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 While some think that reading widely is the key to writing good compositions, others believe that with proper techniques, any student can learn to write a good essay. The answer is a bit of BOTH! We've put together some hints and pointers so YOU can help your child get that A in composition.
1. Read and read some more
There is no substitute for reading widely and regularly to develop a sound foundation in English. A good reading habit builds a stronger vocabulary, reinforces rules of grammar and gives a wealth of examples on how words can be strung together to create colourful descriptions and interesting plotlines.
2. Write a diary
Writing a daily journal helps your child to get into the habit of writing. Even young children can draw and start off with a few simple sentences a day. If your child doesn’t know what to write about, suggest daily events and trips, or his or her thoughts and aspirations. When you go through the journal, look out for grammar and spelling, plus ask questions based on what was written and give suggestions on how different words could have been used.
3. Play word games
This is probably the most ‘fun’ way to improve one’s compo-writing skills! Many word games such as Boggle and Scrabble can train up your child’s vocabulary, while a party game such as Taboo teaches your child to be creative in describing objects, emotions and situations in alternative ways.
4. Look at model compositions
There are parents who make their children read and memorise model compositions - this is a very limited exercise. The important thing is to reflect upon and have a sense of what made these compositions interesting and enjoyable. Look at how the adjectives and adverbs are used (underline them if necessary) and see how the different parts of the composition flow together.
5. Get ample writing practice
Get your child to write compos regularly, based on titles in assessment books and model compo books. When reviewing each compo, give examples of how it could have been made more interesting and point out how certain areas could be improved e.g. through a stronger ending, a different plot twist etc.
6. Plan the composition
Much as your child may want to start writing quickly so as not to lose time, it is essential to plan the composition so as to keep the storyline focused. Spend the first few minutes planning the introduction, body and conclusion of the story, and work out where the 5Ws + H fall into place (What, Who, where, When, Why and How). Listing out the plot using a graphic organizer may help those with a tendency for their story to go ‘off track’.
7. Draw on experiences
Given a choice, your child may find it easier to write about an experience that he or she is already familiar with. Recalling and describing the emotions associated with that experience will help to pad up the composition and give it a personal touch.
8. Be familiar with literary elements
Incorporating some literary elements into a composition can help transform it from a boring, predictable essay to a spectacular one. There are many types of literary elements. Get your child to be familiar with some of them, such as these:
Theme – the main idea of a story, which can be expressed by sharing the feelings of the main character, or suggested through the actions or events in the story. Having a theme gives the reader a sense of what the story is all about.
Foreshadowing – The use of hints or clues to suggest what will happen later in the story. This helps to build up excitement and anticipation in readers, making them look forward to what is going to happen next.
Characterisation – revealing different aspects of a character in the story to the reader. Being able to visualise the characters in the story as real people with character traits makes it more interesting for the reader.
Hyperbole - an exaggerated statement used to create a stronger effect, which can be used to emphasize a point (example : ‘I’ve told you at least a million times…’)
Simile - A figure of speech that directly compares between two unlike things, usually with the words like or as (e.g.: example: The gust of wind blew the leaves around his face like a swarm of butterflies.)
9. Use the 5 senses
Children with a limited vocabulary may find it easier to expand and add variety to their composition by using their five senses and their emotions when writing descriptions. For example: ‘When he knocked over the rubbish bin, I could see the scraps of rotten food fly across the floor and my nose twitched at the unpleasant smell’.
10. Be realistic
Although students are often called upon to be creative when writing compositions, be careful about going overboard and developing unrealistic plot twists and endings. It is not believable for a ten year old to be able to save ten men from drowning from drowning at the same time or jump from a five storey building without suffering a single scratch.
Do you have other compo-writing tips to share? Do let us know.
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