An example supports a claim when the reader can see the claim happening inside it. This lesson gives you a test to tell a supporting example from one that only touches the theme.
It is the second lesson in turning a vague essay plan into a relevant argument. The first is rewriting a broad point so it names the party and action.
How do I test an example?
Use the show-the-claim test. Cover the claim sentence and read only the example. Could a reader guess the claim from it?
If yes, the example shows the claim. If the reader would guess something else, the example is about the theme but not about this claim.
Worked example: three candidates
The claim: Kerja sukarela melatih murid menjadi pemimpin.
| Candidate example | Show-the-claim test | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Ramai orang menjadi sukarelawan setiap tahun. | Shows volunteering exists, not leadership | Too vague |
| Seorang murid mengetuai kumpulan yang membersihkan dewan sebelum majlis. | Shows a student leading others | Supports the claim |
| Sukarelawan banjir membantu mangsa di pusat pemindahan. | Shows volunteering, no leadership visible | Touches the theme only |
The second example wins because the word mengetuai displays the quality in the claim. The third is a good example of volunteering, but not of leadership.
Repairing a true but weak example
Suppose the writer loves the flood example. Keep it, but change the angle so it shows leadership:
Seorang pengawas yang menjadi sukarelawan banjir mengatur rakan-rakannya supaya setiap orang mempunyai tugasan, daripada mengangkat barang hingga mengagihkan makanan.
The repaired version keeps the flood setting and adds organising others. The reader can now see the claim without being told.
The mistake: name-dropping
A common slip is to cite a famous name or event because it sounds impressive. Seperti yang dilakukan oleh pemimpin negara terdahulu… It may be true, but if the paragraph is about students, the example belongs to a different claim.
The fix is to match the scale. A claim about students needs an example about students, not about a nation.
Explaining the example
After the example, add one sentence that links it back: Melalui tugas ini, murid belajar memberi arahan dan menerima tanggungjawab. The link sentence finishes the proof.
The claim-evidence revision desk gives you a slot for claim, example and link sentence, so you can see whether all three are there.
Check yourself
The claim is Membaca akhbar meluaskan pengetahuan am murid. Which example is best?
- (a) Akhbar dijual di banyak kedai.
- (b) Seorang murid mengetahui tentang perubahan cuaca global selepas membaca ruangan sains akhbar setiap pagi.
- (c) Akhbar pertama diterbitkan sejak lama dahulu.
Answer
(b). It shows a student gaining knowledge through reading the newspaper, which is the claim. Options (a) and (c) are facts about newspapers, but neither shows the effect on general knowledge.
What to study next
Continue with replacing repeated slogans with a cause-and-effect explanation and then the integrated practice.
If you would like a teacher to test the examples in your drafts, see online one-to-one SPM Bahasa Melayu tuition.