3 simple writing techniques to make your P5 composition sparkle

The expectations for a Primary 5 composition are significantly higher than those in Primary 4. Not only does the composition component increase from 20 marks to 36 marks, but students are also expected to write longer compositions, develop their themes more thoroughly, and use descriptive language effectively.

Writing techniques can help students meet these new demands with greater confidence. By applying the right techniques, students can make their stories more engaging, better organised, and more memorable for the examiner.

However, many students make the mistake of trying to use too many writing techniques in a single composition. Rather than focusing on quantity, it is often more effective to focus on a few techniques and use them well.

At Thinking Factory, we encourage our students to select two to three writing techniques to focus on in each composition. This allows them to practise these techniques consistently, build confidence in using them, and gradually incorporate them naturally into their writing.This article introduces three simple writing techniques to help strengthen your compositions; techniques that you can apply immediately to improve clarity, interest, and flow.

If you’re looking for more writing tips, model essays, and practice for P5 English Paper 1, check out our P5 English Paper 1 Resource Center.

Three simple writing techniques to practice on for each composition

Recently, we wrote on the theme of A Good Idea.

The model composition I selected from our P5 students this year contains 3 simple writing techniques. I found it a well-written composition, done in the time frame of 50 minutes. While the plot was simple, she developed her ideas relevantly. Well done Lisabelle & keep up the good work!

What were the three writing techniques used in this composition?

1. Characterisation

Developing the characters in our stories is one of the techniques that we encourage our students to use in each composition. During the planning and discussion stage, we often ask our students the reason why the protagonist is doing something for someone or to someone. We prompt our students to visualise their characters by asking them questions like Is he lazy? Is she kind?

In this composition, our student started off her composition by using characterisation. She wanted to explain why the protagonist wanted to come up with a good idea for her mother. She used only this technique only at the start of her composition but it is enough for the reader to visualise the protagonist’s mother.

Being a mother of three children was challenging. My mother worked multiple jobs with my father to provide us with enough food and a roof over our heads.

2. Theme development

Another good technique to use to move the flow of the story in the right direction is consciously developing the theme of the story. Our students are encouraged to use this technique in their descriptions, dialogue, personal thought, and conclusion.

Below are some examples of how our student brought out her relevant ideas using this technique

The next day, I thought long and hard about how I could make it a memorable birthday for her. After almost two hours of reflection, I came up with a good idea; a surprise party! Jumping for joy that I had come up with a brilliant idea, I decided to break the news to my sister, Louisa.

Punching my fist in the air, I told my father and my brother, Leroy about the wonderful idea and they all agreed.

“Let’s put this good idea to use!” I shouted like an air horn.

On the day of the party, I put my good idea into action.

Tearing up, she looked at me and said, “Was this your idea?”

When the party ended. I grinned back at her as I knew that my good idea would always be a happy memory in both our hearts.

3. Vivid Verbs

Writing a descriptive composition is a sure-fire way to score well. Sometimes, even adding a few vivid verbs can help the reader visualise the actions and emotions of the protagonist.

I grinned back at her.

Tearing up, she looked at me.

The door softly creaked open as my mother walked in.

Dashing to her room, I excitedly shouted

Now that we have discussed about the 3 simple writing techniques, we hope that you will enjoy reading our student’s model composition.

Model composition on the theme of A Good Idea

Being a mother of three children was challenging. My mother worked multiple jobs with my father to provide us enough food and a roof over our heads. It was going to be her 46^th birthday soon and I wanted it to be a memorable one to show my appreciation to her.

              The next day, I thought long and hard about how I could make it a memorable birthday for her. After almost two hours of reflection, I came up with a good idea; a surprise party! Jumping for joy that I had come up with a brilliant idea, I decided to break the news to my sister, Louisa.

              Dashing to her room, I excitedly shouted, “Louisa! You know it’s going to be mummy’s birthday soon, so we will have a surprise birthday party for her!”

Louisa looked at me with a confused look on her face.

“So, you want to do a surprise party in only three days? That’s going to need a lot of work but we can do it..I guess,” she sighed.

              Punching my fist in the air, I told my father and my brother, Leroy about the wonderful idea and they all agreed. However, we could not let the cat out of the bag or else it would be ruined. Leroy and my father came back with many colourful decorations and banners and I squealed in excitement.

“Let’s put this good idea to use!” I shouted like an air horn.

              On the day of the party, I put my good idea into action. We put up all banners and decorations on the walls and lights. We had to this quickly as my mother would be coming back in 2 hours. Leroy and Louisa were getting the cake ready while my father was inviting many of my mother’s close friends over. When all the guests had arrived, the doorbell rang.

“Quickly! Everyone hide!” shouted my father.

Everyone turned off the lights and hid behind the sofa, chairs, and tables. The door softly creaked open as my mother walked in.

“Where is ever- ,” she asked but before she could continue, we screamed,” Surprise!”

              My mother looked stunned as she saw the room filled with a lot of decorations.

Tearing up, she looked at me and said, “Was this your idea?”

I nodded my head, thankful that she loved my good idea. Soon, the ball started rolling. We partied, played games and ate the scrumptious cake. Finally, we took a family photo and she thanked us.

“Thank you for coming up with this party. I loved it!”

I hugged my mother tightly.

              When the party ended. I grinned back at her as I knew that my good idea would always be a happy memory in both our hearts.

We hope that this post will encourage you to use simple writing techniques to give a sparkle to your compositions.