When it comes to the PSLE English Composition, one of the most challenging components for students is not only expressing their creativity but also avoiding common mistakes that can impact their scores. Writing a strong and compelling composition involves more than just telling a story - it requires proper grammar, structure, and clarity of thought. In this guide, we’ll dive into the most common mistakes students make when writing PSLE English compositions and more importantly, how you can avoid these pitfalls to improve your writing scores.
For more detailed guides and techniques to improve your creative writing, check out our blog on Essential Techniques for Creative Writing in Singapore!
Overusing Basic Vocabulary and Phrases
One mistake that many students make in their PSLE compositions is using simple and repetitive words like "good," "bad," or "nice." While these words are fine, they don’t help make your story stand out or show the examiner how well you can write.
How to Improve:
- For a start, try using more descriptive words. For example, instead of saying "good," you could say "fantastic" or "amazing." Instead of "bad," try "terrible" or "awful." When you use more interesting words, your writing becomes more colorful and exciting.
- Build a "word bank." You can keep a notebook or a section in your phone to write down new words you come across when reading books or listening in class. Look them up and learn how to use them in sentences.
By expanding your vocabulary and avoiding repetitive phrases, you’ll make your stories much more interesting for the reader, and you'll show your examiner that you have a strong command of the language.
Rushing Into Writing Without a Clear Plan
Some students make the mistake of beginning their composition without taking a moment to plan their story. This can lead to a lack of coherence, with ideas bouncing from one point to another or a plot that doesn’t have a clear direction.
How to Avoid This:
- Start by mapping out the key events of your story. Take a few minutes to think through what happens at each stage. For example, how will your characters face the problem and what leads them to the solution?
- Another helpful tool is the story mountain approach. This means plotting the rising action, the climax, and the resolution of your story before you start writing.
By planning out the essential points in your story, you create a roadmap that ensures your composition flows smoothly, with each part connecting naturally to the next.
Simplifying Your Writing for Clarity
One common mistake students make is overcomplicating their writing, believing that using big words and long sentences will impress examiners. In fact, clarity and conciseness are key in PSLE compositions. Let’s break down two key areas to focus on.
Overcomplicating Vocabulary
Students often try to use "big" words or complex phrases to impress. While a strong vocabulary is essential, using words incorrectly can confuse the reader and lead to a loss of marks. Always prioritize clear, effective communication.
Overcomplicated sentence:
"The protagonist ambulated in a manner that demonstrated his melancholy demeanor, gazing upwards towards the azure firmament."
Simplified sentence:
"The boy walked sadly, staring up at the blue sky."
Avoid Long, Complicated Sentences
Long, winding sentences can cause more harm than good. They can make your writing confusing and hard to follow. Instead, try to use shorter, punchier sentences. This doesn’t mean you should write in a simplistic way, but rather find a balance between complexity and readability.
Example of a long sentence:
"In the midst of the celebration, while fireworks exploded overhead, and the crowd erupted in cheers, Sarah found herself lost in thought, wondering how such moments could ever last, and if she would ever feel this happy again."
Revised sentence:
"Fireworks exploded, and the crowd cheered. Sarah, lost in thought, wondered if she would ever feel this happy again."
This example breaks down the sentence into two parts, making it clearer and easier to read while still retaining its meaning.
By simplifying vocabulary and shortening sentences, students can improve the clarity of their writing, which is essential in ensuring that their compositions are effective and easy to understand.
Overusing Clichés in Composition
A common error students make in their writing is relying on clichés. While these phrases might seem appropriate, they often make your story feel predictable and unoriginal. It’s important to avoid clichés and instead focus on unique expressions that make your composition stand out.
Identifying Clichés in Your Writing
Clichés are phrases that have been used so often that they have lost their original impact. Here are some common examples of clichés students tend to use:
Example of a cliché:
"Suddenly, everything went black."
"My heart was racing as fast as a cheetah."
Using phrases like these can make your writing sound less personal and engaging. Instead, you can phrase them as such:
Revision:
"Without warning, the room was plunged into darkness."
