Students taking PSLE in 2015 were the first batch to be assessed using the Revised PSLE English examination format. This is also the same batch of students who started Primary 1 with the STELLAR approach of learning English.

FREE MODEL COMPOSITIONS BASED ON THE PSLE FORMAT

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These are the main differences in the English composition format before and after 2015:

Students were given 2 choices:

1. A scenario based question, where pupils are given a scenario and asked to continue with the story.

2. A picture based question, where pupils are given 4 sequential pictures (or 3 sequential pictures with a question mark for the 4th) and asked to write a story according to the pictures. This type of question is usually narrative.

PSLE English Composition (from 2015)

From 2015, the PSLE English composition format has only ONE topic with THREE different supporting pictures.  The three pictures are not sequential.  They might not even be related.  The pictures are given to help students generate ideas for the topic.

Students have to interpret and write their stories based on the topic and at least one of those three pictures. They have the choice of using ONE, TWO or all THREE of the pictures provided. They also have the freedom to write in any appropriate text type, although most primary schools teach their students to write only narratives.

Here is an example of a Continuous Writing segment of the PSLE paper, based on this format.

Continuous Writing (36 marks)

Write a composition of at least 150 words about a memorable celebration.

The pictures (not in sequence) are provided to help you think about this topic.

Your composition should be based on one, two or all of the pictures. Consider the following points when writing your composition:

• What was the celebration?
• Why was it memorable?

You may use the points in any order or include other relevant points as well.

What Does This Mean For Students?

This format for testing English composition writing gives students more room for creativity and story development.

Students have the freedom to be original in their content.  They do not have to be limited to the old format of 3 or 4 sequential pictures, where the entire story plot was based on the pictures provided.

On the other hand, this also means that the ‘popular’ method of memorising model compositions (which is a method we personally dislike) might not work!

For the above example, students can develop their composition in countless ways, based on the given topic “a memorable celebration”. They could write a composition about a birthday celebration, a wedding anniversary party with popping champagne, a graduation party, a celebration after winning a competition, a year-end party, something exciting or memorable that took place in a party, something touching that happened during a celebration, something that happened at a celebration that has taught the character an important lesson… the options are almost endless!

How To Write A Composition Based On The PSLE Format?

The basics of writing English composition are still the same, regardless of the format of the question or paper. Students still need to know various writing techniques such as character development and show, not tell.  They also need to understand the basic structure of a composition – the introduction, rising action, climax, resolution and conclusion.

The challenging part is, weaker students can no longer depend on the 3 or 4 sequential pictures to plan and write their story plot.  They now have to draft and create a piece of writing from scratch, based on their own ideas, imagination and creativity! That does sound daunting, even for adults.

Challenges Faced By Students Writing PSLE Composition 

One of the key difficulties faced by students in English composition is writing out of point, or writing off topic.  Some students skip the planning part and start writing whatever comes to their mind. This commonly results in rambling and writing off topic, especially if the child does not pause to reflect on what he or she is writing. 

Students who choose to write their stories using all of the three pictures might face a challenge too.  Given the short time limit of 50 minutes, students might not have time to come up with a solid plot based on all three pictures. It would also be a challenge to link them into a logical and coherent composition.

To ensure that students do not write out of point, they should study the topic and choose one picture that they can use to generate ideas for the topic. Writing your story based on one picture (maximum two) is a good way to give your story a clear focus based on the topic.

How can students prepare for the PSLE English composition?

1. Expose your child to a variety of books, stories and texts.

2. Let your child learn the various writing techniques, such as character development, show, not tell, setting descriptions and development of story plot.

3. Teach your child ways to plan their stories, such as the use of mind maps and drafting.

4. Teach your child ways to make their stories interesting and full of action.

5. Practise, practise and practise. (That means write, write and write!)

We believe that every child can write, one step at a time!

The key to good writing is to write, get feedback and rewrite or edit based on the feedback given. In this way, students are better able to improve and develop their writing skills.

Writers are made, not born.
Good writing comes with regular practice!

Download our FREE Resources for primary school English composition, including FREE PSLE Model Composition for students!