CONTENTS

Overview of the types of essays..5

Changes to Continuous Writing from PSLE 2015............6
Strategy for writing a narrative or personal recount..7
Strategy for writing a descriptive essay.9
Sample descriptive essay..12
Sentence Variety....14
Alternative vocabulary....21
Great Beginnings....25
Feelings phrases / sentences...............26 to 32
1. Anger...26
2. Boredom.26
3. Curiosity................26
4. Depression / Disappointment.................27
5. Disgust....27
6. Embarrassment.....27
7. Excitement..........................................................................................................28
8. Expectation........28
9. Fear.28
10. Gratitude...29
11. Happiness / Laughter..29
12. Illness...............29
13. Irritation.30
14. Pride..30
15. Relief.....30
16. Sadness31
17. Surprised / Shocked / Wonder...31
18. Tiredness..32
19. Worry.32
Endings Proverbs & statements.33
Model Compositions..35 to 94
1. Facing something new....35
2. An inconsiderate act or irresponsible behaviour.....38

3. A sea of disappointment.41
4. Patience....44
5. The cat is out of the bag..47
6. A friend in need is a friend indeed50
7. An act of kindness..53
8. All alone....56
9. Opportunity doesnt knock twice59
10. Anger.62
11. A hilarious episode ...............65
12. A challenge ..68
13. A costly prank...71
14. A threat.....74
15. A forgetful person77
16. A proud moment..80
17. One thing I want to achieve before I finish primary school.83
18. The best party ever Descriptive essay.86
19. A memorable vacation Descriptive essay89
20. School events ..92
Strategy for writing a narrative or personal recount (explained)95

Strategy for writing a narrative or a personal recount

Step 1: Think of a story as one line for each of the following categories and put it in a
story table:- ALWAYS PLAN THE STORY
1. Introduction Who try to introduce all characters in the story, Where the place or
setting of the story & When
2. Problem What happened? / What went wrong? / How did it happen? / Why did it
happen?
3. Solution How did the problem get solved? / Why did the problem not get solved?
4. Ending - What were the final actions of the characters?
5. Reflection What did the main character learn / decide / find out / resolve from the whole
episode?
Do not write long sentences. Be very brief.
Story Table
Introduction

Who
Where When

Problem

What?
How?
Why?

Solution

How did the problem get solved?

Ending

Final actions

Reflection

Proverb or ending statement

Important pointer: Try your best to start and end the story in the same time and in the same
place.

Contd.

SAMPLE MODEL PERSONAL RECOUNT / NARRATIVE - FACING

SOMETHING NEW

Write a composition of 150 words or more about a time when you

faced something or someone new.
Q1.What were the things that worried you the most about the new
experience?
Q2. How did you overcome the worries?
Q3. Did you learn anything from the whole experience?

Category

Story idea 1 Picture use - 1

Plot

Feelings

Introduction

I, other students, Mrs. Ng, new CCA-drama class in my Worry

school, Term 1- P5 year

Problem

Trying a drama class for the first time; asked to dance a Fear
little on the stage in front of other students on the stage.
Other students did ok.

Solution

Ms. Ng allowed me to read some dialogues from a play I Relief

had brought along. I put on a not-bad show

Ending

Ms. Ng applauded; admitted that I showed promise. Excitement

Asked me to be more confident the next time.

Reflection

Believe in yourself; be confident; Do not fear the

unknown.

Have you ever had the feeling of butterflies in your stomach? Listen to this story of my first
day of drama class. I am sure you will identify with it.
In Term 1 of my P5 year, I had opted for a new CCA Drama. My main purpose for joining
the class was to meet the popular TV actress, Ms. Jade Seah who was scheduled to visit two or
three of our sessions and give talks on acting. However, that day, there was no sign of Ms. Seah,
only my drama teacher, a stern-faced Ms. Ng. She stood imposingly at the entrance of the school
hall to welcome us. Dressed in my PE attire, I was beginning to feel a little edgy as I brooded over
what Ms. Ng would ask me to do on that first day. The school hall was largely empty accept for
the small group of drama students huddled in a corner. I observed that some of the other pupils
were fretting with tension too.
Striding purposefully over, Mrs. Ng announced in a booming voice, Students! First, I want
to give you a simple task. Each of you has to go up on the stage, introduce yourself and do a
small dance..something uncomplicated.no need to become Justin Bieber.
I could see all sorts of reactions from our group, from downright ecstatic to pure terror. The shy
ones, including me, were doing our best to hide. It was a new class, a new term, and new students
around, why dance on the first day? I groaned inwardly.
Soon, the mini performances were underway. Although I endeavoured to calm myself, I
was gradually slipping into terror territory. Many students danced with gay abandon (well) on
stage. They were a delight to watch. I was perspiring, blood was freezing in my veins, my stomach
was churning and my face was turning white. Nevertheless, what could I do? Running away was
hardly an option. I braced myself for what was to come.
I was to be the last one on stage. Feeling certain that I would make become the laughing
stock of the whole school, I looked pleadingly at Ms. Ng.
I was going to launch a last minute appeal.
Ms. Ng, I have brought along a script, can I read this instead of dancing? I promise I will
do it with full emotion, I blurted out and somehow, managed to look self-assured.

