What to write for 2019 PSLE Composition topic

Now that the PSLE composition exam is over, we will be examining the 2019 PSLE composition exam topic for the possible story lines and content ideas.

Let’s look at the title and three pictures for the :

2019 PSLE composition topic

Step 1 – Examining the title

a) Type of title

The very first step is to determine if the title is a direct or indirect one.

In this case, the topic has an indirect title as the moral value cannot be immediately known just be reading the title.

Another important point to note is that the story should revolve around the day of the celebration hence the safest point to start the story is on the day of the celebration itself.

Also, it will be wise to focus on the celebration which is an event with a positive undertone hence the problem should not be an overly serious one.

Step 2 – Picture evaluation

Picture 1

It is most common for most pupils to immediately associate such a picture with a birthday party. It would not be out of point but it will be of considerable challenge to link this to a moral value.

For this picture, it most certainly points to a party but pupils should strive to create a more meaningful celebration.

Think of the audience for the story – Who is reading the story? How can the story line be more relevant to the audience?

Suggested Story Structure

Problem – Our basketball coach who helped us to win the National basketball tournament was leaving the school.

Main event – We organised a celebration party to thank him.

Solution He thanked us for doing so.

Summary

A celebration planned for others will be more meaningful than the conventional birthday party for oneself.

In this case, the value of gratitude can be incorporated in the story.

Picture 2

For this picture, it is most common that pupils describe a school celebration with a problem that happened during the celebration.

Again, it is not wrong but such a story lacks meaning. Instead of rushing into writing, pupils should strive to think of a moral value which the story can be based on.

Suggested Story Structure

Problem – There was a blackout during our performance for the New Year’s day celebration at an old folks’ home.

Main event – We rallied together to continue the performance by using torchlights to shine at the stage. The power was restored midway through our performance.

Solution – The performance was a success.

Summary

As the picture clearly shows some children performing on stage, the more obvious moral value to link the story to should be teamwork which requires everyone to work together.

Pupils also generally have a habit of focusing on simple celebrations. Give greater meaning to the story by writing a story on a celebration for others.

Picture 3

Since the picture depicts a family portrait, the suitable moral values should be those that aid family harmony such as respect, patience and personal responsibility.

Pupils should refrain from creating a seemingly random problem such as an injury during the celebration.

To create a story of deeper meaning, the problem should be related to the communication and interaction between family members.

Suggested Story Structure

Problem – I was bickering with my siblings during my grandfather’s birthday celebration.

Additional complication – I snapped at my grandfather when he tried to make peace.

Main event – My grandmother chided me and emphasized the importance of family harmony.

Solution – I apologised to my grandfather and made up with my siblings. We had a feast and enjoyed ourselves.

Summary

Focusing on respect to our elders and harmony with siblings, pupils will find there is rich material to write a heartwarming story on family values.

Conclusion

Both Picture 2 and Picture 3 can create considerable content for a meaningful story.

Pupils should note that Picture 2 has more action as the characters prepare for the performance. It is common that pupils find such a story line easier to write.

As for Picture 3, it is likely more emotive which requires pupils to be comfortable with such writing and be able to fully convey the feelings to the reader.

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