past year psle composition topics

Past Year PSLE Composition Topics 2015–2024 + 3 Tips To Do Well!

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 past year PSLE composition topics to practise or looking for fresh ideas to boost your revision, look no further!

Below is a compiled list of past year PSLE composition topics from 2015 to 2024. This comprehensive list highlights the different topics tested over the years, along with brief descriptions of the accompanying pictures. By practising with these topics, you can better understand the types of scenarios and ideas you may encounter in the examination.

Year Past Year PSLE Composition Topics Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3
2015 Being Considerate Tray Return Area A person watching a television programme at its maximum volume A ‘Reserved Seating’ sign usually found on public transport
2016 A Secret A girl whispering to another girl with her hands cupped An envelope with the word ‘secret’ labelled on it A wire-barbed gate locked with a chain
2017 A Special Gift A person holding a gift box A cup with the words ‘Best Friends’ printed on it A polo shirt with ‘1’ printed on the back
2018 Teamwork Three students using a computer together A family of three wearing chef hats and holding cooking utensils A trophy
2019 A Celebration A stage with students dancing and an audience watching them A photograph of a family – the parents are holding a newborn baby and there is a child sitting beside them A card with a picture of balloons and ‘You Are Invited’ written on it
2020 Something that was Lost A mobile phone on a bench A boy walking towards an Information Counter A poster of a missing cat
2021 A Promise A girl writing in a notebook, with her pencil case and eraser beside her on the table A watch A hamburger
2022 A Long Wait A girl waiting at a table looking annoyed A calendar with a date circled and the words ‘Hurray! Finally!’ written below the date A long queue, with many customers in the queue who appear to be looking angry or checking their watches
2023 A Change for the Better A man holding a water bottle while running/jogging in the park A messy bedroom with an unmade bed and books and toys strewn all over A laptop
2024 Trying Something New CCA Open House Banner A sandwich and a slice of bread with a butter knife An adult and two children having a picnic at the beach; a tent is pitched at the side

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Key Points for Tackling 2024’s Compo Topic: Trying Something New

The latest entry to the list of past year PSLE composition topics is this year’s topic, “trying something new”.

To effectively tackle the topic of “trying something new,” start by establishing that the character has no prior experience with the event or activity. It is important to show that the character is aware of the new challenge they are about to face. To ensure the story flows logically, include a reason for why the character decided to try this new experience. Was it a choice made willingly, or was it driven by reluctance or external circumstances?

When describing the new experience, emphasise the challenges encountered along the way. A strong composition will also capture the character’s emotions during the process, such as fear, uncertainty, or excitement. To add depth and meaning, consider including inner thoughts or dialogue that reveal the character’s doubts and apprehensions about the situation.

Make sure to vividly describe the actions and details of the experience from beginning to end. This helps the markers visualise the sequence of events and fully understand how the new experience unfolds.

Conclude the story by addressing the outcome of the experience—was it a success or a failure? End the composition with a thoughtful reflection. Highlight what the character learned or discovered about themselves through the experience. Even if the result was not entirely positive, connect it back to the topic by showing how the character grew or benefited from stepping out of their comfort zone. Ending on a note of personal growth will leave a lasting impression.

Key Points for Tackling 2023’s Compo Topic: A Change for the Better

To successfully address this topic, it is essential that you mention how the character was before and after the change. It will help the story to flow logically and seamlessly to mention what caused the change to happen.

After which, a well-written piece will also detail what the change was and how it happened. Remember, the more actions and details you show, the clearer it is for the markers to visualise how the change is carried out.

Finally, do not forget the keywords in the topic – “for the better”. You will need to show the positive outcomes of the change, whether it is from the character’s point of view or from the observations of others. This will help to demonstrate how you have a clear focus and are mindful of the topic!


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 in this section? Let me share three simple tips with you:

Tip 1: Plan before you write

No matter how familiar you are with the past year PSLE composition topics, 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. Moreover, 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!


Composition Review

Group 48
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!

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