As I gathered myself and try my best to hastened toward the door to greet my mother, the rampant thudding in my heart got louder. Unease slithered down my spine. My legs turned jelly. I could feel myself wobbling uncontrollably.
“What did the doctor tell them? Is it finally over?” I thought to myself grimly. As the door swung open, a draft of air hits my face, the air was warm and with a tincture of bleach. I have been trapped in this hospital ward for weeks yet the acrid smell of the hospital never fails to assault my senses. I looked with anticipation at my mother’s weary face, hoping that she will give me some answers that I’ve longed for.
“Can I leave now?”
“Carin, hang in there. The doctor has not told us the results yet.” my mother whispered as she stroked my cheeks gently, wiping away my tears.
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“This is not fair!” I whimpered as I ran my hand over the rough paint on the hospital wall. I could feel my insides squirm in a way they haven’t done before. I absolutely hate this place. This cold, unfeeling and upsetting place.
“How long more must we wait?” I begged for an answer in a soft voice.
My mother bit her lips in an attempt to stop them from quivering. I could feel her body press in, soft and warm as she enveloped me in a hug so tight, it was as if she was worried it would be for the last time.
“Just a few more days, sweetheart. The doctor said we can go home today but we have to come back in three days for the results” she answered tenderly, pointing at the doctor’s letter with a date circled in red ink and a note scribbled ‘White Blood Cell Count Results.”
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“I cannot do this anymore, Mummy! Please let me stop all these tests!” I screamed inconsolably, my energy depleting along with my tears.
The day finally came and we headed back to the dreaded hospital waiting room again. Everything was the same. The rooms, the outfits, the pain. Nothing felt different and I was losing sight of when, if ever, this nightmarish ordeal would ever end.
“Carin Tan Xiyue” I heard the nurse called my name and I nearly jumped out of my seat.
“He’s ready to see you now,” the nurse announced as she opened the door, motioning for my mother and I to enter. I dragged my feet into the doctor’s room reluctantly, moving to sit opposite the doctor, a man in his late forties with heavy brown-rimmed glasses that kept sliding down from his nose.
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“I have good news for you Carin. Your wait is finally over . That was your last chemotherapy session,” the doctor cheerfully declared. Your cancer cells have been destroyed.”
As he uttered these words, I could not believe my ears. Tears of relief rolled down my cheeks. I thought to myself, “Of the hardships a person had to face, none was more punishing than the simple act of waiting.” I am so glad that this long wait is finally over.
Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a rite of passage for all students from mainstream primary schools in Singapore. It is an annual national examination that is taken by candidates at the end of their final year of primary school education.
Each year, our team of tutors helps anxious parents prepare their children for PSLE. Mark these dates down and contact us to get a tutor today! For those of you who are planning the well-deserved break after PSLE, you will be glad to know that we have included the PSLE Marking dates for 2023. Read on!
See below for important PSLE Examination Dates, you can also check out MOE website for the schedule.
The recent 2021 PSLE Math paper has done it again! Every year, students and parents take to the internet to consult one another on how to solve a particular math question. This year is no exception.
Question involved: (source: Mothership and CNA)
Question from my whatspp:
*Apparently, there’s different versions of the question. A reader alerted us.
I admit. I tried to used algebra to solve it. It didn’t work.
I wanted to text the person who shared the question with me that there must be some other information or that the question is incomplete. Otherwise, how can i not solve it?
My second attempt at the question taught me something. Sometimes, it the user that complicates things. The Singapore Math Model uses Bar Modeling as a pictorial method to solve word problems.
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Solution based on my whatsapp message:
Please take note that diagram is not drawn to the correct scale. (It doesn’t need to)
And that both Helen and Ivan have the same number of coins.
From the above bar model, we can deduce that it does not matter how many coins do each Helen or Ivan has nor does the question ask the student to solve for the total number of coins.
What we should take note of is that as Ivan has 40 more 20 cent coins than Helen, it would mean that Helen would have 40 more 50 cent coins than Ivan. (Only 2 type of coins involved here, 20 cent and 50 cent)
From here, we know that having more 50 cent coins would mean Helen has more money and by $12 (Difference of 50 cent and 20 cent X Difference of 40 coins)
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Since Helen has more 50 cent coins, Ivan’s coins would weight lesser than Helen’s. And what’s the difference? (2.7 g X Difference of 40 coins) = 108g difference.
