Every year, PSLE examiners are burdened with marking hundreds to thousands of essays. They generously award the top scores only to students who truly deserve them. While many parents and students frequently lament that their marking is very subjective and unpredictable, I always emphasize that the truth is far from what they believe. In order to bag an excellent score, it is imperative for students and parents to be able to answer 2 salient points:
How to make my composition stand out?
What the examiners are looking for?
To answer these mind-boggling questions, I’ve decided to list down all the essential strategies that have been proven immensely useful for all the PSLE candidates.
Be original
PSLE examiners have to read an inordinate number of essays from the same theme. Therefore, students need to develop an uncanny ability to mesh common ideas together in a different way or create entirely novel variations to make their essays stand out from the crop.
Realistic
Even though the nature of fictional writing is such that it is not supposed to be real, your essay must still be believable. The scenarios, examples or characters described must be credible and realistic.
Appropriate diction or choice of words
An outstanding essay ensures that a felicitous choice of words, phrases and sentences is used to achieve specific purposes. Well thought out sentences are intentionally crafted to effectively convey one’s personal thoughts.
Clearly defined purpose
Your readers should not get lost along the way where they have to reread the text to figure out what is going on. Your storyline should flow in a purposeful, well-structured and coherent manner such that your readers can follow and revel in your story with ease and comfort.
Relevant ideas
A remarkable essay contains interesting ideas that are relevant to the topic and spur the reader’s imagination. You should develop your ideas with the use of specific and vivid details for it to become more authentic where readers can indulge in a fulfilling vicarious experience.
Well-organized
A brilliant essay should possess good organization so that it’s logical and well-balanced. Every sentence should be clearly connected and arranged such that understanding it becomes an easy feat. This also includes appropriate paragraphing.
Good Grammar
Proper grammatical rules should be followed. Pay serious attention to your spelling and punctuation.
Interest Arousing
A superior piece of writing must arouse interest in its readers and make them feel emotionally and intellectually connected. You must strive to engross and captivate your readers with your spell-binding descriptions.
At this juncture, I would like to raise a word of caution: merely knowing the points above will not guarantee you to write the best essay. But thankfully, constant practice will. Here are the ways you can practise the necessary skills enumerated above to achieve A* for your PSLE composition:
Keep a word bank of powerful words and phrases to expand your use of vocabulary. Use appropriate, interesting and rare vocabulary as much as your ability allows you to.
Pay attention to the different perspectives of writing – first person, second person, or third person
Practice writing at least 200 words under the allotted time for an A* paper.
Read more. Focus on composition books or model essays.
During your regular practice, make a conscious effort to avoid:
Inaccurate or inappropriate use of vocabulary
Poor sequencing (i.e. many gaps in your story)
Under-elaborated ideas
Overly long introduction
No or poor paragraphing
Too many dialogues (for narratives)
No dialogues (for narratives)
Spelling, grammatical, punctuation, structural errors
Sudden conclusions
Illegible handwriting
For enquiries about our quality English lessons or writing services, please contact The Useful English Tutor at 9747-0937.
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