2015-2022 Compiled Topics for PSLE Continuous Writing + 3 Tips to Do Well!

Posted By Randall Chew

09/05/2023

Hello everyone! I am Ms Joei, a teacher at Lil’ but Mighty. With the PSLE fast approaching, today’s post will focus on the EL Paper 1 Continuous Writing section. Whether you are running out of composition topics to practise or looking for topics to boost your revision, look no further! Below is a compiled list of PSLE Continuous Writing Topics from 2015 to 2022. In this compiled list, you will find the different topics – and a brief description for each of the accompanying pictures – tested each year starting from 2015, which is the year the new format for composition came out.

Bonus: 3 Tips to Do Well For Writing

By now, you should be familiar with the continuous writing format: you are required to produce a composition of at least 150 words and it should be based on one (or more) of the three pictures provided.

Other than being familiar with the format, what else should you take note of in order to do well for this section? Let me share three simple tips with you:

Tip 1: Plan before you write

Before rushing to start your composition, remember to put aside at least 5 minutes to plan out your composition using H.E.T.S. To learn more about H.E.T.S., check out this post and familiarise yourself with our technique for breaking down the composition topic.

Although it might seem troublesome to plan at the beginning, it is always better to organise your ideas before executing them. You will find that planning will help your writing to flow beautifully! Otherwise, you may get stuck while you are writing and spend precious time thinking about how to continue your story instead. This may make you panic, or worse, force you to churn out an ending that is flawed and illogical. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Failing to plan, is planning to fail.” However, as time is precious, avoid taking more than 10 minutes to plan!

Tip 2: Include TRPs and PRPs

While in the planning stage, you should also jot down a few topic-related phrases (TRPs) to ensure that you stay on the topic. Remember that these phrases should be used throughout the composition so that it helps your story remain closely linked to the topic. Morever, study the picture that you are going to use carefully and write down picture-related phrases (PRPs) to ensure that the picture is used meaningfully in your composition. For more advice on how you can develop your TRPs and PRPs, check out this video!

Tip 3: Start with a Bang!

Once you are ready to begin writing, consider which story opening would be the most suitable one for your composition. Remember that the opening should be something that hooks your readers and makes them want to continue reading. Are you aware that there are many interesting ways to start your composition? For instance, you can start by describing the setting or using an unusual sound. Want to know more? Check out this post for great ideas on how to begin your story effectively.

For more tips on how to tackle Paper 1, do check out the other brilliant posts written by our teachers on the website. In the meantime, all the best with your revision!

THIS COURSE WILL BE HELPFUL IF YOUR CHILD:

have characters who appeared abruptly
have characters with abrupt or illogical details without proper build-up e.g. “Now I cannot fulfil my dream of going to Australia!” Tom cried as he watched the prize being presented to Xavier. (There was no mention of Tom’s dream in the story until the end!)
contain irrelevant details and descriptions about the characters (usually being cancelled during marking)
contain characters that lack depth
are confined to the same plot as they always involve the same character

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Ms Joei

Ms Joei had volunteered her time to teach basic English and Grammar to orphaned children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia when she was in Junior College. This life-changing and self-fulfilling experience made her discover her interest in teaching.

As a teacher, she believes that all children have the potential to do well, and different children would require different approaches to unlock their true potential. Ms Joei hopes to discover the suitable approaches for her students so that she can bring out the best in them!