MUET 15 FEBRUARY 2017
5
Make the most of infographics
6&7
Introduction to speaking
8
Student essay and teacher analysis
Suicide is not the answer about this very much, the fact is, there are a significant number of people in the world and in Malaysia who struggle with suicidal feelings. In an article published in StarMetro on Oct 11, 2016, it is reported that Befrienders Malaysia – the nongovernmental organisation for suicide
Sense of hopelessness and helplessness Giving away precious belongings Withdrawal from family and friends Mental health issues and delusions Self harm and careless towards self safety Angry and emotional outbursts
Signs of Suicidal Tendencies
prevention and emotional support – receives 104 calls on its 24-hour hotline on an average day. Out of these, 27% are identified to have suicidal tendencies. Most of the callers are teenagers and those aged between 20 and 30. In the same article, it is also
reported that in one case study, a student support executive from an institution of higher learning shared that there had been one suicide and five attempted suicides in his campus over the past year. According to him, cases of attempted suicides and self-harm
among students occurred almost every month. There may be people around you who are battling with feelings of suicide but how do you recognise if someone is suicidal? The following infographic lists 12 signs of suicidal tendencies.
Poor grooming and hygiene showing lack of self care False front of arrogance, humour and “All is well” attitude Drastic changes in behaviour and mood swings “They’re going to miss me when I am gone” thoughts Grief and guilt Fantasising about death
ACTIVITY 1
Match the following words from the infographic with their meanings. These are words that you can look out for when the subject is discussed in the MUET Listening and Reading papers; you may also use them in the Writing and Speaking tasks.
Source: Dr Anasuya Jegathesan and Dr Larry Keefauver
(Published in StarMetro, Oct 11, 2016)
WORD
MEANING
1. Withdrawal
a. Weakness, powerlessness
2. Delusions
b. Detaching or moving away from
3. Grooming
c. Pretending to be feeling or experiencing something you are not
4. Hopelessness
d. Keeping your physical appearance neat, tidy and clean
5. Self harm
e. Actions that hurt yourself
6. Helplessness
f. Illusions, fantasies, something imagined that is not real
7. False front
g. Feeling of desperation or impossibility
ANSWERS:
1. b 2. f 3. d 4. g 5. e 6. a 7. c
THE subject of suicide is not one that makes for popular discussion yet suicide remains a very real and troubling issue in our society. At some point in our lives, almost all of us have heard of someone who has attempted suicide. Although we may not like to talk
ACTIVITY 2
Which signs of suicidal tendencies are easier to detect than others? In groups of four, choose three signs of suicidal tendencies (from the infographic) which you think are the easiest to detect and three others which are the most difficult. If you knew someone who showed any of these signs and you suspected he was suicidal, what would you do? Discuss in your group and write down the steps that you would take.
ACTIVITY 3
As crucial as it is to do everything we possibly can to prevent someone from committing suicide, there are times when it is too late. What do we do then for the other victims of suicide: the loved ones who are left behind with the ache of sorrow, the grief of loss, the confusion that lingers and the questions that are unanswered? The following table outlines five degrees of communication that are vital in the aftermath of suicide (adapted from an infographic published in StarMetro on Oct 11, 2016). Read the points given and complete any three (or all) of the corresponding tasks. FIVE DEGREES OF COMMUNICATION
TASK
TIP
1. Acknowledgement of the suicide
Create a compassionate statement, in 150 words, to offer condolences and to inform people on your campus, school or community about the tragedy.
Words that you can use: l Regret l Deepest condolences l Taken away l Comfort l Loss l Thoughts and prayers
2. Debriefing sessions
Construct five questions you would ask the witnesses who were the first responders at the suicide scene. Explain how you would direct them towards counselling.
Questions about what they experienced or felt, how it has affected them, and whether it has changed anything in them; suggest counselling.
3. One-to-one counselling sessions
List out those you would recommend for counselling and how you would approach them.
Who are those connected closely with the victim?
4. Peer support groups
If you were a member of a student welfare unit, what were the points you should consider when organising a vigil or wake to help members of the student community observe the grieving process?
Think about the venue, programme, how to notify people, prayers, speeches and refreshments.
5. Advertise support services
Create a leaflet advertising a mental health training programme in campus or school to show teachers and students how they can be a helping hand to others.
l Who would be handling the training l Length of session l Purpose
(Published in StarMetro, Oct 11, 2016)