Therefore, mass of Ivan’s coins = 1.134kg – 108g = 1.026kg.
My math tutor used to tell me that it’s alright when I cannot mange to solve certain questions in the paper. I was quite puzzled by what he said. Now, I seem to realize what he meant. He was saying that as his assumption was that I was able to complete the math papers with above 75% grades on a consistent basis. And that if there were any questions that I could not solve, it still would not amount to my grade being less than A1.
However, it has always been my goal to get 100% for my math papers. In reality, when you aim for 100, you may fall short a little (careless mistakes, silly errors, etc). But chances are that you would still get the highest possible grade of A1 or AL1.
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So I ask myself: “What would my overall math grade be, if I failed to answer Helen’s and Ivan’s coins question”?
To better prepare for the challenges of PSLE Math, we provide Online Math Tuition (4 x 1.5 hours a month). All lessons are conducted online in small groups. Contact us today for more details!
Primary 5 and Primary 6 PSLE taking students who are keen to ace their Math papersducation Programme (English, Maths and General Ability). Whatsapp us for more details.
THE GIFTED EXAMINATION PROGRAMME (GEP) Sample Test Papers is available for download for all members of The Learning Space. Please sign up here and indicate your interest in getting a sample question for the GEP Sample Test Paper (English).
We provide GEP preparation class online (3 Days) either group or individual 1 on 1. Our GEP Preparation Programme will give your children the critical insights and familiarise your child with question types commonly seen during the GEP round 1 Screening Exercise. Run twice each year, this highly sought after popular programme is conducted by our team of specialist teachers and provide practical strategies and techniques to excel in the MOE’s highly competitive 2-stage selection exercise.
What is the GEP Programme?
GEP Screening Exercise is held annually for all Primary 3 students in Singapore.
There are two stages:
Stage 1: Screening
Stage 2: Selection
At the Learning Space, we provide GEP Preparatory Tuition for students who are keen to have a head start. Students can choose a small group class or engage a 1 to 1 GEP Prep Teacher to guide them in this exciting endeavour. Lessons are available online or in-person and conducted by our team of highly experienced GEP Teachers.
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How can you prepare your child for the GEP Identification Exercise?
Is a gifted child a product of nature or nurture? Since time immemorial, this has been a highly controversial subject. Evidence from many recent source points to the superior character of most of the homes or families as a strong contributing factor to the high standing of these boys and girls whose I.Qs are 130 or higher. According to the University of Chicago Press Journals, other than genetics, nurture is an important consideration and there has been a consideration of methods of training gifted children.
To help parents better prepare for the challenges of the GEP Prep test, we provide a 16 hours of intensive preparation (6 lessons of 3 hours each) to tackle the commonly tested components of the GEP Screening Exercise. All lessons are conducted online in small groups. Contact us today for more details!
Primary 2 and Primary 3 students who are keen to gain exposure to sample questions of the Gifted Education Programme (English, Maths and General Ability). Whatsapp us at 9364 6977 for more details.
In a blink of an eye, soon it will be time for this year’s Primary Six students to go for their PSLE exams in September to October 2021. Click here to download the latest PSLE schedule 2021 from MOE. In view of the recent changes to the PSLE scoring system to AL 1 to AL8, it is critical that students and parents examine closely which secondary schools they would like to go.
Many questions come to mind, “How to choose a secondary school that suits my children? What are the cut off points? What are the academic programmes to consider? Does the school offer DSA admission? What are the niche programmes offered by the school? Any affiliations to Junior Colleges?” The list of questions that parents ponder on goes on and on endlessly.
Our PSLE series of articles will give you key insights such as providing a list of the latest secondary school cut-off points so that you can guide your child to make his/her plans.
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PSLE Scoring System
Four important things you MUST know when it comes to choosing a suitable secondary school
1) Watch out for Affiliation Bonus
Schools that are affiliated with one another offer a lower cut-off point to students from affiliated Primary Schools. These schools with exception of Nanyang High and Hwa Chong Institution, are typically missionary schools like SJI Junior, CHIJ Kellock Convent, CHIJ Katong, MGS, and ACS et cetera.
