How to score well in psle English composition?
- Sabreena Nazimudeen
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
How to score well in psle english composition?
How to Score Well in PSLE English Composition?
Scoring well in PSLE English Composition is not just about having good grammar — it’s about writing in a way that engages your reader, paints vivid pictures, and keeps them hooked from start to finish.Here’s your ultimate guide, with word banks, examples, and techniques to make your compositions stand out.
1. Words to Replace "Said"
Avoid using said repeatedly. Instead, choose a speech tag that shows emotion or tone.
Word | Meaning | Example |
Growled | Show anger with a low voice like an angry dog | “I told you to leave,” he growled, eyes narrowing. |
Coaxed | Gently persuade someone | “Come on, you can do it,” she coaxed with a smile. |
Reassured | Make someone feel less worried | “It’s going to be fine,” he reassured me. |
2. Words to Replace "Walk"
Use movement verbs that show how a character moves.
Word | Meaning | Example |
Tiptoe | Walk quietly to avoid making noise | She tiptoed past the sleeping baby. |
Trudge | Walk slowly with heavy steps due to tiredness | We trudged home after the long day. |
Stomp | Walk heavily to show anger | He stomped into the room, slamming the door. |
3. Emotional Adjectives – Feelings
Instead of saying “he was happy” or “she was sad,” use precise words.
Word | Meaning | Example |
Jubilant | Extremely happy because of success | The team was jubilant after winning the finals. |
Distraught | Very worried and upset | She was distraught when her cat went missing. |
Apprehensive | Worried about what might happen | I felt apprehensive about the exam results. |
4. Body Adjectives – Describing Characters Physically
Give readers a clear mental picture of the character.
Word | Meaning | Example |
Lanky | Tall and thin in an awkward way | The lanky boy ducked under the doorway. |
Petite | Small and slim | The petite lady squeezed through the crowd. |
Burly | Strong and heavy like a warrior | The burly man lifted the heavy box with ease. |
5. Body Language Phrases
Body language shows feelings without directly saying them.
Phrase | Meaning | Example |
Clenched fist | Sign of anger | His clenched fist trembled at his side. |
Twisting a ring | Nervousness | She kept twisting her ring as she waited. |
Rolled her eyes | Annoyance | “Sure, whatever you say,” she rolled her eyes. |
6. Facial Expressions
Facial expressions allow you to show emotions rather than tell.
Expression | Meaning | Example |
Eyes twinkled with joy | Happiness | Her eyes twinkled with joy at the surprise. |
Nostrils flared | Anger | His nostrils flared like an angry bull. |
Face turned as pale as a sheet | Fear | My face turned as pale as a sheet when I saw the shadow. |
7. Similes – Great for Comparisons
Similes make descriptions more vivid.
Simile | Meaning | Example |
As brave as a lion | Very courageous | She was as brave as a lion, stepping forward to help. |
As quick as lightning | Very fast | He ran as quick as lightning to catch the bus. |
Like a fish out of water | Feeling uncomfortable | I felt like a fish out of water at the party. |
8. Idioms – Perfect for Situations
Idioms make your writing more creative and engaging.
Idiom | Meaning | Example |
Over the moon | Very happy | She was over the moon when she got the scholarship. |
A bitter pill to swallow | Painful lesson to accept | Losing the match was a bitter pill to swallow. |
Face the music | Accept consequences | I had to face the music after breaking the vase. |
9. Metaphors – Great for Strong Imagery
Metaphors compare directly without using “like” or “as.”
Metaphor | Meaning | Example |
A sea of faces | A large crowd | A sea of faces greeted me at the concert. |
Her words were lava | Angry, hurtful words | Her words were lava, burning into my heart. |
The classroom was a zoo | Very noisy place | The classroom was a zoo after recess. |
10. Personification – Bringing Objects to Life
Personification makes descriptions unique and memorable.
Personification | Meaning | Example |
The wind howled | Wind described like an animal | The wind howled through the empty streets. |
The kettle screamed | Kettle whistle described as screaming | The kettle screamed as the water boiled. |
The sun smiled | Sun described as happy | The sun smiled warmly on the village. |
11. Character Traits – Describing Personalities
Character traits help readers understand behaviour.
Trait | Meaning | Example |
Heart of gold | Very kind | She had a heart of gold, always helping others. |
Goody-two-shoes | Well-behaved | He was such a goody-two-shoes, never breaking rules. |
Lone wolf | Prefers to be alone | He was a lone wolf, keeping to himself. |
12. Familiarise with Commonly Tested Topics
Many schools and PSLE compositions focus on kindness, bravery, friendship, accidents, surprises, challenges, and responsibility.Practising these topics helps you be prepared for the real exam.
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