Not getting full marks in your English Composition Writing? Are you sure you know all the best techniques? A strong structure comes from mastering the right approaches—but what about your language skills?
While there are many ways to fight for those language marks, you can never go wrong with a strong vocabulary. The right words can bring any story to life, making a rich vocabulary one of the key elements of a high-scoring PSLE English composition writing. One common mistake students make is overusing simple and repetitive words like “good,” “bad,” “nice,” or “said.” While these words are not incorrect, they don’t add much depth to a story. For example, compare these two sentences:
❌ She was very happy when she won the competition.
✅ She was ecstatic when she won the competition, her heart racing with excitement.
The second sentence is far more engaging because it replaces “happy” with “ecstatic” and adds sensory details to enhance the reader’s experience. Examiners look for composition writings that are expressive, well-structured, and demonstrate a strong command of language, so dull language might be exactly what’s holding you back.
As our first gift to you, here’s a list of impactful synonyms to get you started!
A. Stronger Verbs for Actions
Said → Stated, Declared, Exclaimed, Whispered
Walked → Strolled, Marched, Tiptoed, Wandered
Looked → Glanced, Observed, Examined, Peered
Ran → Sprinted, Dashed, Bolted, Hurried
B. Descriptive Adjectives for Emotions
Happy → Cheerful, Jubilant, Ecstatic, Overjoyed
Sad → Miserable, Heartbroken, Gloomy, Crestfallen
Angry → Furious, Fuming, Resentful, Enraged
Scared → Anxious, Terrified, Uneasy, Apprehensive
C. Transition Words
Because → As, As a result, Since, Due to, Considering
But (contrast words) → However, Yet, That said, In spite of that
So → Therefore, Hence, As such, Thus
Then → Subsequently, Following, Later, Next
Finding the list helpful so far? Read on for the rest of the list!
How to Use Synonyms Effectively?
Now that you have a list of powerful synonyms, you might be wondering: How do I use them correctly without making my writing sound unnatural or forced? Here are some key tips to help you apply these words effectively in your PSLE composition writing.
A. Choose the Right Synonym for the Context
Not all synonyms can be used interchangeably. Some words have subtle differences in meaning or tone. Always pick the word that best fits the situation.
✅ Example:
- “The students whispered nervously as the teacher walked in.” (Correct, because whispering is a quiet way of speaking.)
- “The students declared nervously as the teacher walked in.” (Incorrect, because “declared” suggests speaking loudly and confidently, which doesn’t match “nervously.”)
B. Avoid Overcomplicating Your Sentences
Using advanced vocabulary is great, but overloading your sentences with difficult words can make them confusing. Your writing should still be clear and natural.
❌ “She was absolutely ebullient with euphoria upon hearing the propitious news of her academic triumph.” (Too complex and unnatural)
✅ “She was overjoyed when she heard the wonderful news of her academic success.” (Clear and expressive)
C. Practice by Rewriting Sentences
A great way to build your vocabulary is by practicing. Try taking simple sentences and replacing weak words with stronger synonyms. Stick around until the end to test your skills with our practice exercises!
Small Changes, Big Impact
Improving your EnglishPSLE composition writing doesn’t require memorizing difficult words—it’s about making small but effective changes to how you write. By replacing simple words with more expressive synonyms, your composition writing instantly becomes more engaging and sophisticated. Remember that great writing is also about practice – practice with intent. It is also extremely helpful to have someone check your work to ensure that you’re on the right track!
Other Ways to Improve Your English Composition Writing
While vocabulary plays a crucial role in writing, there are other important elements that can take your English composition writing to the next level:
- Powerful Sensory descriptions
Sensory descriptions allow readers to connect emotionally with your composition writing when used effectively. This is a powerful tool for students who struggle to pinpoint where to add meaningful details in their writing. Learn more: “How to use the Five Senses in your writing”
- Writing a Good Conclusion
A well-crafted conclusion not only ties together your arguments but also leaves a lasting impression on the examiner. Learn more: “5 Tips on Writing a Good Conclusion in Secondary English Essays” / “7 Tips on Writing a Good Conclusion in PSLE English Composition”
Bonus ⭐(Another gift to you)
Test yourself with these practice questions
Rewrite the following sentences using synonyms to make them more expressive. Answers can be found at the bottom.
