Composition Tips

Step-by-step technique

I don't know where I learnt this technique from but it helped me a lot. So, I hope this technique will help you too! :)
First, you will have to find a sentence. (Preferably from one of the compositions you have written.)
Step 1 : Mother took out the cane and swayed it in front of Tom.
Next, strengthen the emotions of the characters.
Step 2 : Mother took out the cane and swayed it in front of Tom. Beads of perspiration trickled down his forehead as she fumed with rage.
Then, you have to improve your descriptions.
Step 3: Mother whipped out the cane and brandished it in front of Tom. Beads of perspiration trickled down his crimson forehead as Mother seethed with rage, her veins were almost void of blood circulation.
Next, you have to add in metaphors.
Step 4: Mother whipped out the cane which seemed like a venomous snake and brandished it in front of Tom as beads of perspiration trickled down his crimson forehead as Mother seethed with rage, her veins were almost void of blood circulation. "Explain! Why did you cheat in the examinations?" Mother barked at Tom, as she huffed and puffed like a steam train.
Finally, you will have to give your paragraph in step 4 a touch-up.
Step 5: Mother whipped out the cane which seemed like a venomous snake, attempting to make a fatal attack, every now and then. She brandished it in front of Tom as beads of perspiration trickled down his crimson forehead as Mother seethed with rage, her veins were almost void of blood circulation. "Explain! Why did you cheat in the examinations?" Mother barked at Tom, as she huffed and puffed like a steam train. Mother seemed like an interrogator, burying Tom under a heap of questions. Tom wore a blanched expression. What would Mother do next?

It is a bit difficult to develop your sentences at first. But if you do this frequently, like maybe thrice weekly, you can do this naturally and you will have no problem in writing paragraphs like in step 5. Happy writing!

Tips on Synthesis and Transformation 2

Hi. I'm back with more tips on S&T. S&T consists of 10 marks in the English Paper 2. Thus, S&T is as important as the other components!

1) Lina likes to take the MRT train more than the bus.
Ans: Lina prefers taking the MRT train to the bus. (correct)
Lina prefers taking the MRT train than the bus. (wrong) (Note: 'prefer...to..' is used to express a choice over something else.)

2) Vince likes drinking apple juice. He likes orange juice more.
Ans: Vince would rather drink orange juice than apple juice. (correct)
Vince would rather drink orange juice than apple juice more. (wrong) (Note: 'would rather...than...' is used to emphasise a choice over something else, same goes for 'prefer...to...'. 'More' has to be omitted in this case.)

3) Dry the paint. Sprinkle the glitter on afterwards.
Ans: After drying the paint, sprinkle the glitter on. (correct)
After drying the paint, sprinkle the glitter on afterwards. (wrong) (Note: 'After' is used to show sequence of events. Thus, 'afterwards' has to be omitted to prevent repeating the emphasis on showing the sequence of events, since 'afterwards' is similar to 'after'.)

Good Composition Phrases 1

Here are some phrases for sensational writing. They are adapted from a book which is useful. Here is the link if you want to buy it. http://www.casco.com.sg/onlinestore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=190 Please note that the phrases here are randomly picked by me. There are many more better phrases in this book! (Oops, it sounds like I am promoting this book, which I am not supposed to. But, this book is really useful and good. Cost is $11.80 w/GST. It is a bit expensive, but it is worth it.)

Happy

• (Sight) A contented smile materialised from the bottom of his heart.
• (Sound) An infectious joyful chortle ruptured the walls when the children were at play.
• (Touch) I felt the endorphins in my body after a great workout and now I am all hyped up for a new day.
• (Taste / smell) The winners could finally savour the sweet taste of success after all their hard work.

Angry

• (Sight) Resentment flashed in his eyes as he stared intently without diverting his gaze.
• (Sound)Spiteful words tumbled out in torrents when the spoilt child screamed at her maid.
• (Touch) She was entombed in her own irritation.
• (Taste / smell) Mother was so exasperated that for a moment she was tongue-tied before she unbridled her chagrin.

Child

• (Sight) The skeletal girl looked pallid and malnourished.
• (Sound) The steely clanking of the braces in the boy's mouth impeded his speech.
• (Touch) The children felt the crunch when their father lost his job and could no longer afford the toys they want.
• (Taste / smell) Hungry for his parents' attention, the boy started misbehaving.