2) Choosing a school with the ‘right’ school culture. What is a SAP school?
Special Assistance Plan (SAP) known in Chinese as 新加玻特选中学 / 特选学校， caters to students who excel in both their Mother Tongue and the English language. At the moment, the SAP schools only cater to the Mandarin mother tongue language.
SAP schools tend to place a higher priority on Chinese bi-cultural education and most offer special programmes like Bicultural Studies and tend to attract more students from China. Historically, the SAP schools normally attract the Top 10% – 20% of each PSLE cohort.
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This is especially relevant for students who took Higher Chinese at PSLE,
According to MOE, Students who obtained Distinction/Merit/Pass in HCL and a PSLE Score of 14 or better (i.e. PSLE Score ≤ 14) at PSLE will be eligible for posting advantage to SAP schools. However, under the new scoring system, students with better PSLE scores will be posted first to SAP schools, event if they DID NOT take HCL. In the scenario where students have the same PSLE score, those with better HCL grades will be posted to SAP schools first.
There are a total of 26 SAP schools (both primary and secondary) in Singapore. Secondary SAP schools include highly established school Nan Chiau High, Chung Cheng (Main), Maris Stella High School, Anglican High School, CHIJ Saint Nicholas’ Girls, Nan Hua High School.
3) Consider the IB Programme
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is another option for your child to consider. Embarking on the programme will eventually lead students to IBDP which is the equivalent of GCE A’levels. Most of the international schools in Singapore usually adopt the iGCSE and IB education programme. Students who choose the IB Programme will have the opportunity to enjoy a more holistic programme offering. Local schools like The Singapore Sports School, SOTA, MGS, SJI, ACS offers students IB programme. The Learning Space is a pioneer in IB and iGCSE tuition, our team of IB tutors are fully equipped and highly experienced in helping students achieve their ideal scores for the IB programme. It is important tot note that the IB curriculum places emphasis on the research processes of the students, as well as on their inquiry and problem-solving skills. Students will also have to work on programmes like the theory of knowledge essay and the individual extended essay, which are completed by students over a specified period of time under teacher supervision.
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You can find out more about IB tuition and contact our IB tutors here.
4) What is an IP Programme?
Integrated Programme (IP) is a programme where the students do not take GCE O levels instead they will embark on a six-years education programme from secondary school to junior college, culminating with the GCE A-level exams. Therefore the programme is also known as the “choo-train”, where students who get into this programme will be automatically secured a spot in the respective JCs, without having to go through another examination.
The list of IP schools in Singapore are Dunman High, River Valley High, MGS, Nanyang, Hwa Chong Institution, Raffles Girls School, Raffles Institution, Catholic High, Cedar Girls, National Junior College, Temasek Junior College and more.
INSIDERS’ TIPS: Advice for Parents
Former HOD of Language Arts from a top IP school, Ms Melanie Chan shares that IP programme (at Year One and Two) emphasises more on the holistic development of students who exhibited higher academic competence. Instead of “chasing the curriculum” students are given the opportunity to explore in depth and alternative assessments. For instance, IP students in Raffles Girls School have the opportunity to learn how to write poems and biography. They learn how to create animations and get fully hands-on Applied Science concepts. IP schools also tend to attract former GEP gifted students because of their academic rigour. However, it is important for parents to note that IP schools can sometimes be regarded as an epitome of the pressure cooker system because the curriculum for IP school can get progressively demanding at the Upper Secondary Level as teachers start to prepare students for A’levels. Students who are self-directed learners will definitely thrive in an IP school environment. Like the IB students, IP students are also expected to take English Literature as part of their Language Arts programmes. Students who need tuition and guidance for IP Language Arts can contactour team of MOE tutors.
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Cut-off points for Secondary School in 2021
See below for the affiliated points for the school.
