PSLE 2021 English Composition topic – A Promise
In our previous post, we talked about the basic elements of a turning point story. Today, we are using a model composition based on the PSLE 2021 English composition topic to illustrate the 4 main elements of a turning point story.
Point (1) – Begin with the bad
As explained in the previous post, a turning point story begins with the negative attitude of the main character. This negative attitude then serves as the main problem of the story.
As illustrated, the story begins with the main character’s poor attitude towards his studies as well as how he chooses to neglect his studies for his gaming.
It is important to write his negative attitude in relative detail using his interaction with others (example: with his teacher in Paragraph 2) .
However, students should take care not to overdescribe the negative attitude as the emphasis should be in the next part of the story.
Point (2) – Write the Turning Point
The story then moves onto the turning point which is an important scene in the middle of the story which changes the direction of the story.
In this case, the pivotal scene (turning point) is that of the main character visiting his mother in the hospital. Despite being ill, she still cared for the main character.
This serves as an effective turning point for the story as it provides a convincing reason for the main character to change for the better.
As illustrated in the model composition, the turning point is fully described in 1 – 2 paragraphs.
In this way, the proper emphasis is given to one of the most important parts of the story.
Point (3) – Complete the story with the good
Next, we move onto an equally important part of the story – the positive change.
This is also the part that most students often neglect to expand on.
The usual misconception is that a few lines of the main character’s positive change is sufficient. This is not enough to clearly show to the reader how and what the main character did
To clearly show to the reader how the main character changed for the better, it is necessary to write:
- Which parts of his life did the main character seek to change?
- How did the main character do so?
As shown in the model composition, he :
- changed his attitude towards his mother by caring for her
- changed his attitude towards his studies by learning diligently
Point (4A) and (4B)- Emphasize the title
As one of the top PSLE exam tips, students should always remember to insert the title at the appropriate points in the story.
As illustrated in the model composition, the title is inserted in two important parts of the story :
- the main event (also known as the climax)
- the conclusion
Join our Y2022 Primary 6 writing class on Tuesdays, 5.30 to 7.30pm as we provide detailed instruction on the advanced writing skills to excel in the composition exam. Call us today to find out more about our writing programme.