Home

• (Sight) The dilapidated house was clearly neglected. Dense cobwebs hung opaque in the corners.
• (Sound) The stillness of the night reverberated in the room like a haunting tune that sent shivers down my spine as I tossed and turned in my bed.
• (Touch) The textured wallpaper emblazoned with bold prints gave the room an air of opulence and grandeur.
• (Taste / smell) The neighbour's joss incense fumed into our house like a massive fog, choking all of us.

Math Birthday Trick

A Math Birthday Trick to try! I know this does not concern PSLE. But, I just want to share it with you. I don't know where I adapted this from...

Step1: Add 18 to your birth month.
Step2: Multiply by 25.
Step3: Subtract 333.
Step4: Multiply by 8.
step5: Subtract 554.
step6: Divide by 2.
step7: Add your birth date.
step8: Multiply by 5.
step9: Add 692.
step10: Multiply by 20.
step11: Add only the last two digits of your birth year.
step12: Subtract 32940 to get your birthday!.
For example: If the answer is 123199 means that you were born on December 31, 1999. If the answer is not right, you followed the directions incorrectly or lied about your birthday

Model Composition 1

This is adapted from one of my favourite websites. http://thelearningworkshop.blogspot.sg/
No copyright intended. I have highlighted some good phrases.

Scenario: You were cycling across the road but a lorry came barrelling towards you.


Black ominous clouds moseyed across the sky. I was cycling along a quiet road as I had volunteered to fetch my adorable sister from the child care centre a stone’s throw away. Suddenly, a glare of lightning lit up the sky. I had to hurry up or it might pour!

Across the road, I caught a glimpse of Rosy smiling at me. Her round marble-black eyes sparkled as her face lit up like the brightest bulb on earth. Filled with exuberance, she was beckoning me to come quickly for there was a shiny paper star in her tiny hand. Oh, how I adored her! Not wanting her to wait any longer, I cycled across the road without waiting for the traffic lights to turn green.

Out of the blue, my ears were drawn to a loud rumbling noise. A large lorry was heading straight at me at top speed. Panic engulfed me. My legs turned to stones and cold sweat broke out on my forehead. Oh no! A million thoughts flashed across my mind. It was going to be the end of me. My attention was riveted towards the lorry which continued hurtling towards me at lightning speed.

I closed my eyes, awaiting my impending doom. The tyres tried screeching to a sudden halt. It was to no avail for it was too late to stop. The lorry driver instinctively swerved and barreled straight into Rosy’s childcare centre.

Crash! The lorry banged into the school and the walls tumbled like lego bricks. The children screamed in horror like banshees. Finally, the vehicle halted. The bonnet was badly dented and the windscreen shattered into smithereens.  

My face bleached to a sombre pale. Without hesitation, I charged towards the direction of the childcare centre. Before I reached, the rotund driver wobbled out and grabbed the scruff of my neck.

“How dare you cross the road like that?” he boomed in blistering fury. “Let me go!” I struggled free and went searching in desperation for my kid sister.

I let out a startled cry when I spotted Rosy, lying sprawled on the ground under a pile of bricks. Her white uniform was stained crimson red.  The smell of fresh blood literally assaulted my nostrils.  Her face was drained of all colours and she wore a wretched expression. She was enveloped in mind-numbing pain, bleeding profusely. My heart broke.

“Rosy, Rosy! Look at me!” I cried aloud.

She  stirred a little and pressed the paper star into my hand and mumbled, “For you!” She gave a weak smile before losing consciousness.

“Wake up! Wake up!” I pleaded, cradling her puny frame in my arms but there was no response. Each time, her breathing became more weak and labored – then it finally stopped.

Passers-by had gathered and their hearts went out to her as well. Some kind soul had called the ambulance which soon wailed down the street. Competent paramedics checked her vitals and tried to revive her. The paramedics shook their heads, saying gravely, “We have tried our best.” I was sobbing heart-wrenching tears non-stop. She had left me for eternity.

The sky rumbled and started crying buckets too – as if it understood. How I regretted my moment of foolishness! How could I dash across the road? I could have waited for the traffic lights to turn green. My hand clenched the paper star tightly as hot salty tears fell again.

My PSLE Experience

         Hello. I just want to share with you my experience. I hope I can give you some advice and tips to embark on your long awaited journey to PSLE. To tell you frankly, I started my journey in November when I was in P5. Many people teased me of being a 'kiasu' student. Many of my friends started preparing for the major exam during the June holidays in P6. Well, I did not care. I told myself not to be influenced by others no matter how criticizing they might be. Honestly, I have already started my journey to Secondary 1, a few weeks after the end of PSLE. 

         I took the initiative to do research on the topics that are going to be taught in P6. I found many useful and interactive websites to aid me in my studies and preparation. Well, one of my favourite websites is www.oldschool.com.sg . How I wish this website provides secondary 1 materials too so that I can continue using it. This website has consolidated questions from various top schools. They sort them in topics too! So convenient! I have posted some useful websites here too. http://journey-to-psle.blogspot.sg/2013/10/useful-websites.html

          Enough blabbering. I am going to share with you my timetable for the June holiday. I have no computer or watching TV sessions. Nope. Nothing. Nothing at all. Well, if you can not resist to the temptation of having free time (what I meant for free time is to play, not to eat or bathe), you can relieve yourself from stress by watching 5-10 minutes of TV programmes or listening to your favourite songs. Sometimes, I agree that watching TV programmes once in the blue moon during PSLE period is an advantage to yourself. Not only can you relieve yourself from stress, you can learn a few words from the subtitles and add them to your word bank.

               Exercise is a 'die-die must do' activity. I would go exercising at least twice a week, either in school or at the park. However, if you start to adapt yourself to a fit and healthy environment (which you do not really do that frequently) a few weeks before PSLE to keep fit, I would suggest not to exercise at all. You may fall sick if you force yourself to exercise all of the sudden and things will be worse. However, not to worry. This is when vitamin tablets and chicken essence come in to rescue you! But, to take precautions, you have to try the tablets or chicken essence to see if your body is suitable to take a certain brand of the tablets or chicken essence. Safety first!

               I would like to recommend some books that had helped me along the way. They are really useful books and I hope you will take these books into consideration.

English- 

• PSLE English Oral Tutor by Joey Teo (EPH)
• Thematic Vocabulary by Dorcas Ang (Success Publications)
• Phrases for Sensational Writing by Agnes Ng and Jemmies Siew (Casco)
• Power-up Grammar and Language Usage for PSLE by Ho Lin Lee (Longman)
• Score the A* You Deserve in PSLE Writing by Adeline Yeo (Candid Creation Publishing) (Price for this book is a bit steep though. However, if you are willing to invest on your books, it's worth it.)

Maths-

• Unit Transfer Method by Sunny Tan (Price for this book is a bit steep though. However, if you are willing to invest on your books, it's worth it.)
• Challenging 4-in-1 Maths by Dawn Tai (EPH)
• Mathematics Challenging Problems by Andrew Er (EPH)
• Challenging Maths Problems for the Advanced Learner by Jeanie Yeo (Marshall Cavendish) (Watch out! If you buy this book, prepare for your brain to 'crack'! The questions in here are so challenging but I agree that they are good practice.)
• And of course, test papers! Tests papers are good to practice Maths. 

Chinese-

• Primary Chinese Graded Writing Series (Advanced) by 石滨 (Marshall Cavendish)

Science-

• 100% Science Process Skills by Dr Constance Goh (Casco)
• PSLE Ultimate Science Guide by Low Wai Cheng and Leong May Kuen (EPH)
• Science Process Skills by Angeline Tan (SAP)
• And of course, test papers! Doing science test papers is important as you can get an exposure of many different variety of questions.

         I have finally finished my PSLE and all I want to say is, thank you to all teachers who had braved through the storms with us and unleashing us to our greatest potential. Now, let's pat ourselves on the back for finally overcoming the hard times. I wish all P6 students all the best for your upcoming major examination----PSLE.

Tips on Synthesis and Transformation 1

1) The cookies in the box have star-shaped icing on them.
Ans: Every cookie in the box has star-shaped icing on it.
(Take note! The 'cookies' and 'have' have to be changed into singular form because of 'every'. It applies to each, none of, one of the, etc.)

2) This is the building. My office used to be located here.
Ans: This is the building where my office used to be located. (correct)
(Take note! 'Where' is used to refer to a place or location where and event is taking place. Adverbs like 'here' and 'there'have to be omitted.)
This is the building where my office used to be located here. (wrong)

3) They like dancing. They like playing badminton too.
Ans: Besides dancing, they like playing badminton. (correct)
(Take note! 'Besides' is used to express an event happening in addition to another. Words like 'also' and 'too' have to be omitted.)
Besides dancing, they like playing badminton too. (wrong)

Well, this is my first advice for synthesis and transformation. I hope I can post more to help :)

Handling Open-ended questions

Hello. This is adapted from Road to PSLE. No copyright intended.

Comprehension (Open Ended) Section accounts for 20 marks out of a total 200 in the English PSLE Paper. That makes up 10% of the whole paper. Unfortunately, this section is where students lose most marks in English Paper 2. As such, it is important to pay close attention to this very important section.

There are many ways to approach Comprehension (Open Ended) Section. However, I find that the most effective way is to read the questions before reading the passage. By reading the questions first, you focus on what is asked, rather than what is in the passage itself.

Hence, with your focus on what is asked even before reading the passage, you will be able to pinpoint the answer when you start reading the passage – a clear advantage over those who read the passage before reading the questions.

Here is an example. Let us read the questions and see if we understand the story even before reading the passage itself.

Questions from the Comprehension Open Ended Section of Ai Tong School P5 English SA1 2004.

Q1. How were the men feeling while they were on the landing craft?

The key phrase that gives us a good hint is “landing craft”. Landing crafts are not civilian vehicles. These vehicles are used by the military and/or rescue mission parties. As such, we can tell that “the men” may be from the military or some rescue team either on a mission or under going training.

The above demonstrates that even without reading the passage, simply by reading the questions first, we already have an idea of what the passage is about.

Q2. Explain in your own words the phrase “betraying of inner feelings” in the first paragraph.

Q3. What was the relationship between Vince and Eddie?
We are introduced to 2 men. Vince and Eddie. Again, without even reading the passage yet, we know that there are 2 characters at least, in this passage.

Q4. How did the British differentiate their planes from those of the enemies?

The words “enemies” and “British” are dead giveaways. This is the first conclusive piece of information that tells us that this story may be about a war scenario. For students who have read widely, they may even be able to relate this background to World War 2 or the Falklands War, where the British made contact with enemy planes.

Q5. What does the word “them” in the fourth paragraph refer to?

Q6. Do you think that Vince and Eddie were proud to be part of the British army?
Question number 6 confirms that the 2 men are serving the British military during a war period.

Q7. Which word in paragraph 7 tells you that the soldiers moved in a group in the water?

The key words “moved in a group in the water” suggest that the soldiers are infantry men. Again, students who read widely will know that infantry men move in groups in such terrain.

Q8. Why did the soldiers “believe they had seen their last day”? (third last paragraph)
A hint that this may be a life and death situation, which aptly fits a war scenario.

Q9. What do you think happened to Eddie in the end of the passage?

Q10. Who helped Eddie when he lost his balance? Why do you think so?

By reading all the ten questions, we can reasonably conclude that:

1. This is a war scenario.

2. The story is seen from the British perspective.

3. It could be about World War 2 or the Falklands War.

4. While the story is about the British at war, it centres on two individual soldiers, Vince and Eddie, their relationship and their fate.

It can be seen very clearly that if you were to read the questions before reading the passage, you would have collected some very important information.

You are now be in a better position to spot the answers in the passage because you will be on the lookout for the information you have already gathered from the questions.
Now compare the passage below and see if the information we have gathered from the questions tallies with the passage itself.


The Comprehension Passage

The mass of helmets lurched backwards as the landing craft plunged into the dark water. Sea spray glistened on the surface of everything it touched, catching the light of the artillery fire. Private Eddie Hagen glanced at the faces of the men around him. Some were praying, while others held pictures or mementos of sweethearts and family before carefully tucking them away inside their pockets. The rest stared into the unknown, their faces expressionless, betraying no inner feelings.

“This is it, Buddy!” Eddie managed a smile in return for the hearty slap on his shoulder and twisted around to acknowledge a friend.

“We’re finally going to get the Japanese!” Vince grinned down at Eddie. “Remember, buddy, stick with me. We’ll both do just fine. Besides, your sister never will never marry me if I let anything happen to you.”

At this moment, both men were distracted by an explosion which sent more spray into the craft. The roar of airplanes filled the sky. As the planes passed overhead, the black and white “invasion” stripes painted on them could be seen. The marking let the British know that these were their own, for protection against their anti-aircraft guns. The soldiers watched them as they made their way over the cliffs.

Eddie recalled the time when Vince and him signed up for the British army at the same time. After basic training, the two strutted like peacocks before family and friends. As full-fledged fighting men, they would now join in the fight against the Japanese.

Suddenly, the barking of orders from the platoon leader interrupted Eddie’s thoughts. The back wall of the craft crashed into the water and the throng of men moved forward. Plunging into the icy water, the British soldiers gasped as the cold wetness penetrated their clothing. The dark, green depths caused many to stumble, already weighted down with excess gear. This, combined with the mortar fire aimed at them from the top of the cliffs, caused many to believe they had seen the last day.

As Eddie struggled toward the shore, a bullet pierced through the man in front of him, causing him to fall backward. He looked into the lifeless eyes before the sea covered the soldier’s face and claimed his spirit.

A second later, Eddie felt a sharp pain in his side. Before losing his balance, he felt a strong arm lifting him up.
So was the information collected from the questions, before we read the passage accurate? Did you have the feeling that you have "read this passage before"? That's because you have read the questions first, giving you some very important clues as to what the passage is about.

The trick here is that while you are reading the passage, take note of the "familiar" pieces of information you gathered earlier. Those pieces of information hold the key to your answers to the comprehension questions.

For example, for Q1, How were the men feeling while they were on the landing craft? Have you noticed that in the passage, you noticed a familiar scenario when you read this part of the passage?

The mass of helmets lurched backwards as the landing craftplunged into the dark water. Sea spray glistened on the surface of everything it touched, catching the light of the artillery fire. Private Eddie Hagen glanced at the faces of the men around him. Some were praying, while others held pictures or mementos of sweethearts and family before carefully tucking them away inside their pockets. The rest stared into the unknown, their faces expressionless, betraying no inner feelings. 

The question asks, "How were the men feeling...." That means you are expected to describe the men's feelings and emotions.

So now in your own words, you have to answer Q1, based on the information above. When people pray, hold mementos of loved ones and "stare into the unknown", what do these actions tell you? Are they happy? Sad? Aniticipative? Worried? Enthusiatic? Anxious?

Conversation Topics (Oral)

This is created by me. Well, I found some of the questions on Internet. Most of the questions just came out of nowhere... I combined them together so that you can practice for your PSLE Oral.

Conversation Topics (English)
1) Initial prompt: Do you swim as a form of exercise?  Why?
Additional prompts: How does exercising help you? Why?
What event or activity has your school organised so far to promote health?
2) Initial prompt: Have you been involved in your school’s Teacher’s Day Concert?
Additional prompts: How do you feel about taking part in the concert? Why?
                                      What do you learn from taking part in the concert?
3) Initial prompt: Did you witness any incident on a public transport?
Additional prompts: What public transport do you normally take?
Do you think that people should give up their seats to the ones in need? Why?
4) Initial prompt: Have you been to a camp?
Additional prompts: Do you think that we should follow our teachers’ instructions at all times?
Why is teamwork important?
5) Initial prompt: Have you been to a night market?
Additional prompts: What do you think stall holders in night markets should do if they want to attract more customers?
Do you think that cleanliness is essential in night markets or in public areas?
6) Initial prompt: What is the role of policemen in our society?
Additional prompts: Other than the policemen, who also have the responsibility to help the society? Why?
7) Initial prompt: Why is it that we can’t create noises in the hospital?
Additional prompts: Have you been so sick that you have to stay in bed every time?
8) Initial prompt: Do you like to go shopping? Why?
Additional prompts: Do you think that parents should look after their kids? Why?
 Why is it important to have surveillances in most shops?
9) Initial prompt: Is the road a dangerous place? Why?
Additional prompts: What do you think might have been the cause of road accidents?
10) Initial prompt: Why is it important to look after your properties?
Additional prompts: Do you help to tidy up your house?

Phrases to describe fear (compo)

I don't know where I adapted this from but it really helped me a lot. There are even some exercises for you. I have highlighted the phrases and words which are related to fear.

The bullies closed in on the pair of siblings. When cornered by the bullies, Tom felt nauseous and gagged frenziedly. Confronted with impending danger, Tom behaved cowardly as he hid behind his younger sister, Jane. Jane turned pale with terror but she stood up to the bullies who were extorting money from them. Cold perspiration broke out across her forehead when she saw she was intimidated by the bullies. Yet she refused to give in. her fearful heart was pounding very fast as she racked her brain for an escape for her brother and herself. Just as the bullies reached for her collar, Jane screamed, “Police!”

The bullies’ attention was diverted for a moment. Jane grabbed her brother’s hand and ran to the nearest police post. They reported the case and heaved a sigh of relief. It was a nerve- wrecking experience that left her trembling in fear all over.

Part Two: Underline the phrases related to fear.

• Appalled at the deplorable conditions, she stood aghast totally flabbergasted.

• A foreboding premonition came to mind when the grandfather clock sounded ominously at the stroke of twelve midnight.

• Confronted with impending danger, the boy behaved cowardly as he hid behind his younger sister.

• Mother was petrified and her face froze momentously.

• Father was startled by our nasty prank and his smile faded the instant he saw us.

• Mother felt her throat go dry when she saw the grim expression on the doctor’s face.

• When confronted by his phobia for heights, brother’s lips would turn into a deathly grey and he would gasp and pant involuntarily.

• It was a nerve wrecking experience that left her trembling in fear all over.

• The darkness swamped out any spot of light, sending an icy chill down his spine.

• The frightened boy bit his fingers fretfully.

• The hysterical crowd screamed and went amok during the escape from the fire.

• She freaked out and screamed hysterically when red gigantic ants crawled all over her schoolbag.
Part Three: Underline the phrases related to fear

FEAR OF BEING CAUGHT
The darkness swamped out any spot of light sending an icy chill down his spine. His breath was caught in his throat as he tried to steady is breathing. It was his first time. He held the heavy metal lock in his hand shakily. He glanced around nervously, his lips turned into a deathly grey as he gasped and panted involuntarily. His palms were drenched with sweat as he fumbled nervously as he picked the lock. The scraping sound was sending anxiety down his back. His face was stretched thin with fear. Suddenly the door slammed shut behind him making him jump out of his skin.



Part Four: Fill in the blanks with a suitable answer.

manically     breath      freaked       nerve-wrecking     terrified      trembling


phobia    deathly      pasty         nauseous

It was a 1. __________ experience that left her 2. ___________ in fear. When the lights finally came back on, her 3. ___________ was caught in her windpipe as she tried to steady her breathing. She thought she was already dead in the lift. Jane was 4. __________ of the dark.

It happened very suddenly. One moment Jane was alone in the lift humming a cheery tune; the next moment the lift just stopped moving and all the lights went out. Jane 5. __________ out and screamed 6. ___________. In the face of her fear of darkness, the timid girl felt 7. ___________ and gagged frenziedly. Her lips turned into a 8. ____________ grey and she started to gasp and pant involuntarily when she came face to face with her 9. _____________. In her terror, she rained her fists against the metal door and begged for help.

Jane was quivering all over when the rescue workers got to her. She looked 10. ___________ and her eyes were devoid of life. Fear was written all over her face. Her mother pulled her into a tight hug and reassured her that everything was fine.



Part Five: Fill in the appropriate sense( Sight, Sound, Touch, Smell or Taste) that best describes each underlined phrase.

The weird sounds from the backyard were inducing fear (1. _______) in the two boys. “There could be a burglar!” the elder of the two boys gushed. The younger sibling was so frightened that he bit his fingers fretfully (2. _________). Their suspicion sent an icy chill down their spines. (3. _________). Taking matters into their own hands, the elder one ventured into the backyard to investigate. His fearful heart was beating deafeningly against his ribcage (4. __________) as he went closer and closer to the source of the weird sounds.



ANSWERS


Part Four


1. nerve-wrecking 2. trembling 3. breath 4. terrified 5. freaked


6. manically 7. nauseous 8. deathly 9. phobia 10. pasty


Part Five


1. sound 2. taste 3. touch 4. sound 5. sight 6. touch 7. touch


8. touch 9. sight 10. taste