Is it wrong to begin an SPM 1119/2 email with a greeting like “Hi, how are you?

I
hope you are fine”? Certainly not. However, this approach is rather traditional and
predictable. Instead, I encourage my SPM 1119/2 candidates to begin by acknowledging
the sender’s feelings after analysing the situation he or she is in. This strategy makes the
response more thoughtful and engaging. It also gives candidates the chance to enrich the
tone of their email, whether supportive, encouraging, sympathetic, or welcoming
(depending on the situation).
Likewise, I advise them to avoid ending with a generic closing such as “That’s all
from me. Bye.” A more effective closure should revisit the situation, offer help, or express
hope, wishes, or feelings (whichever relevant). Whatever form the ending takes, it should
always connect back to the sender’s situation. Let’s look at some examples below.

1. Example 1:
1.1 Situation: I just moved to my new school, and I am not sure which sports club to
choose.
1.2 Introduction: Hi Adam, I know how it feels to be in a new school. Don’t worry, dear. I
am always here to help you.
1.3 Closure: I hope you will make a wise decision dear. I am confident you will enjoy the
club of your choice. Take care, bye.

2. Example 2:
2.1 Situation: My parents will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary next month. I am
not sure what to do to make their anniversary memorable.
2.2 Introduction: Hi Lisa, wow! I am so happy that your parents will celebrate their 30th
anniversary! Relax dear, I will be more than willing to give some tips.
2.3 Closure: Do send my regards to your parents. I can’t wait to give them my special gift.
Take care, bye.

3. Example 3:
5.1 Situation: I want to have a pet but my parents disagree. I am so frustrated.
3.1 Introduction: Hi Stephanie, I know getting a pet has been your dream. I feel you dear.
You know you can always count on me, dear.
3.2 Closure: I will visit you next week. Please be patient as I am confident, things will
change. Take care, bye.

4. Example 4:
4.1 Situation: I am nervous about my upcoming public speaking competition. How should I
prepare myself well?
4.2 Introduction: Hi Daniel, I understand how nerve-wracking competitions can be. Don’t
stress too much. I’ll share some useful tips to boost your confidence.
4.3 Closure: All the best Daniel for your competition! I will surely be there to support you.
Take care, bye!

5. Example 5:
5.1 Situation: I just lost my wallet on the way home from school. My parents will be mad at
me.
5.2 Introduction: Hi Farah, oh no! I know losing a wallet can be really upsetting. Stay calm,
dear. You have got me beside you, always.
5.3 Closure: Please be more careful in future, dear. I really hope my suggestions are helpful
to you.

For practices, teachers can give these situations to their SPM 1119/2 candidates and let
them explore the options of writing an introduction and a closure based on each of the
situations given.

Practices: The Situations

1. My cousin from overseas is coming to Malaysia, and I don’t know where to take him.
2. I want to improve my English, but I don’t know where to start.
3. I am stressed because my exams are just around the corner.
4. My best friend is moving to another city, and I feel so sad.
5. I want to buy a gift for my teacher but I don’t know what to choose.
6. I have been chosen as the class monitor, but I don’t know what to do.
7. I want to learn how to cook but I have no idea where to begin.
8. My neighbour’s dog barks all night, and I can’t sleep.
9. I want to save money to buy a new bicycle, but I always end up spending.
10. My younger brother keeps disturbing me while I’m studying.
11. I am worried about my weight and want to stay healthy.
12. I want to start a YouTube channel, but I don’t know what content to create.
13. My parents don’t allow me to join the school trip.
14. I keep fighting with my best friend over small things.
15. I want to join a music class, but I’m shy to perform.
16. My phone is always distracting me from studying.
17. I am bored during the school holidays and don’t know what to do.
18. I want to take part in a charity event but don’t know how to contribute.\I am scared of
speaking in English in front of my classmates.
19. My sister always borrows my things without asking.
20. I want to surprise my father for his birthday, but I have no ideas.

This write-up continues from Emails that Shine: Better Introduction and Closure for SPM
1119/2 (posted on September 19, 2025). In this follow-up, the focus is on helping ESL
teachers guide their students to produce stronger, more meaningful openings and endings
in their email responses.

As highlighted before, a common issue among candidates is that they begin too traditionally
with phrases like “Hi, how are you? I hope you are fine.” While not wrong, such openings are
predictable and do little to show engagement. Instead, encourage students to start by
acknowledging the writer’s situation or feelings after analysing the email question carefully.
This simple shift transforms their reply into one that feels warmer, more personal, and
relevant to the given context. It also helps them practise tone setting, whether comforting,
friendly, understanding, or encouraging (depending on the scenario given in the question).

Similarly, many students end their emails abruptly with short phrases such as “That’s all
from me. Bye.” Such endings weaken the overall impact of their writing. Stronger closures
should connect back to the sender’s situation, offer support, be motivating or share feelings,
hopes, or wishes. In other words, the ending should not stand alone but link naturally to the
earlier message.

As teachers, we can design tasks where students not only practise writing better closures
but also explain why a particular ending matches the situation. This dual activity deepens
their awareness of context and tone. For instance:

Closure given:

I can’t wait to join your beach cleaning project, Adam! Count me in! Bye.

Possible situation:

Adam, who is probably the leader of the Nature Club, has invited friends to take part in a
beach cleaning project he is organising. The closure shows enthusiasm, agreement, and
support for Adam’s initiative.

By pairing closures with their possible contexts, students learn to write with intention
rather than habit. Over time, this practice strengthens not only their examination
performance but also their ability to communicate more thoughtfully in real-life email
writing.
Task for Candidates

For each of the email closures provided, identify and discuss the possible situation the
sender might be experiencing. Explain your ideas by adding a few supporting details to
make the situation clearer and more realistic.

CLOSURE:

1. I am confident my tips will make you feel more prepared. Wishing you the best of luck
in your competition! Bye.

2. I hope everything will be settled soon and you won’t feel too stressed. Take care, dear.

3. I hope you will really enjoy your school camping. Have lots of fun together! Take care,
dear.

4. Stay strong and always be positive, Maya! I truly hope you’ll find learning English
enjoyable. Wishing you success in your journey.

5. I hope you’ll feel calmer and ready for your exams. Wishing you excellent results!

6. Please keep me updated as I would love to know how things go. I hope your friendship
will remain strong no matter the distance. Stay positive, dear.

7. Don’t worry too much. I know everything will turn out fine. I hope your teacher will
love your thoughtful gift. Wishing you all the best!

8. I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful class monitor. Wishing you success in your new role.

9. Remember to enjoy every step of learning to cook. Wishing you happy moments in
your cooking class.

10. Wishing you peaceful nights ahead. Sending you my warmest hug and best wishes, dear!

11. I can’t wait to hear your stories of success. I know you will get your desired weight
sooner than you think.

12. Believe in yourself, dear! I hope your channel will be a success. Wishing you fun and
creativity on this journey!
13. I hope your parents will understand your feelings soon. Wishing you the best outcome.

14. Stay focused and your result will amaze you, Jerry! Wishing you good discipline and
success.

15. I am positive you’ll find joy in helping others. Keep shining because you are capable of
so much more, Azam!