Q&A - P4 English

[cl82]

haha....thks Ridcully, you answered with great panache, as usual :lol:

[Niedino]

Champion:

Hello All,


Like to consult and seek advice on the followings, pertaining to coming SA1 P3 Compo :-

(1) Is it discouraged to use \"speech\" for P3 composition writing? Marks will be deducted?

(2) Cannot use phrases like \"smelled like dog poop\", \"like one thousand times\" - these are unacceptable phrases in Composition writing?

:thankyou:

Hi,

There's no penalty for using speech, but inappropiate punctuation and spelling will be penalised. Hence some teachers discourage the use of dialogue until the child is more proficient with the use of the correct punctuation. E.g. \"A stitch in time saves nine,\" said Henry. vs As the saying goes, 'A stitch in time saves nine.' (Open inverted commas should be double commas while quotations are single commas)

As for the phrases you've suggested, it is best to avoid them even though it could be a sign of creative expression from the child. Hope this helps!

[ridcully]

Champion:

(1) Is it discouraged to use \"speech\" for P3 composition writing? Marks will be deducted?


(2) Cannot use phrases like \"smelled like dog poop\", \"like one thousand times\" - these are unacceptable phrases in Composition writing?

On the contrary, dialogue between characters is encouraged as it can be an effective device for explaining to the reader how the plot is developing. Like all devices, it has to be used effectively.

At P3 level, many students make the mistake of including direct speech for its own sake, rather than as plot elaboration. Consequently, a student might write dialogue such as:

Jack said, \"Gee. How's things, Jill?\"
Jill replied, \"Okay. You?\"
Jack said, \"Yeah. Okay.\"
Jill said, \"Nice hill, isn't it?\"
Jack answered, \"All right.\"
Jill asked, \"Got any sweets?\"

Such dialogue would probably score zero for content.

More effective dialogue would be:

Jack said, \"I'm feeling rather thirsty. Fancy hiking up that hill for some water?\"
Jill replied, \"Let's not go there. I've heard that the water well overflows and causes the hill to be slippery.\"

Of course, mechanical skills of punctuation etc are of concern, but the substantive issue is whether direct speech is being used appropriately.

With regard to using phrases, the answer again has to be the substantive one of whether they are being used effectively. This is somewhat subjective but a general rule is that students should avoid being uncouth.

Rgds
R

[teh_oh]

Hi,

Need help on this.

Peter likes to eat apples. Joe does not likes to eat apples.

Peter likes to eat apples but Joe does not.
or
Peter likes to eat apples but not Joe.

Child was taught the first one. I just want to know what is wrong with the second one.

Thanks.

[ridcully]

teh_oh:

Peter likes to eat apples. Joe does not likes to eat apples.


Peter likes to eat apples but Joe does not.
or
Peter likes to eat apples but not Joe.

Child was taught the first one. I just want to know what is wrong with the second one.

The second one could be construed as Peter not liking to eat Joe. What's wrong with Joe anyway? Doesn't he taste nice in a pie?

In the second clause, Joe is a subject, not an object.

Only repeated information can be missed out in the second clause. The verb phrase 'likes to eat apples' is a repetition and can be omitted.

Rgds
R

[teh_oh]

Hi R,

My child and I had a good laugh after reading this (What's wrong with Joe anyway? Doesn't he taste nice in a pie?)
Thanks for the clarification.

[ridcully]

English tastes better with humour...


:celebrate:

[Mum1113]

Hi


Think such question is common, apologies if this has been asked before and yet, I'm asking it here again.

Qn : Mary does not like to eat candies. She likes chocolates better.
Ans : _____________ prefers ______________ .

Is this answer acceptable : Mary prefers to eat chocolates to candies.

MTIA

[starlight1968sg]

Mum1113:

Hi


Think such question is common, apologies if this has been asked before and yet, I'm asking it here again.

Qn : Mary does not like to eat candies. She likes chocolates better.
Ans : _____________ prefers ______________ .

Is this answer acceptable : Mary prefers to eat chocolates to candies.

MTIA

Mary prefers chocolates to candies.
:?

[Mum1113]

starlight1968sg:

Mum1113:

Hi


Think such question is common, apologies if this has been asked before and yet, I'm asking it here again.

Qn : Mary does not like to eat candies. She likes chocolates better.
Ans : _____________ prefers ______________ .

Is this answer acceptable : Mary prefers to eat chocolates to candies.

MTIA

Mary prefers chocolates to candies.
:?

Thanks starlight1968sg. You are correct. Just like to know if the answer I have given is acceptable ?