Getting ready for the PSLE English Paper 1 can seem stressful, especially when the exam is just a few days away. However, don’t worry! By staying calm, thinking clearly, and organizing your story well, you can improve your chances of scoring better. After all, writing a good composition is an important part of the PSLE English Paper. Therefore, with the right tricks and strategies, you can still do very well. To help you out, here are some quick and easy tips to write an amazing PSLE English composition!
Know What You Need to Do
Before you start writing, remember the rules of the PSLE English composition section. You need to write a story using at least one of the three pictures given.
● Write a Story: Make sure your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
● 150 Words or More: Write enough, but keep it simple.
● Use the Pictures Well: Pick a picture (or two) and make sure your story connects to it.
Pick a Picture and Plan Your Story Fast
When you open the question paper, don’t start writing right away. Use 5–10 minutes to plan your story. Planning first will help you write faster later.
● Step 1: Look at all the pictures and pick the one you like best.
● Step 2: Think of a simple story that matches the picture.
● Step 3: Write down small ideas like who the story is about, where it happens, what the problem is, and how it ends.
● Step 4: Put these ideas into a plan with an introduction, middle, and conclusion.
For example:
● Beginning: Show who the characters are and where they are.
● Middle: Share what the problem is and make it interesting.
● End: Solve the problem and give a happy or thoughtful ending.
Write a Simple and Fun Story
Do not make your story too tricky. A simple and fun story will be much easier to follow and more interesting to read.
● Stick to One Idea: Focus on one main idea and build your story around it.
● Use Fun Words: Add describing words to make your story more exciting.
● Show Actions, Not Just Words: Let your characters do things instead of just saying how they feel.
○ For example: Instead of saying, “Amy felt scared,” you can say, “Amy’s knees shook, and her eyes widened as she heard the loud bang.”
Start Your Story With a Bang!
The first sentence of your story must grab the reader’s attention. A great start will make your story stand out.
● Start with Action: Begin with something exciting happening.
○ Example: “Boom! The door slammed shut, and Tom froze in fear.”
● Describe the Place: Use words to show where the story happens.
○ Example: “The sun’s golden rays stretched across the quiet, sleepy village.”
● Jump Into a Thought: Show what the main character is thinking.
○ Example: “Jenny knew something was wrong the moment she stepped into the dark room.”
Make Every Paragraph Clear
To write a good story, break it into small, clear paragraphs. Each part of your story should tell the reader something important.
● Paragraph 1: Start your story with the setting and the characters.
● Paragraph 2: Explain what the problem or exciting event is.
● Paragraph 3: Build the tension and make things more interesting.
● Paragraph 4: Solve the problem and end the story nicely.
Use special words to move from one paragraph to the next. These words help your story flow smoothly.
● Examples:
○ First, next, then, after that, finally.
○ Suddenly, meanwhile, therefore, in the end, soon.
○ Besides that, however, because of this, all of a sudden.
Mix Up Your Sentences
If all your sentences are the same, your story will sound boring. So, use different types of sentences to make your story lively.
● Short Sentences: These add drama.
○ Example: “The door creaked. Silence.”
● Long Sentences: These help to describe scenes or actions in detail.
○ Example: “Tom ran as fast as he could, his heart thumping loudly in his chest as he dashed through the dark forest.”
● Questions: Add questions to show what your character is thinking.
○ Example: “What was that sound? Could someone be following him?”
Use Fun Words That Match Your Story
You don’t need big words to make your story sound great. Just use fun words that help the reader see, hear, and feel what’s happening.
● Pick Strong Verbs: Instead of boring verbs, choose lively ones.
○ Example: Instead of “walk,” use “drifted,” “sprinted,” or “tiptoed.”
● Use Describing Words: These words make your story more colourful.
○ Example: Instead of saying “It was hot,” say “The sun blazed in the bright blue sky.”
● Show Feelings: Add emotions to help readers understand your characters better.
○ Example: “Tears streamed down Sam’s face as he hugged his lost puppy tightly.”
Fix Your Mistakes
Before you finish, always check your work. Finding and fixing small mistakes will make your story even better.
● Look for Missing Punctuation: Check for full stops, commas, and question marks.
● Check Spelling: Make sure all words are spelled correctly.
● Read It Again: Read your story aloud to see if it makes sense.
Spend 2–3 minutes at the end to fix any errors. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Practice Writing Quickly
If you still have time, write short stories under a timer. Writing fast will help you get ready for the real test.
● Use 10 Minutes to Plan: Write down the story idea quickly.
● Write for 30 Minutes: Keep writing without stopping.
● Check for 5 Minutes: Use the last few minutes to fix mistakes.
Believe in Yourself
When the exam comes, stay calm and believe you can do it! A confident mind will help you write better.
● Take deep breaths if you feel nervous.
● Trust the tips you have learned.
● Do your best, and don’t give up halfway.
Conclusion
So, to sum up, writing a great PSLE English composition is all about telling a simple and clear story. First, plan your story carefully so you know where it’s going. Next, use exciting and vivid words to make your story come alive. Also, remember to write neatly, so the examiner can easily read your work. Most importantly, practice staying calm and focused during the exam. In the end, if you follow these tips, you can write a story that truly impresses the examiner. All the best and good luck!
Comments