16 JULY 2025
COMPO & SITUATIONAL WRITING TIPS
PSLE PAPER 1
PSLE Composition Time Tips: Mastering the Clock & Writing Amazing Stories
The PSLE English Paper often leaves students wondering: “How do I write a great composition and still have time to check my work?”
With only 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete both Continuous Writing and Situational Writing, learning to manage time is as important as crafting vivid, engaging stories.
Here’s a step-by-step strategy your child can use—and some examples of how to make their compositions stand out.
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (70 min)
This is the golden timeframe. Spend it wisely:
- Continuous Writing (55 min)
- Situational Writing (15 min)
The secret? Break down Continuous Writing into planning, writing, and checking so there’s no mad rush at the end.
Step 1: Plan (5–10 min)
This step often gets skipped, but it’s crucial.
- Look at the pictures carefully and brainstorm ideas.
- Choose the topic you’re most confident about.
- Sketch a quick plot flow (Beginning → Problem → Solution → Ending)
Example:
If the title is “A Long Wait”, a student could plan:
- Beginning: Sarah queued for hours at a famous ice cream shop.
- Problem: Just as she reached the counter, the shop ran out of her favourite flavour.
- Solution: The owner noticed her disappointment and surprised her with a free waffle cone.
- Ending: Sarah realised patience really does pay off.
Step 2: Write (40–45 min)
This is where the action happens. Use vivid descriptions, strong emotions, and engaging dialogues to bring the story to life.
Example paragraph:
The line seemed endless. Sarah shuffled her feet, the aroma of freshly baked waffle cones making her stomach growl. ‘Next!’ called the cashier. Her heart leapt—finally! But when she ordered her favourite chocolate swirl, the staff sighed, ‘Sorry, we just ran out.’ Tears stung Sarah’s eyes. Just then, the shop owner appeared with a smile and said, ‘How about a free vanilla waffle with extra toppings?’”
Step 3: Check (5 min)
Before moving on, reread your story.
Look for:
- Grammar and spelling mistakes
- Missing punctuation
- Sentences that sound awkward or unclear
Even fixing a few errors can mean the difference between an AL1 and a an AL2.
Situational Writing (15 min)
Use the remaining time wisely and effectively:
Plan (3 min) – Quickly analyse the question and plan your key points.
Write (10 min) – Draft your response clearly, politely, and concisely.
Check (2 min) – Proofread for grammar, spelling, and tone.
Example: Write an email to your school principal about a lost wallet. Make it:
Clear – Explain what happened and when.
Polite – Use respectful language and tone.
Concise – Focus on the important details only.
Want more tips? Check out my blog on Situational Writing.
The Takeaway
Time management isn’t just about racing the clock—it’s about giving your best at every step. With this strategy, students can confidently write stories that are not just completed on time, but also engaging and polished.
1
Why This Strategy Works
✔︎ It breaks writing into smaller, manageable steps.
✔︎ It keeps students calm and focused under time pressure.
✔︎ It helps them avoid rushing and making careless mistakes.
2
Bonus: Top Writing Tips
✔︎ Start with a hook (dialogue or action).
✔︎ Show emotions with “Show, Not Tell” techniques.
✔︎ End with a meaningful reflection or a quote.