English
Primary 6 vs Secondary 1
Composition
Differences between
Primary School and
Secondary School English
For the PSLE, an A* requires a score of 91/100. For secondary
school and the GCE O-level, an A1 requires a score of 75/100. The
absolute score required for the highest grade may be lower, but the
expectations are far greater.
In the PSLE English papers, there are many sections which offer
students a chance to score well in, such as the grammar Multiple
Choice Questions (MCQ) and short cloze passages. However, in
secondary school, these components are no longer tested.
There is only one short editing exercise and Writing and
Comprehension plays a larger role. Hence, the requirements to do
well within each section have become more challenging, especially
when it comes to writing compositions. In Secondary 1, students are
introduced to 3 additional composition types.
Composition Types
Primary 6
Secondary 1
1. Narrative
1. Narrative
2. Personal Recount
3. Descriptive
4. Discursive
Dissecting the Various
Composition Types
How
What
Narrative
Personal
Recount
Descriptive
Discursive
A fictional but
realistic story driven
by a clear plot with
an interesting ending
A personal recount
of an incident,
involving conflict,
success, emotion,
etc, that includes
clear elements
of reflection and
distinct time shifts
A detailed
description of a
place, person,
experience, etc
A piece of formal
writing which
discusses a
particular issue,
situation or problem,
substantiated by
strong opinions and
examples
Select appropriate
vocabulary to convey
different depths of
feelings or emotions.
Include a thoughtful
and layered
reflective element
throughout the essay
Sustain description
using literary
techniques such
as metaphors and
similes that create an
impact on the reader
Extrapolate
information from
real world examples
to craft a topic
sentence, followed
by a routine to
craft a relevant
and substantial
elaboration.
Primary 6
Composition Sample
Type: Narrative
20 marks for content
20 marks for language
Total: 40 marks
Write a composition of at least 150 words about being determined.
The pictures are provided to help you think about this topic.
Your composition should be based on one or more of these pictures.
Consider the following points when you plan your composition:
• Who was being determined?
• What was the person(s) determined about?
You may use the points in any order and include other relevant points as well.
Secondary School
Composition Samples
30 marks combined
for both content
and language
You are advised to write 350 words on one of the following topics:
1. Write a story that contains the phrase ‘Success had come at a cost!’.
Type: Narrative
2. Write about a time when you were determined in the face of rejection.
Type: Personal Recount
3. Describe the qualities of a determined person.
Type: Descriptive
4. What are the qualities of a successful sportsman?
Type: Discursive
In recent years, there is a higher prevalence of “hybrid” questions appearing
in the O-Level English Paper 1 which incorporate various elements from the
different types of essay.
For instance, the following question from the 2019 O-Level is is a combination
of a personal recount, descriptive and discursive.
Type: Personal Recount
Type: Descriptive
Which person has had the most positive impact on your life? Describe this
individual’s personality and in what ways he or she has influenced you.
Type: Discursive
Composition Requirements
Primary 6
Secondary 1
FOCUS ON WRITING SKILLS
FOCUS ON CONTENT
CREATION AND DEPTH OF
WRITING SKILLS
Write a composition with 3
visuals and prompting questions
as guidance to the students for
content for their writing. Theme is
clearly outlined and comes along
with pictures for assistance in
coming up with a plot.
Write a composition where
the question provides little
guidance (no visuals or
prompting questions).
Students need only follow the
narrative structure when writing
the composition which simply
comprises the introduction,
rising action, climax, falling
action and conclusion.
150 words
Students have to choose from
a variety of question types
beyond the narrative, such as
Personal Recount, Descriptive
and Discursive essays.
350 words
Primary 6 Composition
Story Curve
Introduction
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Conclusion
The
protagonist
was given an
opportunity
to take part
in a baking
competition.
The
protagonist
worked hard
to perfect
her recipes.
The
protagonist
suffered
great anxiety
but was
determined
to do her
best in the
competition.
The
protagonist
made
delicious
eclairs and
won a shiny
golden
trophy!