Ms. Ng looked me over from top to bottom before nodding her assent (giving her
permission). Thank goodness! I muttered a prayer of thanks. I felt infinitely better because I was
great at reading aloud. The knots in my stomach resolved a bit. I stopped twitching with
nervousness and finally, felt comfortable. My reading went well. There was a short round of
applause too.
Getting down from the stage, I noticed Ms. Ng calling me to her side. She applauded my
reading in front of all other students and declared that I showed a lot of promise. With trembling
hands and a feverish smile, I accepted her compliments. In a minutes time, she also brought up
the issue of my confidence. She extracted a promise from me to be more daring the next time
round. I nodded enthusiastically.
That episode taught me that I should not fear everything new. Ms. Ngs encouragement
helped me believe in myself more.

Story idea 2 Picture used - 2

Category

Plot

Feelings

Introduction

I, my two cousins, LEGOLAND Dragon roller coaster, Expectation

June holidays.
Curiosity

Problem

To try the new roller coaster; Cousins were brave; I was Shock
the only one scared.
Fear

Solution

My cousins encouraged me; I sat in the middle seat Fear

between them; closed my eyes for the first one minute of
Worry
the ride.

Ending

The ride turned out to be more fun and not so scary.

Happiness
Excitement

Reflection

Try new things; do not fear the unknown.

Strategy for writing a descriptive essay

The prerequisite for a descriptive essay is a diverse and lavish vocabulary. It is primarily a play
of words. If the childs vocabulary is not that great, I would advise him/her to stick to narratives.
Step1
Good idea to keep the story very simple. No major rising actions, climaxes and falling actions.

SCHOOL EVENTS

Write a composition of 150 words or more about a school event that you
participated in or helped to organise.
Q1. What was the highlight of the event?
Q2. Did you or the organisers face any challenges?
Q3. What could have been done better? OR What kind of feedback did you
receive?

Step 2

Sight

Hear

Smell

Feel / Touch

Taste

Step 3
Categorise all the people, places and things in your story plan under the 5 senses.

Sight

Hear

Smell

Feel / Touch

Taste

I, Joel, other

Cheering

Sweat,

Sports

100 Plus

students,

students,

teachers

School bell,

School

100 Plus

Microphone

equipment
Heat
Teachers

grounds,

actions

Plant, grass,
soil
Sports
equipment

Contd.

Sample / Model descriptive essay

To say that the Sports Carnivals is fun is an understatement. It is by far the best day in
the whole school year.
Tring!
The welcome sound of the school bell announced the beginning of the Sports Carnival.
My friend, Joel and I typhooned down the school steps like strong winds. Reaching the vast open
school grounds I observed all the students dressed in our brightly coloured - red, blue, green and
yellow PE attires. From a distance, the grounds resembled the canvas of a painter who had gone
mad with his paints. The colourfully decorated stalls were in the stark contrast to the soothing
green of the trees surrounding the grounds.
First on the task list that day was the Loud cheer competition. Put simply, it was a test of
which class could shout the loudest. A skill that all children were naturally good at.

Noble 6 went first. They were a little embarrassed. Their cheer was like a bass guitar but
out of tune. Spotty and uncoordinated.

