down. If the rate of water consumption is lower than normal, thus there will be a considerable stock of water that can be used by other people for a much longer time during the water crisis. In short, this is why one of the effective methods to deal with the water crisis is by limiting the water consumption.

     The second method to deal with the water crisis is by using alternative water resources. For example, an alternative water resource is rain water. Rainwater can be harvested in which process the abundant rainfall is captured and then stored in large, covered containers. This can be done individually at home, or in a neighbourhood where the containers can be placed in a high area to collect the rainwater. The harvested rainwater can then be channeled to the houses in the neighbourhood efficiently through a connection in the water systems. It is advisable that many containers are used to ensure that every house in the neighbourhood will receive the water supply especially during a water crisis. The rain water collected can both be used for potable and non-potable uses such as for drinking and washing respectively. This method is less costly as compared to building dams, and is also a practical way to reduce the consumption of water as we are only using the water that we have saved. We then would be compelled to use water sparingly as we need to save more if we overuse. When we use water sparingly, we then would learn to save water, especially during a water crisis. Therefore, using alternative water resources such as the rainwater is an effective method to deal with the water crisis.

     Last but not least, another method is by constructing more water dams which act as water reservoirs. In dealing with the water crisis, the government should act fast and build the water dams in areas that receive high amount of rainfall throughout the year, such as in Taiping. During the rainy season, for example in November and December, the water can be stored in the dams for future use. When a water crisis happens, the dams can be opened and the water can be released or channeled to the areas that are facing water shortages. The water can then be used for daily activities such as cooking, watering crops and washing. In this way, the water crisis will not be a serious problem in our country. We will not be deprived of water as we have large amount of water stored in these dams, which can be used during crisis time. Thus, building water dams is one of the effective methods to deal with the water crisis.

     In a nutshell, limiting water consumption, using alternative water resources and constructing more water dams are definitely the effective methods that can be done to deal with the water crisis. All parties namely individuals, the society and the government must play their roles by taking certain actions to deal with the water crisis. It is hoped that, with all the methods given, the water crisis can be dealt with effectively.

_______________________________________________________

NOTES FOR THE ESSAY:

a) The sentences in blue are the important sentences for each paragraph, namely the Thesis Statement (for the Introduction), the Topic Sentences and Concluding Sentences (for each paragraph in the body: Paragraphs 1,2 and 3) and the Restatement of the Thesis (in the Conclusion).

b) This essay deals with 2 perspectives: What are 3 methods to deal with the water crisis? (and) Why are these 3 methods effective in dealing with the water crisis? These 2 questions must be answered in the development/elaboration of the points. The points should be the 3 methods, of course. Explanation must be given on why these methods are deemed as effective to deal with the water crisis in order to make your paragraphs well-developed.

c) The use of linkers are important to signal good organisation of the points/essay to your readers . The linkers used here are those words in green. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

I thank 2013/2014 students from H1T1 (Marlin, Alia, Azira and group members) and K5T3 (Hanum and Fasihah and group members) for their work for this essay. I also thank students from all classes (A2T4, H1T1, K1T1 and K5T3) for the group effort to write the essay prior to the posting of this particular essay.

     

Sample Expository Essay 1

Question: Matriculation students often face a lot of challenges. What are some of these challenges?

A fortnight ago, I visited my cousin who is studying in the Johor Matriculation College. I was shocked to see her at first. With dark circles around her eyes and severe weight loss, she looked pale and tired. After much inquiry, she admitted she faced hard times in the college. Indeed, matriculation students do face many challenges; namely, time management, adapting to the new learning style and competition in studies.

Firstly, time management is one of the great challenges faced by matriculation students. Students find it hard to manage their time due to their busy and demanding schedule. For example, a matriculation student's daily routine starts at 8 am and ends at 5 pm. Between this time, students have to manage lectures, tutorials and science practicals wisely. Besides, students have to finish up loads of homework amidst limited resting time. Usually the homework must be submitted within one or two days only. So students will have to sacrifice other activities such as playing games or jogging in order to finish the tasks given to them on time. However, if the students planned and used time wisely, activities that they desired to be carried out can go without any hindrance. As matriculation students do face difficulties in managing their time, it is clear that time management is a challenge they have to face in the matriculation programme.

Secondly, adapting to the new learning style is another challenge for matriculation students. New learning style refers to the new style of learning students are experiencing in matriculation colleges. Nearly all the students here graduated from secondary schools where they were often spoon-fed by their teachers with  information and knowledge pertaining to their education. Almost all exercises, notes and reference books were provided to them by their teachers. However, in matriculation programmes, university-like learning style is implemented and this is a major change for the students. For instance, students have to find extra inputs such as lecture notes, reference books and exercise papers on their own. This change might be difficult for students who are used to being provided with all the necessities in the secondary school as they have to shed their old habit of depending on others to being a 21st century independent learner. Instead of being the receiver of knowledge, now they have to be the seeker of knowledge. This transformation to adapt to the new learning style is certainly a big challenge for matriculation students.

Finally, competition in studies is also one of the challenges faced by students in matriculation colleges. It is a known fact that students who got into matriculation colleges are students who passed their SPM examinations with flying colours. Now, we have all the smart students in one place: the matriculation college. As a result, competition in studies increases. All the students have to compete to obtain the 'perfect' results in order to be the best among the best. For example, ten students would like to pursue their studies in the same field. So, they have to obtain not only outstanding results in their matriculation examinations but also high co-curricular marks as well. Other than that, students have to score well in pop quizzes and assignments to add on extra marks that will be collected throughout the matriculation programme. The competition is so tough that even a slight mistake might push down the rank of a student way below the line. In short, matriculation students have to compete among themselves in studies in order to succeed in their lives academically.