The
protagonist
realised
that her
achievements
were only
possible
through sheer
determination.
Secondary 1 Composition
Story Curve
Backstory
Conflict
True Climax
Conclusion and Reflection
John and the
protagonist are
best friends
but are also
competing to
be the most
promising
young swimmer
in school
John and the
protagonist
start to train
together and
at first, he
outpaces the
protagonist
The protagonist
enjoys a surprise
victory but his
friendship with
John is forever
altered
The protagonist
realises that some
friendships cannot
overcome envy
They announce
their intentions
to compete in
the upcoming
Nationals
The protagonist
trains hard
and with
determination
to surpass his
limitations
Composition Writing
Expectations
Based on the samples provided above
Primary 6
Secondary 1
A composition about being
determined.
Write a story that contains
the phrase “Success had
come at a cost”.
Expected Conclusion
Expected Conclusion
After trying everyone’s desserts, the
panel of judges discussed the results and
it was time for the prize presentation. My
mind went blank and my palms turned
clammy. Will my hard work pay off?
What if my eclairs are not to the judges’
expectations?
Even as I ascended the winner’s podium, my eyes
frantically searched the sea of students for John. I
saw him hunched against a pillar, his wet towel still
draped across his shoulders as he glowered at the
prize presentation. His eyes glittered with resentment.
I knew then and there that success had come at a cost
– John would never forgive me my victory.
Suddenly, I heard my name being
called and I realised that I had won.
Euphoric, I ran up on stage to accept
the gold trophy as tears of joy streamed
down my face. As it turned out, there was
even a surprise reward – an internship
with an established local bakery! It was
more than anything I had hoped for. I
learnt that while it is important to reach
for the sky, one can only achieve one’s
goals if one is willing to persevere in the
face of difficulties.
Vaguely, I felt a medal being placed on my neck.
Someone was grasping my hand warmly but my eyes
never left John. The crowd erupted into a celebratory
cheer. As they began chanting my name, John pushed
himself off the pillar and stalked away.
That week, we did not study math or walk home
from school together. John started missing swim
practice and eventually quit the team altogether.
When we crossed paths in the corridors, he grudgingly
acknowledged me with a silent nod and brushed past.
As the year unspooled, I saw less and less of him and
by the time our final examinations ended, we had gone
our separate ways for good.
I still have that old medal, although it has rusted
in places. I keep it as a memory of my sweetest, and
most bitter, win. From time to time, I glance over it and
it reminds me of the precious friend that I lost to envy.
Secondary 1
Write a story that contains
the phrase “Success had
come at a cost”.
Expected Conclusion
Students will have to bring
characters to life by vividly
describing them. The
interconnection of words
like “hunched” (posture) and
“glowered” (facial expression)
or phrases like “glittered with
resentment” show John’s anger.
Students will have to show
the relationship between the
characters developed throughout
the essay. Hence, reflecting an
understanding of the complexity
of story-telling.
Reflections tend to be nuanced
and aimed at showing students
how to craft thoughtful
conclusions.
Even as I ascended the winner’s podium, my eyes
frantically searched the sea of students for John. I
saw him hunched against a pillar, his wet towel still
draped across his shoulders as he glowered at the
prize presentation. His eyes glittered with resentment.
I knew then and there that success had come at a cost
– John would never forgive me my victory.
Vaguely, I felt a medal being placed on my neck.
Someone was grasping my hand warmly but my eyes
never left John. The crowd erupted into a celebratory
cheer. As they began chanting my name, John pushed
himself off the pillar and stalked away.
That week, we did not study math or walk home
from school together. John started missing swim
practice and eventually quit the team altogether.
When we crossed paths in the corridors, he grudgingly
acknowledged me with a silent nod and brushed past.
As the year unspooled, I saw less and less of him and
by the time our final examinations ended, we had gone
our separate ways for good.
I still have that old medal, although it has rusted
in places. I keep it as a memory of my sweetest, and
most bitter, win. From time to time, I glance over it and
it reminds me of the precious friend that I lost to envy.
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