4 ways to score in the PSLE 2023 Composition & a Model Composition on the theme of ‘A change for the Better’

Our 2023 P6 students did well for their PSLE English with 68% of our students scoring AL 1 or AL 2 (20 of our students scoring AL1 and 13 scoring AL2.) I do not doubt that Paper 1 played an important role for them in achieving these scores. The informal Situational Writing was straight forward and after almost a year of writing SWs twice a month, this was a piece of cake for them.

The composition theme was one we had explored extensively with our students in the lead-up to the PSLE. Was it luck? Perhaps, to some extent. But relying on “spotting” themes or predicting topics should never form the foundation of effective PSLE English preparation.

While we do analyse Preliminary papers and past SA1 trends to identify recurring themes—and we certainly share these insights with our students to support their planning and discussion—we take a far more comprehensive approach. Our focus is on equipping students with the skills and confidence to handle any theme that may arise in Paper 1 or Oral.

With experience, teachers can make informed and educated guesses about potential topics. However, no one can predict with certainty what will be tested. True preparedness lies not in prediction, but in mastery—ensuring that students are ready to think, adapt, and respond effectively, regardless of the theme they encounter.

So, how do we prepare our P6 students every year to score for their PSLE Paper 1 Composition? Let us use the 2023 PSLE Composition below as an example to illustrate the ways.

2023 PSLE Composition Preparation Step 1: Study the theme

Step 1: Study the Theme

One of the first skills we emphasise is teaching students how to analyse the theme effectively. Before any planning or writing begins, students must first understand what the question is truly asking of them.

We guide our students to ask:

• Is this a straightforward or layered theme?
• How many distinct parts does this theme contain?
• What must be included to fully address the question?

Take the theme “A Change for the Better” as an example. This is not a single-event narrative—it naturally lends itself to two clear phases:

1. The initial situation (before the change)
2. The transformation and its positive outcome

A common mistake students make is focusing too heavily on one part while rushing through the other. To craft a well-balanced and effective composition, both parts must be developed equally and meaningfully. The contrast between the “before” and “after” is what gives the story its depth and impact.

By training students to break down themes in this way, we equip them with a reliable strategy—one that works regardless of the topic they encounter in the exam.

2023 PSLE Composition Preparation Step 2: Study the pictures

Beyond understanding the theme, our students are trained to analyse each picture carefully and generate possible storylines before making a deliberate choice.

Rather than jumping straight into writing, we encourage them to explore:

• What is happening in each picture?
• What change is being suggested?
• Which storyline allows for the clearest and most meaningful development?

For each option, students brainstorm potential plots, then evaluate which one best allows them to showcase a strong narrative, clear transformation, and impactful ending.

For example:

• Picture 1:
  A change in lifestyle — such as improving one’s diet and exercise habits, or developing a more disciplined attitude while training for a competition.
• Picture 2:
  A change in behaviour at home — for instance, becoming more responsible and proactive in completing household chores.
• Picture 3:
  A change in priorities — such as shifting from excessive gaming to better self-control, or developing a more positive attitude towards studying and school.

Students should not choose the “easiest” picture, but the one that allows the student to build a clear, structured story with a strong before-and-after contrast.

2023 PSLE Composition Preparation Step 3: Planning

Once students have analysed both the theme and the pictures, the next crucial step is planning their storyline. This is where ideas are organised into a clear and logical structure before writing begins.

For the theme “A Change for the Better”, we guide our students to structure their composition into two well-developed parts.

Part 1: The Starting Point
Students should first establish:

• What was the habit or behaviour that needed to change?
• What problem did it cause?
• What key event or realisation prompted the desire to change?

This section sets the foundation of the story and gives readers a clear understanding of the character’s initial situation.

Part 2: The Transformation
The second part focuses on the change itself—and this is the most important section of the composition.

Students should show:

• How they worked to improve or correct the behaviour
• The challenges they faced along the way
• The specific actions they took to make a positive change

We emphasise that this section should be the main focus of the story. It should be developed over at least two well-written paragraphs, with clear descriptions and thoughtful reflection. This is where students demonstrate growth, effort, and ultimately, transformation.

A strong composition does not simply state that a change happened—it shows the process of change in a detailed and meaningful way.

2023 PSLE Composition Preparation Step 4: Developing the theme

This is a step we emphasise consistently in every composition our students write. We begin introducing this skill as early as Primary 4, and by Primary 6, our expectations become significantly higher. In fact, students may be marked down if the theme is not developed clearly and consistently throughout their composition.

Why is developing the theme such an essential skill?

When a student knows how to weave the theme seamlessly into their writing, they are no longer reliant on “predicting” topics. Instead, they gain the ability to handle any theme with confidence. More importantly, consistent theme development acts as a guide—it keeps the story focused and prevents students from drifting off point.

In our classrooms, students are trained to constantly check themselves:
“Am I still developing the theme?”
If they find that the theme cannot be naturally integrated into their writing, it signals that something is off—and they are taught to pause, reassess, and refine their direction before continuing.

