How to Study English for SPM?

1. Read
2. Read
3. Read
4. Take note of spelling and grammatical errors (You can grab some tips from the BM section in my earlier post)
eg: difference between 'effect' and 'affect'
5. Read
6. Always make it a point to upgrade your standard of writing.
7. When reading, take note of easy yet effective sentences.
eg: The row of houses burnt down in a fire.
The row of houses were razed to the ground.
8. Check out this site, Daily Writing Tips, for correct usage of vocabulary, etc.-very informative
9. Good English Essays is an essay writing guide blog, includes analysis of past year questions
10. Speak English and get people to correct you. Watch English programmes, listen to English radio channels, do lots and lots of practice.

As for the English Literature component:
1. Be sure to read everything: novel, short stories and poems
2. Understand in detail, especially poems (line by line)
3. Make notes on themes, characters, moral values by connecting them to the story.
Eg: In 'The Necklace,' Mathilde wants a beautiful necklace to match her new gown that was bought from her husband's savings.
Theme: Greed
Character & characteristic: Mathilde; greedy
Moral value: We should not be greedy / We should be grateful for what we have.
4. When writing an essay based on the novel, be sure to add in feelings, not only facts.
Eg: In 'The Pearl,' Kino beats up his wife for trying to throw away the pearl.
Sample question: Which character do you admire?
Sample answer: I admire Juana [answers the question] for her loyalty [reason] towards her husband. I take my hat off [feelings] for Juana as she still protects and cares for her husband even after he beats her up [explanation].
5. English Literature for Secondary Schools - an online resource guide; very helpful