2019 PSLE Discussions and Strategies (Children born in 2007)

[love1001]

Are our lil piggies expected to write like that boy when they are in P6? In my opinion, that is too high standard to achieve. I wonder is this the norm for P6 to produce this kind of standard. I would be very worried.


Other than TWC, do you have recommendation of good writing classes that also cover comprehension and oral?

After reading this boy’s writing, I am not really impressed with those model compositions on TWC webpage. Read them if you have time and you’ll know what I mean.

[kitty2]

love1001:

Are our lil piggies expected to write like that boy when they are in P6? In my opinion, that is too high standard to achieve. I wonder is this the norm for P6 to produce this kind of standard. I would be very worried.


Other than TWC, do you have recommendation of good writing classes that also cover comprehension and oral?

After reading this boy's writing, I am not really impressed with those model compositions on TWC webpage. Read them if you have time and you'll know what I mean.

This standard is to distinguish between A* or A as what my friend has shared.

[phtthp]

We are almost reaching the end of lower Primary 3.

3 years had flown by.

For some of us, SA2 had just started. For others, may be starting SA2 next week.

As PSLE is 3 years away from today ...

here are some sample 2016 PSLE (Mathematics & English) questions compiled by Mindstretcher, to let you have a feel of how PSLE is like, the type of questions SEAB asked ... Esp that interesting light bulb question

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1410099735670220&id=157193384294201

[lil_jade]

phtthp:

lil_jade:

Extracted from SEAB's website http://www.seab.gov.sg/content/syllabus/PSLE/2016_PSLE_Subject_info/0001_2016.pdf

\"Part 2 (Continuous Writing): Candidates will be required to write a composition of at least
150 words in continuous prose on a given topic. Three pictures will be provided on the
topic offering different angles of interpretation. Candidates may also come up with their
own interpretation of the topic. \"

Based on the above, we can surmise that there will be 1 theme / topic given (e.g. a dilemma, a lucky break etc). 3 pictures will be provided, each with a different possible take on the theme provided, thus implying there are 3 angles of approach candidate can adopt in interpreting the theme. To use all 3 will be unnecessary, and likely to be contrived. More importantly, it stifles the development of the story and hence, limiting the uniqueness of the composition as compared to other candidates. The expectation, though, is on adherence to the theme (with the picture as one plausible approach).

Interestingly though, almost all tuition / enrichment centers state that the composition should fulfill two criteria:
- centered on the theme +
- use of at least one picture

Yet, SEAB's description of the composition suggests that candidates need not use any of the 3 pictures and can \"come up with their own interpretation of the topic \" . :scratchhead:

At this juncture, because DD is still following the old format at P3, so I'm not sure how the school interprets SEAB's description. Probably those who children are in P6 this year (or last year) will be able to share what's the school's interpretation.

refering to the recent 2016 PSLE English composition held this week, 3 Pic were given -

- Pic 1 (show 2 girl students whispering),
- Pic 2 (show a secret letter),
- Pic 3 (show secret 'out of bounds' location)?

in this example, it is clear that the central Theme is about \"Secret\" (especially from Pic 2).
Then, it is up to P6 students to weave a plot / storyline out of the Theme : what hush-hush \"Secret\" is it all about ?

however, in other composition assessment books available at Popular book store branches :
the 3 Pic given may be un-related, not so simple to form a common Theme, to try link the 3 Pic up.

As far as I know, there is no need to link or use all three pictures. But, if the candidate wishes to incorporate all three, then it's ok too, no penalty. However, the main thing is that the story must revolve around the theme of 'secret'.

For instance, to approach the theme of 'secret' from the second picture, it can be anything that revolves around a secret letter.... Like a family secret which was found out only via the letter, maybe something like a family member who was actually adopted years ago, and no one knew until the secret was leaked out via a letter written during that adoptive period, letter was accidentally found.. (sounds like a Famous Five story... ) so basically nothing to do with the first picture or third picture, thereby freeing up the candidate to weave a storyline unique to himself (hopefully).

Overall, the story should emphasize on aspects of 'secret' -
the 5W1H of who was involved in the secret, why the secret was kept a secret, how the secret was leaked, the implications when the secret was leaked...

So, to be able to really be creative and imaginative once given a theme, and to differentiate from other candidates (aside from a good command of the language), the student really needs to have a novel storyline. This can be cultivated through continuous exposure to various types of story genres, various authors's styles of writing etc. Like Enid Blyton's Famous Five and Secret Seven which I've seen DD enjoying tremendously for the plot. Often, after reading the story, she will recount to me enthusiastically \"OMG! I had no idea it was so and so who did it.....!\" - story with a climax and a twist, lovely!

[lil_jade]

sembgal:

http://www.thealternativestory.com/documents/2016NovHolProg.pdf


How about going for this?

I don't know if tuition / enrichment centers would dare to confidently interpret SEAB's syllabus explanation, since primary schools themselves would be trying to determine if their understanding is correct.

[lil_jade]

phtthp:

this year (2016) : the PSLE Composition Topic on \"Secret\", is very interesting !

P6ers can use their wild imagination, to weave various type of creative plot, around \"Secret\", and write about it.

pondering ... :?
besides \"Secret\", what other similar Topic(s) : can involve mature-thinking, corporate world type of situation, happening ?

Wow... I think maybe topics like 'Guilt', 'Ambition'? Or maybe all those traits / attributes most of our primary school classes are named after... Charity, Responsibility, Perseverance, etc.

[sembgal]

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/are-supplementary-classes-after-school-really-necessary


My dd is more than happy to attend school remedial lessons even if she doesn't need to. Not necessary attending extra classes is bad for children if they show desire to learn more.

[MrsKiasu]

I like remedial too. at least dd can do some revision. this semester, I ticked for all remedial classes but dd was told not to attend during the first lesson of one subject. so she ended up doing some exercises with one of the kids then…maybe space constraint.

[zbear]

sembgal:

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/are-supplementary-classes-after-school-really-necessary


My dd is more than happy to attend school remedial lessons even if she doesn't need to. Not necessary attending extra classes is bad for children if they show desire to learn more.

I don't see what is the issue with having supplementary or remedial classes that the journalist brought up.

Many parents much prefer their kids to spend more time in school learning extra than staying at home unsupervised (for many) watching tv, playing computer games n nua away.

[suku]

Ironically some parents were complaining in the PSLE thread that there were not sufficient practices to deal with the maths paper, particularly a maths question on lamp posts and intervals. This was subsequently debunked as similar questions were found in past prelim/psle papers. These practices would likely be done in the supplementary classes and can be beneficial especially to those weaker or without tuition.


I suppose different folks different strokes, but the classes should be allow to continue, if the parents are not keen, perhaps they should just keep their child away. To be fair, such "free" supplementary classes require much extra burden to the school and the dedication of the conducting teachers.