This skill becomes especially critical in Primary 6. Many schools place strong emphasis on theme development during Preliminary examinations. As a result, even compositions that are well-written may be marked down if the theme is not sufficiently developed. While this can feel discouraging for students, it ultimately reinforces a crucial lesson: strong writing alone is not enough—relevance and focus are just as important.

In fact, several 2023 Preliminary papers featured themes similar to “A Change for the Better”, such as “Developing a Good Habit.” These themes require students not only to tell a story, but to consistently demonstrate growth and transformation.

For the 2023 Preliminary composition, several schools tested their students on a similar theme to A Change for the Better. One of those themes is Developing a Good Habit. Below is the model of one of our students who scored above 35 for her prelim composition. Take note of how she developed her theme from as early as the first paragraph. She also planned out her composition into two parts, explaining why there was a need to make a change and how she made those changes.

PSLE Paper 1 Composition Model on the theme of ‘A Change for the Better’

Developing a good habit

            Whenever I pass by an old lady, memories of that fateful day when I kicked a bad habit and started developing a good one flood my mind. I think of how lucky I was, and I smile to myself in relief.

            Forgetfulness. My ultimate personality flaw. I was a person who had almost everything right, except for this one annoying bad habit. I was smart, kind, funny, but there was just this one thing that really irked me. However, one day, something happened that made me develop a good habit of making myself remember important things.

            “Natalie! It’s time to wake up!” Mother nagged incessantly.

Pulling my pillow over my head, I rolled over in bed and lazily closed my eyes, feeling my body melt into the bed once again. “Natalie, remember to visit Grandmother later at noon and give her medication!” Mother shouted repeatedly, trying to drill that thought into my head.

She continued, “It is extremely important or she will feel very dizzy, alright? I cannot do it as I have to rush for a meeting!”

Groaning with annoyance, I hollered back, “Yes Mum, I will!”

With that, Mother strode over to the door and hurried out. As Grandmother was paralysed waist down, I had to help give her medication as her domestic helper was away for a holiday.

            After a few minutes, I could no longer get back to sleep and instead prepared myself a savoury breakfast of fried eggs and toast. Slowly but surely, my bad habit of being forgetful started acting up again. As the seconds ticked by, all thoughts of giving Grandmother her medication left my mind. As noon slowly arrived, I had totally forgotten about visiting her, and instead just played computer games before doing my homework.

            “Once upon a time, in a galaxy far far away…” the movie Star Peace played on my television as I eagerly sat watching it. Losing all track of time, I was extremely startled when my handphone started ringing. I frowned fiercely, annoyed at having been interrupted. Seeing that it was Mother calling, I said haughtily, “This is your daughter speaking. You have just interrupted her adventure into an amazing world filled with spaceships and aliens.”

            However, I soon stopped short of my sentence when I heard what Mother was saying. “Natalie… Grandmother… dying… hospital. Away! Go right away!” The usually prim and proper grammar of Mother had turned into downright stuttering. She sounded panicky and out of breath. Fearing the worst, I dashed out of the house like lightning and boarded the train, trying hard to squeeze past the queue into the train as it was peak hour. Everybody shot me dirty looks. I pleaded, “Please… Grandmother dying… hospital.” It worked. They started making way for me in sympathy and one even asked what had happened in concern.

            After what seemed like an eternity, I finally reached the hospital. Fumbling for words, I approached Mother hesitantly, “W-w-what’s happened to Grandmother?”

Turning to me with tears streaming down her face, she sobbed, “When you forgot to turn up to give Grandmother her medicine, she started becoming extremely dizzy. Desperate, she tried to reach for her wheelchair but it was too far away from her and she fell on the floor, hitting her head on the ground. The doctors are not sure if she will live.”

Appalled, everything suddenly came back to me. With a heavy heart, I realised that I had forgotten to give Grandmother her medication. It was all my fault. Anger. Sorrow. Bitterness. All those emotions coursed through my veins, leaving me heaving for breath. How could I be so forgetful? Shaking my head, the words “my fault” echoed in my heart, and I crumpled to the ground in despair.

            Thankfully, due to Grandmother’s will to live, she managed to pull through. However, for her sake, she was sent to an old folks’ home. From that day on, I vowed to never be forgetful again. Every time something important came up, I would always write it on a piece of bright pink paper to attract my attention and place the word “Reminder” in big, black, and bold letters on it. Then, I would immediately paste it on my door at my level so whenever I wanted to go out of my room, I would be able to see it. This helped to remind me and whenever I had a task to do and there would be something to distract me, memories of how I had let my grandmother down were enough to motivate me to develop good habits.

Eventually, my parents saw the change in me and forgave me. I was given more responsibility at home and I made sure that I did not disappoint them. Over time, I managed to kick my bad habit of being forgetful. In turn, I also developed a good habit of never forgetting to do anything. This painful but essential experience certainly taught me a valuable lesson, and I was grateful for that.