"My heart pounded heavily in my chest, each beat growing louder."
By changing the wording slightly, you create a more original and vivid description that helps to draw the reader in.
Why Avoiding Clichés is Important
Using clichés can make your story feel predictable, and examiners often value creativity and originality. When you avoid clichés, you make room for your own voice and style to shine through, which helps differentiate your composition from others.
Example of a story opening using clichés:
"It was a dark and stormy night."
Improved opening:
"Thunder growled in the distance as rain drummed against the windowpane, casting a shadow over the quiet neighborhood."
This revision paints a clearer picture while avoiding overused expressions, making the composition more engaging.
Losing Focus: How to Stay on Track
When writing a composition, it’s easy to get carried away with unnecessary details or go off-topic. To avoid this, always make sure each part of your story serves the main plot. One common mistake is introducing irrelevant information that doesn’t drive the story forward. For example:
"After the long conversation, I decided to stop by the bakery and buy a loaf of bread."
While this adds an action, it detracts from the story’s purpose. Instead, focus on the emotional or plot-driving aspects:
"After the long conversation, I replayed every word, unsure if I had said the right thing."
Stay Aligned with the Story Arc
Keep the narrative moving. Every composition should have a clear flow: from introduction, to climax, to conclusion. Any deviation can confuse the reader and reduce impact.
Example: Off-Track Narrative
"I spent the afternoon playing video games, completely forgetting about the argument."
Instead, it should stick to the main story:
"The argument replayed in my mind, each word louder than the last."
Always ask yourself: does this sentence move the story forward? If it doesn’t, it's time to cut or refocus.
Failing to Build Strong Characters
Characters are the heart of any composition and story. Without well-developed characters, your story can fall flat. Here’s how to avoid this common mistake:
- Introduce Character Motivation Early
- A common mistake is failing to explain why a character is acting in a certain way. Let the reader know what drives your characters. Whether it's fear, ambition, or love, motivations give your characters depth.
- Show, Don’t Tell
- Instead of simply stating a character’s traits, show them through actions or dialogue. For example, instead of saying, “John was kind,” write, “John picked up the stranger’s dropped wallet and handed it to him with a warm smile.”
- Character Growth
- Characters should evolve over the course of the story. If your character starts as timid, they should overcome that fear by the end of the story. Growth gives the reader a sense of resolution and makes your character more memorable.
Neglecting Proper Pacing
One of the most common issues with composition writing is uneven pacing. Some students rush through key events, while others drag out certain moments, losing the reader’s interest.
1. Keep Action-Heavy Scenes Tight
When something exciting or critical is happening, such as a chase or confrontation, your sentences should be shorter and more dynamic. This creates a sense of urgency. For example: “John sprinted through the alley, his breath short and quick. He glanced over his shoulder, the footsteps growing louder.”
2. Slow Down Emotional Moments
When characters are reflecting or experiencing a significant emotional shift, slow down the pacing. Use descriptive language to explore their feelings deeply. Example: “Sarah watched the rain fall outside, each drop a reflection of the tears she fought to hold back. The weight of her decision pressed heavily on her chest.”
3. Balance Action and Reflection
Make sure to mix moments of action with times of reflection. After an intense scene, give the reader a chance to pause and absorb what happened. This will help the story flow more naturally.
How to Avoid Common PSLE Composition Mistakes
Improving your PSLE composition skills isn’t just about avoiding mistakes - it's about learning from them and becoming a stronger writer. The more you practice, the easier it gets to express your ideas clearly and creatively. Every mistake you correct is another step toward writing with confidence!
For common topics that may pop up during PSLE, check out our most recent article on the Top P6 PSLE Composition Topics for 2024!
Need more tips or guidance on how to ace your English composition? Join our *creative writing classes* and learn how you can master every aspect of creative writing. Keep practicing and soon, you’ll be writing with ease!
Teacher Sabrina
Sabrina is a dedicated creative writing instructor at Buns Academy, known for her engaging teaching style and commitment to student success.
