For many parents in Singapore, the PSLE English composition marking scheme can seem like a mystery. How do teachers assign marks? What are the key areas assessed? More importantly, how can your child improve their composition scores?
In this article, we’ll break down the PSLE composition marking rubrics and explain how WRITERS AT WORK’s unique diagnostic marking system helps students learn from their mistakes, refine their writing skills, and achieve better results.
How is the PSLE Composition Marked?
The PSLE English Paper 1 consists of two sections: Situational Writing (14 marks) and Continuous Writing (36 marks). When assessing a composition, examiners use a holistic approach based on four key components:
1. Content (18 Marks)
This section evaluates the relevance and development of ideas. To score well, a student’s story must:
- Address the PSLE composition topic of choice and structure the story aroundt it.
- (no need to address all pictures. they have the choice to use 1, 2 or all)
- Be engaging and logical, with a clear introduction, conflict, and resolution.
- Have a strong and meaningful storyline, rather than just a string of unrelated events.
Common Mistakes in Content:
- Weak storylines that do not fully develop a theme.
- Limited engagement—the writing lacks emotions, suspense, or an interesting twist.
- Irrelevant details—some students get sidetracked with unnecessary descriptions.
- Touch & go—some students touch on the picture subject briefly without elaboration.
2. Language (18 Marks)
This section focuses on the use of grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary. A well-written composition should:
- Be free of major grammatical errors.
- Use a variety of sentence structures.
- Incorporate rich vocabulary and good phrases for composition.
Common Language Errors:
- Tense errors (e.g., switching between past and present tense).
- Wrong word choices due to weak vocabulary.
- Repetitive sentence structures that make writing monotonous.
- Run-on sentences where students often join multiple ideas without proper punctuation, making their writing difficult to read. (Example: “I ran to the bus stop it was raining heavily and I didn’t want to be late but the bus had already left.”)
WRITERS AT WORK’s Diagnostic Marking Approach
WRITERS AT WORK believes that effective composition marking goes beyond just grading—it’s about diagnosing errors, correcting them, and providing actionable feedback to help students improve. To achieve this standard of education, WRITERS AT WORK educators go through a comprehensive marking training for consistency and quality assurance. Our diagnostic marking system ensures that students not only recognize their mistakes but also understand how to enhance their writing skills with precise corrections and elaborations.
Example 1: Logical Errors in Composition Writing
Purpose:
To pinpoint sentences that contain logical flaws or phrases arranged illogically, which may confuse the reader or disrupt the flow of the story.
Method:
1. Diagnose the error using the appropriate marking symbol.
2. Correct logical flaws by:
- Canceling the entire erroneous addition.
- Canceling and editing the student’s phrase.
- Inserting narrative hooks and adding relevant details to refine the logical flow.
3. Rearrange illogical phrases by:
- Numbering the phrases or sentences.
- Highlighting and repositioning them to their correct placement.
- Canceling and rewriting the entire paragraph if necessary.
By systematically addressing logical errors, students learn how to construct coherent and engaging narratives.
Example 2: Application of Question-Specific Phrases (QSP) in Composition Writing
Purpose:
To ensure students effectively incorporate required question-specific phrases (QSP) in their compositions, whether explicitly or implied.
Method:
1. Identify areas needing QSP by reviewing the story’s development.
2. Detect errors in QSP placement and indicate necessary corrections.
3. Enhance the composition by:
- Highlighting 1-2 key areas in paragraphs where QSP can be added.
- Marking the areas of enhancement with symbols.
- Inserting narrative hooks and seamlessly integrating the QSP.
By refining QSP usage, students learn how to craft more impactful and relevant responses to composition questions.
Actionable Feedback for Continuous Improvement
At WRITERS AT WORK, our feedback is not just about pointing out errors—it’s about guiding students on how to improve. We provide:
- Clear error labeling so students understand their mistakes.
- Corrected examples and explanations to reinforce learning.
- Suggestions for improvement to encourage stronger writing techniques.
Scoring well in PSLE Composition Writing requires more than just writing practice—it demands structured learning, error identification, and personalized feedback. At WRITERS AT WORK, we take a diagnostic approach, ensuring that students learn why their answers are wrong and how to improve. Whether you are searching for an English tuition centre near me or the best tuition centre in Singapore, WRITERS AT WORK is here to support your child’s academic journey. Our expert tutors specialize in PSLE English oral topics, PSLE oral questions, situational writing format, and comprehension cloze strategies. We also offer English tuition for primary 5 and English tuition for primary 6, ensuring students are well-equipped to excel in PSLE English paper and beyond.
With expert guidance, structured lessons, and a proven marking system, WRITERS AT WORK equips students with the skills they need to excel in PSLE English Composition. Give your child the edge they need—start early, start now with WRITERS AT WORK!
Attain Stellar Results with WRITERS AT WORK!
English is a compulsory subject which all students must undertake. However, mastering the English language is not something which 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. Cramming for a language subject nearer to the exams is an impossible feat. After all, Rome was not built in a day! Attaining such a skill will have positive implications for not only your child’s education in school, but also employment prospects in future.
At WRITERS AT WORK, we are committed to providing the smoothest learning experience for your child sitting for their English exams. With our carefully curated methods of teaching your child how to write well, your child will learn how to present their thoughts and arguments in a coherent and concise manner. WRITERS AT WORK reinforces your child’s language skills and provides a strong foundation for their academic success, keeping up with all aspects of their progress both inside and outside of the classroom to nurture them holistically. For more information about how WRITERS AT WORK makes a difference, feel free to explore our website, watch our YouTube videos and catch us LIVE on TikTok!
If you are interested in our primary English tuition and secondary English tuition in Singapore, WRITERS AT WORK has expanded to 9 convenient locations. To find the nearest location that suits your needs, please explore our options. If you have any inquiries regarding our range of programs or class schedules, please feel free to contact WRITERS AT WORK!
Commonly Asked Questions
1. How Do I Find the Best English Tutor?
Start by seeking recommendations from family and friends. Next, research online and read the reviews of tuition centres to find suitable candidates. A good idea is to drop by the tuition centre and let your child participate in a trial lesson to find a good tutor.
2. What is the Purpose of An English Tutor?
An English tutor’s role is to help your child reach their full potential in mastering the English language. Since children have varying academic skills and capabilities, it is important that the tutor is able to identify the child’s strengths and weaknesses and provide them with tailored assistance.
3. What Skills Should an English Tutor Have?
A tutor should have a discerning eye for strengths and weaknesses of the student, patience to deal with different students, the requisite qualifications and experience, and they should be up to date on the relevant changes in the Singaporean English syllabus.
4. What are Some Important Skills in English?
Mastering English involves understanding basic rules like grammar and sentence structure, as well as developing more advanced skills such as inference and synthesis, which are needed for tackling more complex exercises as the student progresses.
