English Compo Writing=any quick way to start(plan)?

[Sun_2010]

ngl2010:

vinegar:

i just chanced upon this from one of books:


1) spend 5min to brainstorm for ideas
2) Take 10min to write down the main points
3) Take 10min to draw a story mapping or outline

And 25 minutes to write the whole compo? I am panicking now. I don't think my son can do it.... Sigh... Must :nunchuk: now

Hmm.. wondering , isnt step3 an enhanced version of Step2
Why do both?

IMHO, 25min to write and check is too much of a rush if one wants to develop a story and finish it off nicely.

[sharonkhoo]

ngl2010:

slmkhoo:

[quote=\"vinegar\"]how did u come out the idea of using the \"hill\"?? r u teacher? very creative.

Can't remember. I know my kids' teacher in Pr school also used something like this, but it had 5 stages which I thought a bit unnecessary when they are just starting. No, I'm not a teacher and never wanted to be, but we have lived overseas a lot and I've had to homeschool a bit.

Is the hill balanced on each side? Or steeper on one side than the other? For example, quickly introduce the body but slowly release the tension/resolution?[/quote]The basic model is balanced, but once the child is experienced, there are many ways to vary the basic model. A skilful writer can begin at the end or middle, for example, have a sudden ending etc. But in reality, given the time and word constraints of exams, it's better not to be too adventurous. Also, remember that doing well in exam writing is not a good indicator of whether a child is a good writer, or vice versa. There are many styles and purposes of writing, and doing well or badly in school exams is neither here nor there (unless there are problems with grammar and vocabulary or logical thought). Besides practising for exams, it would be good to encourage many different kinds of writing even if they are not school requirements.

[sharonkhoo]

Sun_2010:

ngl2010:

[quote=\"vinegar\"]i just chanced upon this from one of books:


1) spend 5min to brainstorm for ideas
2) Take 10min to write down the main points
3) Take 10min to draw a story mapping or outline

And 25 minutes to write the whole compo? I am panicking now. I don't think my son can do it.... Sigh... Must :nunchuk: now

Hmm.. wondering , isnt step3 an enhanced version of Step2
Why do both?

IMHO, 25min to write and check is too much of a rush if one wants to develop a story and finish it off nicely.[/quote]What's the total time given for writing a compo? I can't remember. I would think that 10-15 mins for branstorming and outlining, whether in point form or mind mapping, should be sufficient.

[iLoveChubby]

slmkhoo:

What's the total time given for writing a compo? I can't remember. I would think that 10-15 mins for branstorming and outlining, whether in point form or mind mapping, should be sufficient.

My P3 DS's compo test is 50 mins, not sure abt upper pri.

Besides the model compo books in the market, perhaps can also explore compositions written by students themselves.. the writing style may be closer/familiar to the kids. So far, i only know TAS, The Write Place, Creative Horizons sell compo books written by their students, not sure abt other centres.
Some pri schools also published their own essay books but not selling outside.