School
IP/IB
SAP school
Express
Normal Academic
Normal Technical
Hwa Chong Institution
Boys
IP
✔
4-7
–
–
Raffles Girls’ School
Girls
IP
4-6
–
–
Methodist Girls’ School
Girls
IP
4-6
–
–
Nanyang Girls’ School
Girls
IP
✔
4-8 /4-7
–
–
Raffles Institution
Boys
IP
4-6
–
–
Dunman High School
Co-ed
IP
✔
4-8
–
–
National Junior College
Co-ed
IP
5-7
–
–
CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School
Girls
IP
✔
4-7
–
–
Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)
Boys
IP
4-7
–
–
Catholic High School
Boys
IP
✔
5-8
–
–
Methodist Girls’ School
Girls
–
6-8 /7-17
–
–
Cedar Girls’ Secondary School
Girls
IP
4-8
–
–
CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School
Girls
–
✔
5-8/5-14
–
–
River Valley High School
Co-ed
IP
✔
4-9
–
–
Singapore Chinese Girls’ School
Girls
IP
4-8
–
–
Singapore Chinese Girls’ School
Girls
–
5-9 /8-17
–
–
Victoria School
Boys
IP
5-8
–
–
Catholic High School
Boys
–
✔
6-9/6-12
–
–
Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)
Boys
–
6-9/7-13
–
–
Cedar Girls’ Secondary School
Girls
–
4-9
–
–
Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School
Girls
–
8-11 /4-20
21-23 /21-25
25-28 /26-28
St Joseph’s Institution
Boys
IP
4-8
–
–
Temasek Junior College
Co-ed
IP
4-9
–
–
Anderson Secondary School
Co-ed
–
4-10
21-24
25-28
CHIJ Toa Payoh
Girls
–
6-10/7-20
21-24/21-25
25-30/27
Victoria School
Boys
–
6-9
–
–
Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)
Boys
–
6-11/7-22
21-21/21-24
25-26/25-28
Bukit Panjang Government High School
Co-ed
–
6-11
21-22
25-26
Nan Hua High School
Co-ed
–
✔
6-11
–
–
St Joseph’s Institution
Boys
–
5-10 /8-12
–
–
Nan Chiau High School
Co-ed
–
✔
4-11
–
–
Chung Cheng High School (Main)
Co-ed
–
✔
6-11
–
–
Crescent Girls’ School
Girls
–
6-11
–
–
Fairfield Methodist School
Co-ed
–
8-11 /8-20
21/21-24
25-27 /25-28
St Andrew’s Secondary School
Boys
–
7-10 /7-22
21-23 /21-25
25-26 /25-29
St Margaret’s Secondary
Girls
–
9-11 /9-20
21-22 /22-25
25-27 /25-28
Swiss Cottage Secondary School
Co-ed
–
4-11
21-22
25-26
Chung Cheng High School (Yishun)
Co-ed
–
6-11
21-23
25-27
Anglican High School
Co-ed
–
✔
5-12
–
–
Commonwealth Secondary School
Co-ed
–
8-12
21-23
25-28
Yishun Town Secondary School
Co-ed
–
6-13
21-23
25-27
CHIJ St Theresa’s Convent
Girls
–
11-13/8-20
22-24/21-25
25-29/25-28
Ngee Ann Secondary School
Co-ed
–
5-12 /12-16
21-22 /21-25
25-26 /26-28
CHIJ St Joseph’s Convent
Girls
–
9-13/8-29
21-23/21-25
25-27/25-29
Maris Stella High School
Boys
–
✔
7-12 /8-16
–
–
Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School
Co-ed
–
8-13 /11-20
21-24 /21-25
–
Zhonghua Secondary School
Co-ed
–
9-13
21-23
25-27
Fuhua Secondary School
Co-ed
–
6-13
21-23
25-28
Presbyterian High School
Co-ed
–
8-13
21-23
25-27
Tanjong Katong Girls’ School
Girls
–
5-13
–
–
Xinmin Secondary School
Co-ed
–
8-14
21-23
25-27
Clementi Town Secondary School
Co-ed
–
8-14
21-24
25-28
Riverside Secondary School
Co-ed
–
6-14
21-23
25-27
Temasek Secondary School
Co-ed
–
7-13
21-22
25-27
Holy Innocents’ High School
Co-ed
–
10-15 /11-22
21-23/21-25
25-26 /25-28
Kranji Secondary School
