PSLE English Paper 1 2018: A Post-Mortem
The following is the essay question from the 2018 PSLE English Paper 1, according to feedback from several of our students and other sources.
Write a composition of at least 150 words about teamwork. The pictures are provided to help you think about the topic. Your composition should be based on one or more of these pictures. Consider the following points when you plan your composition.
- How did the team members work together?
- What did the team members hope to achieve?
You may use the points in any order and include other relevant points as well. [* The three pictures given include a trophy; a group of students cooking; and several students gathering around, looking at a laptop.]
The topic was expected and the pictures were equally relatable. After all, all students need to do is to choose at least one picture and tell a story about how it relates to teamwork. However, merely doing so will give students an average grade. Delving deeper and handling the essay with a better perspective is what differentiates average students from the crème de la crème.
The trick to rise above the competition is to do one or more of the following:
- use more than one picture;
- indicate the relationship between the picture(s) and the topic clearly and concisely;
- use an interesting genre: as students are not penalised on text types, this means that they can attempt an essay with one of, or a combination of, the following:
- by telling a story (narrative);
- by giving their own take on a collaborated teamwork episode they have experienced before (personal recount);
- by describing the event in detail with relevant responses (descriptive); or
- by discussing how the three pictures highlight the theme (expository).
On the one hand, schools tend to play the safe card for a major exam such as the PSLE. Hence, students are generally encouraged to write a narrative essay in the PSLE. The competition heats up with this approach, since the way to break the 35-mark barrier would be to:
- have a different but interesting plot eg. including a plot twist
- use excellent scene and character descriptors
- showcase a personal voice with elegant expression
- have a flawless GSP
On the other hand, students should be equipped to approach the PSLE essay. At Creative Campus, while we prepare the students on how to approach the topic differently, we also harness their personal voice to develop a plot that is unique to them. The focus on techniques, rather than staid model essays, will gear them to attempt any topic with ease, and in the process, stand out from their peers.
On the first week of 2019, students at Creative Campus were taught how to handle the PSLE 2018 question effectively. Should you be interested to receive a sample copy of the notes, click the button below to view and download.
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PSLE English Paper 1 2019: A Post-Mortem