1. The boy was very happy when he won the competition. He ran quickly to his parents. The prize was big and shiny.
2. The girl was very sad when she lost her favorite toy.
3. The dog was small and cute, and it walked slowly across the garden.
4. The old man was very tired after his long walk.
5. The thief ran away after stealing the money.
Answers:
1. The boy was overjoyed when he won the competition. He dashed to his parents, his heart racing with excitement. The gigantic trophy gleamed under the bright lights.”
2. The girl was heartbroken when she lost her beloved toy.
3. The tiny and adorable dog strolled across the garden.
4. The elderly man was exhausted after his grueling walk.
5. The thief fled after snatching the money.
For those who stayed to the end, here’s another list of synonyms just for you!
1.Thoughts / Ideas
Think (verb)→ Consider, Review, Reflect, Contemplate
Idea (noun) → Thought, Inkling, Plan, Insight
Decision (noun) → Choice, Judgement, Determination, Conclusion
Remember (verb) → Recollect, Recall, Recount, Brought to mind
B. Size / Amount
Big → Large, Massive, Huge, Enormous
Small → Tiny, Little, Petite, Puny
Few→ Some, A handful, Limited
Many → Numerous, Countless, Various, Innumerable
C. Transition Words
Because → As, As a result, Since, Due to, Considering
But (contrast words) → However, Yet, That said, In spite of that
So → Therefore, Hence, As such, Thus
Then → Subsequently, Following, Later, Next
D. Adverbs (Manner)
Quickly → Swiftly, Promptly, Hastily, Speedily
Easily→ Effortlessly, Simply, Comfortably, Without difficulty
Carefully → Cautiously, Thoughtfully, Mindfully, Meticulously
Bravely → Courageously, Boldly, Without flinching, Fearlessly
E. Adverb (Sound)
Loudly → Resounding, Explosively, Deafeningly, Thunderously
Quietly → Silently, Soundlessly, Softly, Hushedly
Continuing English learning by yourself can be demoralizing especially when there doesn’t seem to be an improvement. It’s important to have someone who understands the intricacies of the mark schemes to support you in your journey. Mastering the English language is not something that happens overnight – it takes consistent practice and effort to learn the nuances of the language. Students must read more and practice writing to gradually improve. However, having a good tutor who has the resources to guide, can definitely make the process easier.
WRITERS AT WORK is one of the top English tuition centers in Singapore where 90% of our PSLE cohort have since achieved AL1-4, and 90% of our secondary school cohort 3 grades of improvement. As an established English tuition center since 2012, parents and students can rest assured that we have all the resources needed for the success you desire. English is a communicative skill that not only impacts exam results but also the way we present ourselves at every stage of life. At WRITERS AT WORK, we understand the positive implications good English can bring to a child for life and aspire to empower students with writing skills and confidence to excel in school and beyond. Explore our website or contact us at 8600 5534 / WRITERS AT WORK for more information on our classes.
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Commonly asked questions (FAQ)
1. What is Creative Writing in Primary School?
In primary school, creative writing starts from using pictures to develop a coherent storyline. Students will learn how to use key phrases to build tension and develop a satisfying conclusion. The plots of the stories crafted at the primary school level are usually simple and have a central conflict which is usually resolved at the end of the story. Students will need to use good grammar and appropriate vocabulary to describe the things they see in the pictures when writing.
2. What is An Enrichment Class in English?
An enrichment class allows your child to not only learn the basics of the mechanics of English such as good grammar and sentence structure, but it also teaches your child to appreciate the nuances of the English language. Students in an English enrichment class will learn skills like inference and critical reading – these skills are highly important even when students graduate out of school and go into higher education or the working world, as it will teach them to process and filter information to determine what is being said and evaluate the veracity of the information.
3. What Does a Writing Specialist Teach?
A writing specialist teaches your child how to formulate sentences in a logical manner. Writing has various contexts, and if the assignment is a narrative essay, there are certain requirements such as a well thought-out plot, fleshed-out characters, and a good denouement. There are other types of essays a student will learn in his lifetime, such as an argumentative essay, expository essay, and descriptive writing, which all require different skill sets learned during class.
4. How Does My Child Benefit From Writing Classes?
Writing classes build systematic thinking and logic in children. Crafting a story plot is the same as thinking, step by step, what events chronologically happen in the context of a given scenario. Students will be able to express their ideas and thought processes in a coherent and concise manner, which will help them in their other subjects as they will be able to formulate sentences to better understand the material. English proficiency is a highly transferable skill.