Second, the cheer of Steadfast 6 rumbled like distant

thunder. Not bad, I thought. Third, Loyalty 6s cheer began low and then, hit a crescendo in 10
seconds, like an orchestra playing a symphony.
Bravo! Boomed Mrs. Loh, the Principals voice from the microphone.
Finally, it was the turn of Charity 6. My class.
My classmate, Natashas index finger came down as a cue and our throats exploded. Oh
my God! It felt like a volcano had erupted. The lava of sound flowed into the school grounds. It
permeated into every nook, crevice and corner.
The din was huge. I noticed some students covering their ears. A few teachers looked like
a Tsunami had hit them. Mouths were hanging open everywhere. A good sign.
Unanimously, Charity 6 was declared the winner.
Our class stomped the soft grass under our feet as we raced towards our form teacher,
Mr. Poon. With outstretched hands, he welcomed us and patted our heads and backs. He was
glowing like a light bulb with pride.
The rest of the day passed like a dream. We raced from one sport activity to the other. As
the sun majestically climbed into the sky, all the sports equipment gleamed and reflected his light.
The metallic equipment was absorbing heat like a sponge absorbs water. Our hands felt dry and
hot. The sun was draining moisture from our skin leaving our exposed limbs brown and a little
cracked.
The pupils faces were also flushed red with energy and glistened with sweat. Perspiration
had soaked our uniforms but we we couldnt care less about the temperature. The smell of sweat
was everywhere intermingling with the dry aromas of the soil. Some children poured water on
their faces like mini waterfalls.
Soon, it was the 100-PLUS drink break. Gulping down the tangerine flavoured drink, I felt
the much needed respite from the heat. The citrusy, effervescent flavour tingled my tongue.
Turning around, I watched Joel as he thrust his nose into his lemon 100 PLUS to capture its
scents. Then, he swallowed the whole drink without a break. I guffawed at his behaviour.

Before we even realised it, the day was drawing to a close. The tempo in the school
grounds was winding down. Stalls were being gradually deserted. Sports equipment stood lonely
too. Students were sprawled out here and there on the grass wearing exhausted but content
expressions on their faces. The adults looked sapped as well.
All the events had been a huge success.
A job well done, Mrs. Lohs voice resonated in my ears as I made my way back to my
classroom.
It is true what they say Time flies when you are having fun.

SENTENCE VARIETY
1. Start with the ing form of the verb (present participle phrase) This idea is
especially easy to use whenever we have 2 actions.
Students write the following sentences These sentences can be easily changed
often:to :I was elated (happy). I ran to tell mother.

Feeling elated, I ran to tell mother.

3. Start with the ly adverb Adverbs are the words which describe the verb (the
action word) in the sentence.
Students write the following sentences These sentences can be easily changed
often:to :I ran to the classroom quickly.

Quickly, I ran to the classroom.

5. Write SOUNDS (Onomatopoeia) Following the Show, not tell technique, we write
sounds. Write these sounds as a separate paragraph for maximum effect.
The important thing to remember is that it is wrong to say, Crash! A sound came.
Category

Written
sound

Examples

Rain

Pitterpatter
Dripdrip

Pitter-patter! The rain was relentless on that day.

Contd.

Drip! Drip! It was still drizzling when we came out.

6. DIALOGUES
Many students use dialogues in their composition. The problem seems to be that they go
overboard with them. The essay starts looking like a drama or a play. DO NOT WRITE MORE
THAN 2 or 3 DIALOGUES. Another pitfall is that as soon as the students write a dialogue,
the plain vanilla said would appear . Over the internet, you can find plenty of lists showing
you alternative words for said. I am listing out the ones more common in students
compositions.
How It's Said
in a happy way

Word to Substitute
laughed
rejoiced
giggled
joked
Chuckled
Lilted
sang out

How It's Said

Word to Substitute

as a question

Enquired
Asked

Contd.

ALTERNATIVE VOCABULARY FOR COMMON WORDS USED IN COMPOSITIONS

Common word

Alternative

Then

Later (subsequently)
Before long
Soon
Meanwhile (at the same time)
After ten minutes / After an hour
In a few minutes time
Immediately
Gradually
Finally / Eventually

Suddenly

All of a sudden
Without warning
At that moment
Out of nowhere

Contd.

GREAT BEGINNINGS
1. I would never forget the day when I got stuck in the rain.
2. Have you ever .
a. had a tiff with your parents? Listen to my story; I am sure you will identify with it.

Contd.

FEELINGS PHRASES AND SENTENCES

ANGER
1. Driven up the wall by my actions, the teacher handed me a stern reprimand.
10. Mother hissed in a low voice and I realised that I was in trouble.
BOREDOM
1. Feeling spiritless, I wondered how to alleviate my boredom.
9. Fatigued by the unstimulating environment, I struggled to keep myself awake.
SURPRISE / SHOCK / WONDER
1. Feeling completely at a loss for words, I fumbled around to organise my thoughts and say
something.
9. To my bewilderment (amazement /astonishment), the boys continued with their pranks.
WORRY
1. Being quite concerned about my mothers health, I hastened to make her comfortable in
the doctors clinic.

