Primary 4 composition marking scheme - explained

Primary 4 Composition Marking Scheme – Parent Breakdown

There are 2 components:

• Language – 10 marks

• Content – 10 marks

• Total: 20 marks

🟡 LANGUAGE (10 marks)

Language is generally easier to score than Content.

✅ 5/10 (Pass Level)

• Spelling is decent

• Grammar mostly correct

• Proper punctuation

• Complete sentences

This is enough to pass — but not enough for high marks.

⭐ 6–8/10 (Good)

Students must:

• Use good phrases

• Include idioms

• Use similes and metaphors

• Describe characters clearly

• Show emotions

Writing becomes more expressive and mature.

🏆 9–10/10 (Highest Level)

Students must:

• Use vocabulary linked closely to the theme

• Use precise phrases (teacher-favourite expressions)

• Blend metaphors naturally into the story

Example:

My heart pounded wildly as my fingers lingered over the box. Waves of excitement washed over me as I carefully lifted the lid.

(Metaphor + Emotional Description)

Language and content now work hand in hand.

🚫 Why Students Score Below 5 (Language)

3–4 marks

• Switching perspectives (first person to third person)

• Frequent grammar mistakes

Some markers may penalise heavily for perspective errors.

1–2 marks

• No proper sentence structure

• Cannot form coherent sentences

🔴 CONTENT (10 marks)

Content is much harder to score.

🚫 Below 4/10

• Out of point

• No beginning, middle and end

• Unrelated scenes

• No logical structure or transition

🟡 5/10 (Average)

Theme is fulfilled, but:

• No strong tension

• No real conflict

• Feels like a diary account

Example:

I saw a blind man struggling to cross the road. I helped him.

Correct theme — but no excitement.

🟢 6–8/10 (Good)

There is:

• Conflict

• Some tension

• Clear turning point

Example:

I saw a blind man struggling to cross the road. Vehicles were whizzing left and right. Suddenly, he stepped forward before the green man appeared. I sprang into action and stopped him just in time.

Now there is tension and urgency.

🏆 9–10/10 (Highest Level – With Plot Devices)

At this level, students use plot devices to build tension.

Below is a high-scoring example with devices labelled closely to how they are used.

High-Scoring Example (Devices Labelled Clearly)

From my peripheral vision, I spotted a blind man. He was elderly, with sparse white hair and thick dark glasses. He tapped uncertainly on the pavement, struggling to cross the road.At first, I thought nothing of it. (Anticipation – creating suspense before something happens)However, I was not prepared for the next moment.He started crossing even before the green man came on. Cars whizzed left and right.To add fuel to the fire, a large white van came hurtling towards him. I only had seconds to save him! (Ticking Bomb – a device used to create urgency in stories)Springing to action, I grabbed his arm and pulled him to safety. His walking stick snapped into two with a sickening crack as the van ran over it. (Scapegoat – using an object to be “sacrificed” to show how dangerous the situation is)I gulped at the thought of what would have happened if I had reacted even a second later.

🎯 Why This Scores 9–10 for Content

• Clear build-up

• Rising tension

• Urgency

• Strong climax

• Emotional reflection

• Proper use of plot devices

Final Summary for Parents

To score high in Primary 4 composition using the Primary 4 composition marking scheme:

• Language must be accurate and expressive.

• Content must have tension and structure.

• Full marks require plot devices used correctly.

• It is not about writing long — it is about building impact.

📚 Trial Classes (Online)

(Slots fill up fast — composition themes change yearly)

P3/4 Trial (Online)

🟡 Mon 4:00pm – 6:00pm

🟡 Tue 4:00pm – 6:00pm (opening soon)

🟡 Wed 6:30pm – 8:30pm

 🟡 Thu 4:00pm – 6:00pm

🟡 Sat 2:00pm – 4:00pm (opening soon)

We give priority to current students for new openings. Strictly subject to availability.

P5/6 Trial (Online)

🟡 Mon 6:30pm – 8:30pm

🟡 Tue 6:30pm – 8:30pm

 🟡 Thu 6:30pm – 8:30pm

🟡 Sat 4:30pm – 6:30pm (opening soon)

We give priority to current students for new openings. Strictly subject to availability.

✨ Why Parents Choose The Write Tribe

✔ We write compositions every lesson

✔ Students complete corrections & multiple rewrites

✔ Strong improvement in structure, detail & vocabulary

✔ Proven Guided → Independent Rewrite system

💛 1st composition trial: $36 only

📍 Online & Onsite (Yishun St 22)

📲 WhatsApp: 8749 1430

🖥 Website: https://www.thewritetribe.com.sg/class-schedules

💡 Want 100 more idioms for free?

Good idioms for composition

Download our FREE 100 Idioms eBook and give your writing an instant upgrade!

👉 Get your free copy here

Trial lesson

We cover a lot more in our classes. Try first trial lesson for only 36SGD

Trial class

Composition Marking Service for Primary School Students in Singapore (Primary 1 to Primary 6)

Composition marking service

Boost your child’s writing skills with our expert Composition Marking Service, tailored for Primary 1 to Primary 6 students in Singapore! Aligned with the latest MOE syllabus, our service offers:

✅ Detailed feedback based on official marking rubrics

✅ Clear guidance to improve structure, language, and creativity

✅ Support for all writing levels — from beginners to PSLE prep

Let your child write with confidence. Submit compositions anytime and receive professional feedback to help them shine! 🌟

Composition Marking Service

Download our Comprehension Cloze with Model Compositions

Comprehension Cloze with Model Compositions assessment book

Download