P6 2025 Preliminary composition model – Taking A risk & 5 ways to ace your Composition

The prelim results are out, and like every year, TF is consolidating our students’ preliminary compositions that scored in the highest band (32–36/36). This year, we are delighted to share that more of our students achieved this band than in previous years — and we know they must be feeling proud of their hard work and achievements!

So, what’s left to do before the PSLE Paper 1? At TF, our focus will be on helping students plan for a wide range of composition themes, drawing from the extensive list of prelim topics we have compiled over the years. We will also prepare for trickier themes that require extra thought and creativity by writing out those stories.

But how did many of our students manage to ace their prelim compositions? Let’s take a look at one of our students’ outstanding pieces on the theme ‘Taking a Risk.’

The pictures provided were of a cat on a tree branch, a girl dancing on stage, and a torchlight.

What made her composition stand out? Here are 5 reasons why C scored so well in her composition:

1. Clear Focus on the Theme

The story centres around the student taking a real risk — climbing a tall tree despite a fear of cats — to save a kitten. This strong alignment with the theme Taking a Risk ensures the composition stays relevant and focused, which is crucial in PSLE marking.

2. Effective Use of Emotions and Descriptions

The writer vividly describes emotions such as fear, gratitude, and relief: “Sweat flowed down my reddened cheeks like a waterfall as I shivered in fear.” Such imagery and figurative language (simile, personification) make the composition engaging and help markers see the student’s ability to write descriptively.

3. Logical Plot Development (Story Mountain)

The composition follows a clear narrative arc:

• Introduction – peaceful scene under the moon, hinting at reflection.
• Rising Action – spotting the injured kitten, dilemma of saving it vs. watching TV.
• Climax – tense scene of climbing the tree and overcoming fear.
• Falling Action – rescuing the kitten and bringing it to the vet.
• Conclusion – reflection on bravery, learning a life lesson.
  This structured flow mirrors the story mountain technique taught in schools, making it exam-ready.

4. Reflective Conclusion

The ending highlights maturity and reflection: “I realised that taking risks is not necessarily a bad thing… the risk I took that day helped me overcome my fear of cats.” Markers value stories that end with meaningful lessons, showing the student has thought about values and personal growth.

5. Balance of Action and Reflection

The composition skillfully balances action scenes (climbing the tree, rescuing the kitten) with reflective moments (pondering under the moon, smiling like a Cheshire cat, lessons learned). This balance demonstrates higher-level writing ability — not just narrating events, but also analysing and reflecting on them.

Aside from these points, C made only one or two grammatical mistakes in her 5-page prelim composition. Below is her composition. While reading it, keep in mind how she used the five points above to ace her composition.

6. Composition Model on the theme of ‘Taking A Risk’

Taking A Risk

As I stood under the shimmering glow of the gibbous moon, I pondered over the events of the week. A single tear of gratitude trickled down my rosy cheek as I still could not believe how the risk I took resulted in saving a kitten.

       “Ring!” The shrill ring of the dismissal bell never failed to bring joy to all the students. Hot and sweaty, I ran out of my classroom and zoomed out of the school gate. It was “Device Monday”, which meant that I could use my tablet for a good two hours that day. The more I thought about it, the faster I dashed home. I could not wait to watch my favourite television programme, “Ghost Hunters”!

       Panting, I came to a halt to catch my breath. As I whipped my head around, I could not help but catch sight of a kitten in a tree. I ran pell-mell away from the kitten as I had a fear of cats. The sight of the poor little kitten trying to get down from the tree pulled at my heartstrings. That was when I decided to get a closer look.

      The kitten had an injured paw. As it saw me, it let out pitiful meows, as if pleading with me to save it. It looked like it had not eaten in days. All skin and bones, I knew it would not survive if it did not receive immediate medical attention.
Not afraid anymore, I walked even closer and gazed into its chestnut brown eyes. I knew I had to save it.

However, there was a huge problem. The tree the kitten was on was very high up. I scanned my surroundings to see if anyone could help me, but to no avail.
Not even a single soul was around. That was when I remembered that there was a veterinarian nearby. I was in a dilemma — should I leave it on the tree and watch my favourite show, or should I risk my life to save it? After all, I had seen on television shows how kids climb trees to save kittens.

       As I glanced one more time at the kitten, there was blood dripping out of its paws. It tried its best to stay balanced on the branch of the tree. I swung my school bag onto the ground and tried to climb the tree. Even though I could not reach high, I got higher and higher each time. Then, it was the last time. I climbed the tree with all my might, forcing myself to hold on tight. Sweat flowed down my reddened cheeks like a waterfall as I shivered in fear. I knew I could not look down. There I was, one more push before getting to the kitten. My body was drained of energy and was about to give up.
Thinking about how far I had come, I gave myself one last push and reached the kitten.

       I cradled the kitten with my left arm as I held onto the tree branch tightly. Going down the tree was actually easier than climbing up. Before I knew it, my legs had already reached the ground. Miraculously, I was no longer afraid of the kitten as I realised it did not bite me.
        I held the kitten in my arms so carefully, as if I were a mother carrying her newborn baby. I threw my schoolbag over my shoulder. I clutched the kitten tightly, trying to assure it that it was going to be all right.

        When I got to the veterinarian, I explained everything that had happened. After the veterinarian looked at the kitten closely and examined it, she praised me,
“If not for your bravery, this kitten would not have survived as it is severely injured. We need more people like you — people with a big heart. I’m sure the kitten is beyond grateful to you as you saved its life!”

        After hearing the vet’s kind words, I smiled like a Cheshire cat, from ear to ear.
As I walked home that day, I vowed to myself to be as brave as I was today. I laughed to myself as I realised that taking risks is not necessarily a bad thing. If I had not taken a risk, I would not have saved a kitten’s life! Furthermore, the risk I took that day helped me overcome my fear of cats.
Even though I could not watch my favourite show, I was still so grateful I could save a life.

         “Charmaine, will you ever overcome your fear of cats?” my mother asked, snapping me out of my reverie. I laughed as I nodded my head, feeling a tinge of curiosity.