It’s important not to cram too many good phrases into an essay without really understanding what they mean. I suggest memorizing several bombastic ones which can be used in many situations (maybe 2 for each feeling eg happy, sad, angry, etc). You have to make sure you are using an appropriate phrase otherwise it’s better not to use it.

Tell your child it’s okay to use the same phrase or copy the same plot from previous compo practises because at the end of the day, the PSLE markers aren’t your school teachers, they don’t know you, nor do they know that you’ve been repeating the same phrase/plot in several essays. If it fits in with the theme given, and the plot is an interesting one, why not?

Yes, my DD was from St Hilda’s last year and she did not attend any tuition. I bought her a lot of assessment books as she didn’t go for any tuition but she always complained that schoolwork was enough. It can be done so long as your child has supportive teachers who give good notes and go through papers in a meaningful manner, not just blindly copying answers. She got into NYGH this year!

My 2nd DD is taking PSLE this year too!

My DD just entered NYGH in 2016. She’s enjoying lessons so far. Actually NYGH isn’t as Chinese-centred as we thought it was, some speeches and assemblys are still conducted in Chinese, but other than that, lessons are equally spaced out.