Informal Letter :  Ways to improve studies

7, Jalan Ayu 7,

Taman Pelangi Indah,

81800, Ulu Tiram,

Johor.

7 April 2018

Dear Hannah,

            I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits.  My father and mother are doing well, though my mother is still on medication for her diabetes.

            I am noticed that you sounded very dejected over your performance in the SPM examination.  I sympathise with you and I am sorry that you failed in SPM last year.  I’m glad that you are not letting it stop you from trying a second time.  You asked for some advice on how to do well in the SPM examination.  Well, I will do my best. 

            One piece of advice that my sister gave me, and which I always hold on to, is plan your studies.  This involves identifying topics that you need to study, making a study summary and creating a study timetable.

            I have found that simply saying I need to study a subject does not help.  In fact, it can be overwhelming.  Break down each subject into topics.  Identify which topics are likely to be tested in the examination and pay more attention to those.  This is an important step because it clarifies what you are supposed to study for the examination.

            Next, you need to have a study summary.  This is a guide to which you can refer when studying a topic.  It includes the sequence of topics you need to study, and how much progress you have made.  Annotate what you think you haven’t understood well, or topics that you need to practice more.  Be thorough and write down everything you need to read or practice.

            Now that you know exactly what you need to study, you need to divide your time in proper way.  The best way to do this is to divide your study in sessions, and then create different tasks that can be done individually.  These study tasks should cover the whole material that you are trying to master.  Each day, do some of the tasks in your schedule and check them off.  

            It helps you to study with a friend.  Studying alone can be boring at times.  Studying in a group can help you for several reasons.  First, different people know different things, so in sharing, you have a better chance of learning everything.  Second, it is easier to concentrate on a topic if you in group.  Third, explaining to another person what you think of a topic is an excellent way of mastering the material. 

            I hope you will find all these tips to help you in your preparations for the SPM examination.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need more help or have any problems in your studies.  I will do my best to help.  Good luck and all the best for the coming examination. 

                                                                                                                                    From,

                                                                                                                                        Marion

1.      Dejected – sad

2.      Clarify – make clear

3.      Thorough – detailed

4.      Annotate – make notes on