In a nutshell, the challenges faced by the matriculation students are time management, adapting to a new learning style, and competition in studies. Students have to prepare themselves mentally and physically so that they can strive towards victory in their matriculation lives.

Writer: GIRISHA a/p VANOH, (K2P2, KMPP, 2011/2012)

Edited/i.me.my/2013

* The sentences in italics are the important elements of each paragraph; namely the Thesis Statement, Topic Sentence, Concluding Sentence, and Restatement of Thesis

Sample Expository Essay 2

QUESTION: WHY DO WE NEED TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT?

           All of us should be very thankful because we are blessed with such a beautiful environment to live in. Even so, the environment we are granted with may not last for a long period if we do not take necessary actions to save it. We must realize that each one of us is responsible and plays a role in saving the environment. Many people tend to question the reasons for saving the environment. There are several reasons why we need to save the environment; that is to prevent the extinction of living organisme, to prevent global warming, and to preserve Mother Nature.

            Firstly, saving the environment will help to prevent the extinction of living organism. Living organism refers mainly to the wildlife and also the plants which is the source of oxygen. The existence of flora and fauna is very important in order to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Illegal activities such as deforestation and logging are the main contributor for the extinction of flora and fauna. For example, wildlife needs certain habitats to survive or will become extinct if their habitats are destroyed. Before we even damage the environment, we should question ourselves, wouldn’t it hurt our eyes to see those cute bears, birds or insects become extinct? Plus, it would be a shame if we could not introduce those animals to our grandchildren. Besides that, caring for the flora and fauna shows the value of humanity we possess in ourselves. The government can prevent this extinction from happening by enforcing the law and maximizing the penalty to the offenders. Thus, to prevent the extinction of living organism is a reason why we need to save the environment.

           Next, we need to save the environment because it can prevent global warming. Global warming is the rise in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere and oceans. It is a big issue and can never be taken lightly. Global warming happens due to excessive production of chlorofluorocarbon in the atmosphere. When large area of trees are being cleared or open burning takes place, less carbon dioxide can be absorbed by the plants causing heat to be trapped in the atmosphere which then increase the risk of global warming. Global warming can cause climate change and rising of sea levels. We can prevent global warming by switching off electrical appliances when not in use. By doing this, we can save energy. Besides that, we can practice car pooling which can reduce the consumption of fuel and reduce the emission of harmful gases. Without global warming, we can enjoy a better and high quality life. Therefore, to prevent global warming is another reason why we need to save the environment.

         Last of all, we need to save the environment to preserve Mother Nature. The main reason of why we need to preserve Mother Nature is for the future generation. As we all know, earth has only finite resources and we need to make a good use out of them in order to ensure these resources can be passed on for the coming generation. For sure we would not want to see our grandchildren gasping for air in the next coming years. Our ancestors have left us with a lush and plentiful environment and now it is our duty to do the same for the next generation. We must preserve Mother Nature by not polluting the environment and also by preserving enough resources. Besides, we must also save the rainforest as it is an important resource for life. We get water, power and oxygen from the environment. We may run out of these resources if we do not preserve Mother Nature. In short,we need to save the environment to preserve the mother nature.

           In conclusion, it is important to save the environment because of several reasons such as those mentioned above. It is highly hoped that each one of us would be more sensitive and considerate when it comes to issues regarding saving the environment. With that, we may live a better and prosperous life.

Writers: Josephine Laurence & Nursafika Binti Sujangi (A3P4, KMPP, 2012/2013)

Edited/ i.me.my/2013

* The sentences in italics are the important elements of each paragraph; namely the Thesis Statement, Topic Sentence, Concluding Sentence, and Restatement of Thesis

Lesson 1 - Introduction to Expository Writing

Introduction

In this pre-university programme, there are two types of essay writing that you have to master. One is Expository Writing or Expository Essay, and the other one is Argumentative Writing or Argumentative Essay.

In expository writing, as the word 'expository' would suggest, you write to expose or to tell something to the readers.In our pre-university programme, usually you will be asked to expose or tell the reasons for a particular event/incident; or the qualities of something, for example the qualities of an excellent student.

Among the types of questions that you can expect for Expository Writing in this programme are:

a)  What are three qualities that a student should have in order to become successful academically?

b)  What are the reasons for the popularity of reality shows, for example Akademi Fantasia?

c)  Discuss three ways how you have exercised your independence.

In contrast, in Argumentative Writing, you write to argue a certain stand and persuade readers to agree with you. So you would have to present points to make readers agree with what you believe. Your points must be strong and convincing in order to make readers agree with you.

The kinds of questions you can get for Argumentative Writing in this programme are:

a) Living away from parents is different from living with them. Give your opinion.

b) The Matriculation programme is better than the Form Six Programme. Do you agree?

c) Globalisation has brought more harm than good. Do you agree?

For your information, in the MUET, only Argumentative Writing tasks are given. 

Format

No matter what kind of writing you are doing, the format is the same.

Your essay must have at least 5 paragraphs following this order:

a) Introduction - 1 paragraph

b) Body - 3 paragraphs

c) Conclusion - 1 paragraph.

In each paragraph, you have important elements that you must insert, which are:

a) Introduction - Thesis Statement 

b) Body - (In each paragraph) A Topic Sentence + Elaboration + Concluding Sentence

c) Conclusion - Restatement of the Thesis

* For Argumentative Writing, in the Introduction, you need to have 2 important elements, that is

   i) the Stand 

   ii) the Thesis Statement.