Co-ed
–
10-14
21-23
25-27
Tanjong Katong Secondary School
Co-ed
–
9-14
–
–
Dunman Secondary School
Co-ed
–
9-14
21-23
25-27
Edgefield Secondary School
Co-ed
–
7-14
21-22
25-27
St Patrick’s School
Boys
–
10-14 /12-20
21-22 /21-24
25-27 /26-28
Ang Mo Kio Secondary School
Co-ed
–
11-16
21-24
25-28
Bukit Batok Secondary School
Co-ed
–
11-15
21-23
25-28
Geylang Methodist School
Co-ed
–
11-15/13-21
21-23 /21-25
25-26 /25-29
Jurong Secondary School
Co-ed
–
8-16
21-23
25-28
CHIJ Katong Convent
Girls
–
11-15/11-20
21-24/21-25
25-30/26-28
Evergreen Secondary School
Co-ed
–
9-15
21-23
25-27
St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School
Girls
–
11-15 /10-22
21-24 / 21-25
25-27 /25-28
Bowen Secondary School
Co-ed
–
10-16
21-24
25-27
Gan Eng Seng School
Co-ed
–
7-15
21-23
25-26
Hua Yi Secondary School
Co-ed
–
10-16
21-23
25-29
St Gabriel’s Secondary School
Boys
–
10-17 /13-22
21-23 /22-25
25-28 /26-27
St Hilda’s Secondary School
Co-ed
–
12-15 /13-22
21-23 /21-25
25-28 /26-28
Pei Hwa Secondary School
Co-ed
–
11-16
21-24
25-26
West Spring Secondary School
Co-ed
–
10-17
21-23
25-26
Hai Sing Catholic School
Co-ed
–
10-16
21-24
25-28
Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School
Co-ed
–
10-17
21-24
25-28
Mayflower Secondary School
Co-ed
–
12-17
21-24
25-28
Deyi Secondary School
Co-ed
–
13-17
21-25
25-28
Queensway Secondary School
Co-ed
–
11-17
21-24
25-27
Pasir Ris Secondary School
Co-ed
–
11-18
21-24
25-28
Unity Secondary School
Co-ed
–
13-18
21-24
25-28
Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School
Co-ed
–
9-17
21-25
25-28
Woodlands Ring Secondary School
Co-ed
–
14-19
21-24
25-28
Bedok View Secondary School
Co-ed
–
13-18
21-24
–
Chua Chu Kang Secondary School
Co-ed
–
216
171
137
Beatty Secondary School
Co-ed
–
12-18
21-25
25-27
Yuan Ching Secondary School
Co-ed
–
8-19
21-25
25-28
Compassvale Secondary School
Co-ed
–
11-18
21-24
25-27
Kent Ridge Secondary School
Co-ed
–
10-19
21-24
25-30
North Vista Secondary School
Co-ed
–
12-18
21-24
25-27
Orchid Park Secondary School
Co-ed
–
12-19
21-24
25-28
Bukit View Secondary School
Co-ed
–
14-19
21-25
26-30
Peirce Secondary School
Co-ed
–
12-19
22-25
26-29
Zhenghua Secondary School
Co-ed
–
12-20
21-24
25-27
Bedok South Secondary School
Co-ed
–
14-19
21-25
25-28
Greendale Secondary School
Co-ed
–
8-18
21-23
25-27
Hillgrove Secondary School
Co-ed
–
14-19
21-24
25-28
Meridian Secondary School
Co-ed
–
15-19
21-24
25-27
Woodgrove Secondary School
Co-ed
–
13-20
21-23
25-27
Jurong West Secondary School
Co-ed
–
10-18
21-24
25-28
Montfort Secondary School
Boys
–
15-20 /13-21
21-25 /23-25
25-28 /26-28
Tampines Secondary School
Co-ed
–
13-19
21-25
25-28
Christ Church Secondary School
Co-ed
–
207
166
109
Yishun Secondary School
Co-ed
–
207
164
109
Seng Kang Secondary School
Co-ed
–
13-19
21-24
25-27
Admiralty Secondary School
Co-ed
–
15-20
21-24
25-28
Naval Base Secondary School
Co-ed
–
11-20
21-24
25-28
Hougang Secondary School
Co-ed
–
15-20
21-25
26-27
Punggol Secondary School
Co-ed
–
15-20
21-24
25-27
Regent Secondary School
Co-ed
–
15-21
21-25
–
Jurongville Secondary School
