A good introduction names the topic of this task, sets a small piece of context that fits it, and points to where the argument goes. A memorised opening does none of these.
This lesson is part of the essay development set. It works best after you have identified the requirement, as in identifying kehendak soalan before writing.
How do I know an opening is filler?
Use the swap test. Replace the topic with a different one, and see if the opening still works.
Here is an original filler opening.
Pada zaman yang serba moden ini, pelbagai perkara telah berubah dengan pesat. Masyarakat perlu sedar akan kepentingannya.
Swap “sukarelawan semasa banjir” for “pemakanan sihat” and the opening still fits. Nothing in it belongs to one topic, so it is filler.
How do I build an opening from the task?
Use three parts, each one short.
- Topic: say what the task is about, in your own words.
- Context: give one fact or situation that fits this topic only.
- Direction: show the main points you will argue.
Worked example
Take the task: “Peranan sukarelawan semasa banjir.” An introduction built from the parts could be this.
Apabila banjir melanda sesebuah kawasan, penduduk yang terjejas memerlukan bantuan dengan segera. Sukarelawan memainkan peranan penting dengan membantu memindahkan mangsa, mengagihkan makanan dan memberi sokongan emosi. Karangan ini akan membincangkan sumbangan sukarelawan dalam ketiga-tiga aspek tersebut.
The topic is in sentence one, the context is the need for quick help, and the direction lists three points. Swap the topic and it no longer fits, which is the goal.
The mistake that wastes the opening
A common slip is to start with a long general background that never reaches the task. Look at the contrast.
| Version | Opening | Problem |
|---|---|---|
| Filler | Pada zaman yang serba moden ini, manusia menghadapi pelbagai cabaran. | Fits any topic |
| Task-based | Apabila banjir melanda, mangsa memerlukan bantuan dengan segera. | Only fits this topic |
The second version is shorter and says more. It also sets up the first body paragraph without repeating it.
Check yourself
The task is “Kepentingan membaca dalam kalangan remaja.” Write a three-sentence introduction from the task, and apply the swap test to it.
Answer
A model:
Remaja yang gemar membaca lazimnya lebih mudah memahami pelbagai bidang ilmu. Bahan bacaan seperti buku dan akhbar mengembangkan kosa kata serta daya berfikir mereka. Karangan ini akan membincangkan kepentingan membaca dari segi ilmu, bahasa dan perkembangan diri.
Swap test: replace “membaca” with “menabung”. The sentences about buku, akhbar and kosa kata stop fitting, so the opening belongs to this topic. Your wording will differ.
What to study next
Continue with connecting paragraphs with appropriate penanda wacana, so the opening flows into the body. If body paragraphs still feel thin, return to building isi, huraian, contoh and kesan.
A teacher in online one-to-one SPM Bahasa Melayu tuition can set a new task each lesson so you practise writing openings from scratch. The BM essay plan builder helps you plan the direction before you write.