Top 3 Tips to Improve PSLE Chinese Composition Scores

Scoring well in PSLE Chinese Composition can be a game-changer for your child’s overall Chinese grade. Many students struggle with composition writing due to a lack of vocabulary, weak sentence structure, and difficulty expressing thoughts coherently. Fortunately, with the right techniques and consistent practice, your child can significantly improve their writing and gain confidence.

Here are the top 3 practical and proven strategies to help your child score higher in Chinese composition for PSLE.

1. Build a Strong Vocabulary Foundation （词汇量）

One of the most common challenges students face when writing compositions is the limited use of appropriate and varied vocabulary. A rich vocabulary allows your child to express ideas more vividly and accurately, which is crucial for engaging and impressive writing.

Encourage your child to:

• Read widely, especially Chinese storybooks, newspapers, and model essays （范文）

• Keep a personal 词汇本 (vocabulary journal) to note down new idioms （成语）, good phrases （好词佳句）, and sentence starters

• Practice using new vocabulary in sentences and short paragraphs

Using descriptive language, varied sentence structures, and idiomatic expressions not only improves fluency but also helps to capture the examiner’s attention.

2. Master the Composition Structure （作文结构）

A well-structured composition reflects clear thinking and makes your story easy to follow. Students often lose marks due to poor organisation or abrupt transitions.

The typical PSLE Chinese composition format follows the “起承转合” (Introduction, Development, Climax, Conclusion) framework. Teach your child to:

• Start with a hook or setting the scene to introduce the characters and context

• Develop the plot logically with a clear main event or conflict

• Use the turning point (“转”) to build interest or surprise

• Conclude with a meaningful takeaway or reflection

Also, encourage them to use connectors （连接词）such as “然后”, “接着”, “最后”, and “因此” to ensure smooth transitions.

3. Practise with Purpose and Feedback （有目的的练习和反馈）

Writing regularly is essential, but quality practice matters more than quantity. Instead of writing many compositions without guidance, focus on:

• Analysing past-year PSLE topics or composition themes

• Brainstorming ideas and planning outlines before writing

• Practising writing one strong paragraph or a conclusion at a time

Equally important is getting constructive feedback. Whether it’s from a tutor, teacher, or parent, feedback helps your child identify areas to improve. Highlight strengths, point out grammar or punctuation mistakes, and offer alternatives to weak phrasing.

Bonus Tip: Learn from Model Essays and Good Examples

Reading high-scoring model compositions helps students understand what makes a composition stand out. Analyse how others:

• Use imagery and emotions to bring their stories to life

• Describe scenes using all five senses

• End their stories with a reflection that shows personal growth or moral values

Make sure your child doesn’t memorise essays blindly. Instead, guide them to internalise techniques and apply them flexibly in their own writing.

Help Your Child Achieve Composition Excellence Today

Mastering Chinese composition takes time, effort, and the right guidance. At our Chinese enrichment classes, we offer structured writing programmes designed specifically to help primary students excel in PSLE Chinese composition.

Our experienced teachers focus on:

• Enhancing vocabulary and expression

• Strengthening grammar and sentence structure

• Providing detailed feedback on every piece of writing

✅ Ready to give your child a head start? Sign up for a free trial class with the button below now!