Co-ed
–
16-20
21-25
25-30
Westwood Secondary School
Co-ed
–
11-22
21-25
25-28
Greenridge Secondary School
Co-ed
–
195
156
126
Canberra Secondary School
Co-ed
–
11-22
21-24
25-29
New Town Secondary School
Co-ed
–
13-20
21-25
21-25
Juying Secondary School
Co-ed
–
12-21
21-25
25-28
Pei Cai Secondary School
Co-ed
–
8-22
22-25
26-29
Queenstown Secondary School
Co-ed
–
16-22
21-25
25-28
Assumption English School
Co-ed
–
10-22
22-25
25-29
Bartley Secondary School
Co-ed
–
13-22
21-25
25-28
Bedok Green Secondary School
Co-ed
–
13-20
21-25
25-28
Bendemeer Secondary School
Co-ed
–
8-22
21-25
25-29
Boon Lay Secondary School
Co-ed
–
188
152
101
Broadrick Secondary School
Co-ed
–
7-22
21-25
25-27
Bukit Merah Secondary School
Co-ed
–
9-22
21-25
25-28
Changkat Changi Secondary School
Co-ed
–
13-22
21-25
–
Damai Secondary School
Co-ed
–
15-22
21-25
25-28
Dunearn Secondary School
Co-ed
–
9-22
21-25
25-30
East Spring Secondary School
Co-ed
–
12-22
22-25
25-28
Fajar Secondary School
Co-ed
–
8-22
21-25
25-30
Fuchun Secondary School
Co-ed
–
188
152
100
Guangyang Secondary School
Co-ed
–
16-21
21-25
26-29
Junyuan Secondary School
Co-ed
–
17-22
21-25
25-28
Loyang View Secondary School
Co-ed
–
15-21/13-22
22-25/23-25
26-28/26-28
Manjusri Secondary School
Co-ed
–
15-21 /13-22
22-25 /23-25
26-28 /26-28
Marsiling Secondary School
Co-ed
–
9-22
21-25
25-30
Northbrooks Secondary School
Co-ed
–
12-22
21-25
25-28
Northland Secondary School
Co-ed
–
8-22
22-25
26-28
Outram Secondary School
Co-ed
–
4-22
22-25
26-30
Ping Yi Secondary School
Co-ed
–
188
152
108
Sembawang Secondary School
Co-ed
–
9-22
21-25
25-28
Serangoon Garden Secondary School
Co-ed
–
8-22
21-25
25-28
Serangoon Secondary School
Co-ed
–
16-21
22-25
25-28
Springfield Secondary School
Co-ed
–
10-22
21-25
25-28
Tanglin Secondary School
Co-ed
–
188
152
100
Teck Whye Secondary School
Co-ed
–
6-22
21-25
25-29
Whitley Secondary School
Co-ed
–
7-22
21-25
26-29
Woodlands Secondary School
Co-ed
–
9-22
21-25
25-28
Yio Chu Kang Secondary School
Co-ed
–
16-21
22-25
25-28
Yuhua Secondary School
Co-ed
–
14-22
21-25
25-30
Yuying Secondary School
Co-ed
–
8-22
21-25
26-28
Yusof Ishak Secondary School
Co-ed
–
Now that you can refer to this list of cut-off points, it’s time to decide which school you’d be applying for! Why not give yourself a headstart for your secondary school life with
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Contributed by ex-MOE English Teacher Mrs Wong, click here to contact her for online or face to face tuition
Use the “Show, not tell”technique
Anton Chekhov once said, “Don’t tell me the moon is shining. Show me the glint of light on broken glass.” His widely popularized adage truly encapsulates the idea of “Show, not tell.”
“Show, not tell” is a writing technique whereby writers use imagery (sensory details and actions) to draw readers into the story rather than merely providing exposition, background information. By showing, the reading experience is definitely more immersive for the reader, allowing them to “be in the room” so to speak, with the characters.