7. Fretting with tension, I squirmed in my seat. I was unsure of how long I could manage to
retain my composure.

Contd.
Endings
Statement

Meaning

1.
Who listens to the voice of the
elder / teacher is like a strong tree; who
turns a deaf ear is like a twig in the wind.
2.
Be prepared but take things in
your stride.

Listen to elders / teachers

3.
Be a gracious neighbour / citizen /
student.
4.
If you respect others, then others
will respect you.

Be polite and accommodating.

Be prepared but do not be too

bothered by unexpected events.

Respect peoples feelings and

emotions.

Contd.

14. MODEL COMPOSITION - A THREAT

Write a composition of 150 words or more about a threat that you

(or someone else) have (has) faced.
Q1. What was the threat?
Q2. What was the reaction of the people facing the threat?
Q3. How did the threat get resolved or did it not get resolved?

Story idea 1
Category

Plot

Feelings

Introduction

I (Annie), my classmates, some school bullies, Irritated

from my room Facebook & school, Thursday.

Problem

School bullies created a Hate Annie page.

Shock
Fear

Solution

I complained to my school counsellor, Mr. Alif; He Worry

showed me videos and online articles of other
children who had experienced the same.

Ending

Mr Alif promised to speak to the culprits and Relief

advise them also. Praised me.

Reflection

Be brave threats are everywhere, be alert

Something happened last month which has exposed the darker side of social media to
me.
On a Thursday last month, having finished my homework, I was lounging in my bed and
playing with my handphone. At that moment, it beeped. It was a Whatsapp message from Nicole,
my classmate. Check your Facebook page it said with a scared face emoticon at the end. Irked
a little and puzzled by her short message, I launched my Facebook app.
Immediately, an ominous message glared back at me from the screen. 50 notifications
pending. What?
A never-ending, snake-like list unwound in front of me.
They were all comments on two photos of mine. Nasty, disgusting, abominable
comments. Dumbfounded that I was, I remained immobile for two minutes in total shock.
Frantically, I began deleting the comments but more kept getting added to the list. Next, I
endeavoured to unfriend the people but there were so many. It was overwhelming.

Moreover, there was a link at the end of every alternate comment leading to another
Facebook page. With trembling fingers and great apprehension, I clicked on the link.
The Hate Annie page filled every inch of my laptop screen.
In the middle was my picture, photoshopped and instagrammed to portray me as a witch
in a background of the Two Towers with the evil eye from the Lord of the Rings. Feeling
flabbergasted, I struggled to regain my composure. To say that I was frightened would be an
understatement, I was quivering like a dry leaf in mighty winds. Stop shaking like a leaf! I
admonished myself sternly. Brave, be brave, I encouraged myself inwardly.
Firstly, call mother. She will know what to do, I muttered aloud to myself.
Mother asked me to bring the matter to the attention of my school counsellor, Mr. Alif the
next day. In the meanwhile, I called up my close pals. They speculated that the gang of school
bullies was the most likely to blame. Later, I lodged a complaint with Facebook to delete the Hate
Annie page.
The next day, feeling anxious and edgy, I spent a whole hour in Mr. Alifs room recounting
the events. To my amazement, mine was not the first story he had heard. Fretting with tension, I
watched online videos and articles of other students having experienced the same.
Later, cautiously, I named the students whom I suspected to be the culprits. Mr. Alif
promised to have a chat with the likely offenders. He also warned me against randomly accepting
people as friends or making my photos public.
Generally, Mr. Alif opined that if I showed very less reaction to the provocations, the
miscreants would soon lose interest. In the background, I should follow-up with Facebook to help
me delete the offensive page. He praised me for exhibiting courage and lodging the complaint.
After the chat with him, I felt a little lighter and the knots in my stomach resolved a bit.
That experience was an eye-opener for me. It made me realise that threats are
everywhere, real world and cyber-world, we should always be alert.

Story idea 2- Pictures used 1&3

Category

Plot

Feelings

Introduction

Gabriel, neighbours Tan family, our HDB block, worry

early night

Problem

Miscreants (Ah long) splashed red paint on the

grilles of the Tans apartment

Fear
children
Anger
adults

Solutions

Called the police; luckily, the overheard camera had Relief

recorded everything

Ending

My parents comforted and advised the Tan family. Gratitude

Their children slept in our home.

Reflection

Threats are everywhere; we must stay together and

support each other