PSLE English Composition is often a challenge that often stumbles students. How does your child fare in that section?
In the Math or Science exam, there is a specific formula or a standard set of answer your child can adhere to. Unfortunately, the Primary English Paper is usually more ambiguous. Parents, in case you feel restless and uneasy about that sense of ambiguity, you are not alone. From how many looks at it, there seems to be no sure-fire way to ace the PSLE English Paper. As parents, you may not exactly be the best person to help your child prepare for the exam. In this case, you may consider Primary English Tuition.
In this article, we are going to zoom in specifically into the Composition section of the PSLE English Exam Paper.
What does it take for my child to score well for PSLE English Composition?
Composition is an exam component in which your child will be able to express their thoughts and feelings in writing. When it comes to writing compositions, be it narrative, descriptive, expository or persuasive essay, the key to hone the skill is through practice. Unfortunately, putting the hours in alone will not be enough to help your child secure the highest grades.
According to the English syllabus drafted by the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB), the total mark weightage for the composition section is 27.5%. It consists of two components:
- Situational writing (15 marks)
- Continuous writing (40 marks)
So, coming back to the question, how can write a well-written composition and garner additional marks to the overall PSLE English score. The key is mastering two areas – Language and Content.
1. Your child requires a certain level of English fluency to ace in the PSLE English Composition section
This means executing the use of correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and the right vocabulary throughout the whole composition. It also involves writing organisation such as paragraphing, event sequencing and the linking of ideas. Not only will your child be required to have a good mastery of the language, he/ she should also be able to write succinctly and coherently in order to score well.
2. When it comes to PSLE English Composition, knowing what the examiners are looking for is often the key
Your child will need a clear focus on what the examiners are looking for. Marks will be awarded for relevance of the story plot and ideas in the question.
- Fulfilment of the topic requirements.
- Understanding of the core topic.
- Skill to stay on track with the theme.
The birth of a Narrative Composition
Stories are narratives about what happens to the characters in them. Equipped with paper and a pen, pupils will need to build the characters bit-by-bit as they delve deeper into the storyline. By weaving in planning and organisational skills, reading and comprehension abilities, analytical mind, similes and metaphors, this is how a Composition is born.
Coaxing the characters into existence, your child should write in a way such that the readers (or in this case, the PSLE examiners) are eager to know more. But even as adults, don’t we realise that bringing a character to life in writing isn’t as easy as it sounds? What more, for a child who are generally exposed to less amount of vocabulary compared to us?
Nonetheless, with the PSLE exam creeping near by the day, there is not much time to waste. Say bye to boring and flat characters in your children’s PSLE English Compositions. By introducing specific and captivating descriptions of to the characters’ emotions, it helps to bring the story characters to life.
Grab our Free Primary English Composition cheatsheet – Emotions by clicking on the image:
