Wednesday, October 17, 2012

More tips for Paper 1

Dear all,

I am back with more tips for your paper 1. It is very important that you watch your language and keep it simple, formal and in complete sentences for your paper 1. After the PSLE marking, I observed that language is an important component that will pull the scores down. If your language is poor, it will affect how the marker understand your writing and that affects content too. So even if you have wonderful ideas but you are writing them poorly in terms of your language, your overall marks will not be good.

All your targets are to pass paper 1, both situational and composition writing. Remember to leave a line for your composition and indicate two finger spacing for each paragraph! There should be at least 4 paragraphs - one for introduction, two for the events and one for conclusion.

[Report Writing]

Model Answer Sample

Date: Friday, 10 November, 2012

Dear Mr Lee,

Report On Accident Involving Jamie

     I was at the school field on 10 November at 10.30am when an accident involving Jamie happened. It was the end of the first recess and pupils were making their way to the school hall. As Jamie was about to step off the field, a Primary Six boy suddenly dashed out of nowhere and crashed into him. Upon the impact, Jamie fell backwards and hit his head on the drain.

     There was a huge wound on his head and he was bleeding badly. Many pupils gathered around him. I immediately ran to the general office to Mr Wong. We rushed towards Jamie and Mr Wong treated his wounds. He then called the ambulance and accompanied him to the nearest hospital. At 11.30am, I went to your office to make a report.

Reported by: James Chua
Prefect of Class 4C

[Composition]


  • Leave a line in between sentences.
  • Leave two finger spacing to mark a new paragraph.
  • 4 Paragraphs at least!
  • Complete sentences and formal language.
  • Open and close inverted commas for a conversation.
  • A fullstop to mark the end of a sentence
Introduction

Introduce the time, place, weather and characters.

Events (2nd and 3rd paragraph)

Talk about the main plot. What happened? The reasons for it happening. Any complications of twist in the story? DESCRIBE THE FEELINGS OF THE CHARACTERS, DESCRIBE THE CHARACTERS AND WHY THEY FEEL THAT WAY? (These are what you guys are weak in).

Conclusion

Have an ending to the story. Do not leave the marker guessing what happened in the end. Any lesson(s) to be learnt? 

Let us all be realistic. I know for most of you, writing is a big issue. Stick to simple language and sentences. Do not try to be fanciful because simple and correct language will help you pass and get the marks. 

Simple sentences and phrases that are good:
  • The blazing sun shone brightly in the sky.
  • I was perspiring profusely.
  • Thunder roared and lightning flashed across the sky.
  • I was soaking wet. 
  • The man was muscular, tall and mysterious-looking.
  • Disappointment filled me. 
  • I walked swiftly to the place.
  • All was well in the end.
  • They nailed the robber to the ground.
  • The unusual sound grew louder and louder.
  • It was a mystery as to what had happened.
  • 1) She laughed heartily.
  • 2) He burst into fits of laughter.
  • 3) He was all smiles when he saw his results.
  • 4) They were saturated with happiness.
  • 5) The winner jumped for joy.
More complex sentences and phrases that you can use if you are confident:

  • The boys ran helter-skelter for shelter.
  • This event would forever be etched in my memory. (good phrase for last sentence and conclusion)
  • Ominous dark clouds filled the overcast skies. 
  • My heart palpitated wildly as I anticipated what would happen next. 
  • The tyres of the car screeched as it came to a sudden halt.
Happy Revision! I will see you guys on Friday. Good luck for your exam paper 1! Listen carefully to the listening comprehension text.

Thank You,
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong



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