Telling:Gerald is a Nyctophobia who was terribly afraid of the dark.
Showing: Caught off guard by the sudden power outage, Gerald tensed up completely. He curled tight under the covers, gripped the sheets, and his breathing became more rapid, more shallow as the wind blew through the house and brushed past the curtain. Every fibre of his being commanded him to run, but he was rooted to the spot.
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In the “showing” example, rather than merely saying that Gerald is afraid of the dark, we show the readers his experience of that fear and how it takes over him completely. ‘Showing’ is a much better way to bring the readers into the story and convey Gerald’s fear to them in a much more compelling way.
Using this method will definitely allow students to achieve a much higher grade. If you need more help for PSLE English Essay, sign up for two days PSLE English Essay intensive workshop on 20 and 21 July – Intake 1 / 22 and 23 July – Intake 2. Slots are limited. Alternatively, you can engage a private tutor to take your writing to greater heights.
Here’s a sample essay for our PSLE students.
Question: Write about a time a unforgettable or memorable experience
Sweat rolled down my skin in thick, salty beads. Panting furiously, with my feet pounding the pavement, the warm humidity is making my skin feel sticky and suffocated. My uniform and hair, slick with perspiration, clung to my skin. I raced to the train station – if I want to avoid the hassle of jostling with crowds, I definitely could not afford to miss this train! It had been a long day in school, made worse by the fact that I had to attend two dreary hours of Mathematics supplementary lessons. Joining a queue of adults shuffling onto the bus that had arrived, I speedily dug out my EZ-link card from my bag, praying fervently that there would be vacant seats left
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It seemed that Lady Luck was smiling at me – I managed to find one, next to a little girl who was dozing off. I guessed that she could be no more than five years old. I began to wonder…hmmm…all by herself on public transport at such a tender age? My thoughts then whirled around recent reports of children being abandoned… but on a train? In law-abiding Singapore/ that would be a first!
However intrigued as I was about the possible scenarios, my curiosity about the matter waned as weariness soon took over. Just as I was about to drift into slumberland, a noise jolted me wide awake! The noise had apparently come from the girl next to me – she was bawling uncontrollably!
“Where is my brother?” she sobbed. Trying my best to calm her down, I asked her what had happened.
“He …he was taking me to a movie with…with his friends,” she replied, still sobbing. “I fell asleep and…and now they…they are gone!”
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Taking a quick glance at the water bottle the girl was firmly holding on to – I espied a ‘Jennifer Chen’ sticker on the cover. I asked her to open her backpack, hoping to find some form of identification. Thankfully, there was a school handbook bearing a contact number. I let out a sigh of relief and dialled the number promptly.
“KidzGenius Kindergarten, how may I help you?” a staff member answered warmly. After having identified myself and relating the circumstances I was in, I asked if there was a girl in the school by the name of Jennifer Chen and whether I could have his parents’ contacts, of which she duly provided.
I then called the girl’s mother. Hearing her mother’s voice is as comforting as a hug, Jennifer finally stopped sobbing. I told her mother not to worry and that I would arrange for her to pick up her child at the next station. I even had the presence of mind to take a book from my bag and read a story to her while waiting for her mother to arrive at the station.
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Finally, a lady dressed in black approached us with quickened footsteps.
“Mummy!” the girl choked, barely holding back her tears. She immediately sprinted towards her – I had never known five-year-olds to be able to run that fast.
Jennifer’s mother pulled her into her chest, wrapping her arms around her tightly. The emotional reunion that unfolded before my eyes remains a poignant moment etched in my memory. That hug was an exchange of pure joy between the two. Just as I was about to leave, she thanked me profusely for having taken care of Jennifer for her.
Her mother, Mrs Chen, thanked me profusely. Words could not express her gratitude. Later that night, I received a heart-warming text message from Mrs Chen, thanking me again, as well as relating to me how Jennifer’s brother, Thomas, had been too engrossed in chatting with his classmates on the train that he totally forgot about his sister’s existence.
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It has been said that ‘every now and then a man’s mind is stretched by a new idea or sensation, and never shrinks back to its former dimensions.’ This brief encounter with Jennifer and her mother has definitely left an indelible mark in my memory.
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