Analyzing Past PSLE Composition Topics to Prepare Your Child for Success

Sabreena Nazimudeen
Jul 9
3 min read

From "A Long Wait" to "Trying Something New":

Analyzing Past PSLE Composition Topics to Prepare Your Child for Success

The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) English Paper 1 often sparks anxiety for both students and parents alike. With only one chance to write a stellar composition, it’s natural to wonder: What kind of topics might come out? How can my child prepare? This is why analyzing past PSLE composition topics can prepare your child for success.

One of the smartest strategies is to study past PSLE composition topics and identify recurring patterns in the themes.

Why Past Topics Matter

PSLE compositions are never random. MOE exam setters design topics to reflect familiar experiences or moral values. By analyzing past topics, we can uncover:

Common themes (e.g. perseverance, honesty, kindness)
Frequently used scenarios (e.g. competitions, accidents, family outings)
Useful story arcs students can rehearse and adapt

Past PSLE Composition Topics: What We’ve Seen

Below are a few actual or commonly circulated PSLE topics over the past 10 years:

Year	Topic	Common Theme
2015	Being Considerate	Kindness
2016	A Secret	Truth, honesty
2017	A Special Gift	Appreciation, gratefulness
2018	Teamwork	Cooperation, unity
2019	A Celebration	Joy, togetherness
2020	Something that was Lost	Loss, recovery
2021	A Promise	Commitment, trust
2022	A Long Wait	Patience, disappointment, emotional control
2023	A Change for the Better	Growth, transformation
2024	Trying Something New	Courage, personal development

What do we notice? They all sound simple—but beneath each lies a clear emotional or moral core.

What Your Child Can Learn from These Topics

Everyday moments make the best stories.Your child doesn't need wild imagination—realistic stories told with heart and structure score better.
It’s not what happened—it’s what the character felt.Strong compositions show emotions and reactions, not just actions.
Themes are repeated often.Your child can prepare by writing model stories around common values like honesty, kindness, and perseverance.

How to Use This for Preparation

Step 1: Build a “Story Bank”

Help your child draft 3–5 versatile stories that can be modified to suit different prompts. For example:

A story about losing something → can fit “A Secret,” “A Close Shave,” or “A Long Wait”
A story about learning a skill → can fit “Trying Something New” or “A Difficult Decision”

Step 2: Practice Picture Interpretation

Many PSLE topics come with picture prompts. Train your child to link the picture to the theme in a meaningful way—not just insert it randomly.

Step 3: Use Past Topics for Timed Practice

Use the table above as a mock test set. Time your child for 50 minutes, then review and revise the work together.

Final Thought: It's Not About Predicting—It's About Preparing

We may not know the exact topic for PSLE, but we do know what makes a great composition: a clear plot, emotional depth, and a meaningful message.

At The Write Tribe, we guide students through all these steps—analyzing topics, writing model compositions, and most importantly, gaining confidence in their writing voice.

✍️ Looking for a composition class in Singapore? Discover how The Write Tribe can support your child with our specialised writing programme designed to build strong PSLE English skills.