<![CDATA[Use of Vocabulary in Compositions]]>HI parents,


DS1 is P4 this year. He has no English enrichment classes or Creative Writing classes. We are coaching him ourselves. DH will work on expanding his vocabulary and good phrases once a week. In school, the teacher will distribute good compositions written by his peers. He reads very very widely too.

However, he is still using very simple words and phrases in his composition. Teacher just commented "It is high time that you make use of vocabulary and good phrases used in your peers’ work. You have been using the same words and phrases repeatedly." But teacher did comment that it is a good piece of work, I think in terms of content.

He scored 14/20 for the compo.

Any advice how we can get/help/advise/suggest/whatever him to use more vocabulary in his composition ?

Really feel very frustrated and helpless…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/4629/use-of-vocabulary-in-compositionsRSS for NodeFri, 08 May 2026 23:21:08 GMTThu, 30 Jul 2009 07:32:32 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:57:10 GMT]]>

SMILEY:

Hi mrswongtution,

Thanks for the reply.
Do you teach Lower primary english and which area is convenient for you?
I've sent you a PM so that we don't go 'out of topic' on this thread 🙂
You can also go to this thread for more information on my tuition services: http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2876

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/51452https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/51452Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:57:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:41:36 GMT]]>

mrswongtuition:


You can correct her & make her repeat the proper sentence to you. Most children who have this problem due to lack of exposure. You can also buy those CD-ROMs that read out the story to them with words/pictures for them to follow. It's interesting & they'll be exposed to proper english.

For writing you'll need to encourage her to write often. Reading does help in both oral & written english. As I've suggested in this thread before, make your child read aloud to you 🙂
Hi mrswongtution,

Thanks for the reply.
Do you teach Lower primary english and which area is convenient for you?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/51446https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/51446Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:41:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:22:00 GMT]]>

SMILEY:
Hi mrswongtution,


My P1 girl has a problem in expressing herself in verbal and written.
For example, she will talk in pieces and furthermore in singlish.
Have tried to correct her in most of the times but don't think it will work for long term. Is there anything that I can do to help her?
You can correct her & make her repeat the proper sentence to you. Most children who have this problem due to lack of exposure. You can also buy those CD-ROMs that read out the story to them with words/pictures for them to follow. It's interesting & they'll be exposed to proper english.

For writing you'll need to encourage her to write often. Reading does help in both oral & written english. As I've suggested in this thread before, make your child read aloud to you 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/51431https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/51431Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:22:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:15:25 GMT]]>Hi mrswongtution,


My P1 girl has a problem in expressing herself in verbal and written.
For example, she will talk in pieces and furthermore in singlish.
Have tried to correct her in most of the times but don’t think it will work for long term. Is there anything that I can do to help her?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/51425https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/51425Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:15:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:01:47 GMT]]>I teach from home & do travel to student’s place if the location is convenient.


You’ll see positive results when you put in effort. I personally enjoy teaching & interacting with my students. Seeing them improve motivates me to search for more resources for them!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/48204https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/48204Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:01:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:42:19 GMT]]>Hi Mrs Wong,

wow…u really put in efforts! R u teaching at home or centre?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/48178https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/48178Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:42:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:45:50 GMT]]>[Editor's note: Topic selected for http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/more-composition-writing-tips.]


My suggestions to parents (things that I usually do with my tutees):

Make them start a journal.
If they are the type that do not know what to write, give them a topic a day. I usually start off with giving them pictures (can be anything under the sun!) with some questions as prompts. Then there'll be a list of helping words/phrases related to the topic. Depending on your child's age, you can get them to start with 10 sentences per day (P1/2) and slowly get them to increase the number of sentences. It's ok if their sentences seem very random & do not link at the beginning. Start off with correcting basic grammar & spelling. Then if you spot a sentence that can be improved with better vocab or phrase, teach them & get them to jot it down in their journal. You can also let your child take pictures whenever you go out & use those pictures as the topics. It'll be easier for them this way as they have personally experienced what they saw in the picture. You can also use photos from family trips, childhood photos, etc.

Read out loud.
Children who do not like to read usually have problems with the words, which makes them hate reading in the first place. Ask your child to read out loud to you. If they are shy, start off with you reading 1 sentence, then they will read the next and alternate. 🙂 They feel less self-conscious if you are also reading with them & once you note pauses (meaning they do not know the word), quickly help them before they start to feel frustrated. Praise them & assure them that they are doing a good job. Not only are you encouraging reading, you are also encouraging them to practice their oral skills! Where to find so many passages to read? You can buy model composition books or buy comprehension books & read the passages (the latter is better as the topics are usually general knowledge topics & it will help them in cloze passages & comprehension). Discuss about the topic of the passage you read. Prompt them with questions like \"Do you think ___ did the right thing?\", \"Was he brave/courageous by doing that?\", etc. If you spot difficult words, search the dictionary with them. It's a good skill to learn - searching the dictionary for meaning of words. It makes them curious & they are always amazed at how some words can have so many meanings!

Play a game.
Play word games with your child. Start off with a word & the next person must give another word that has the same meaning or is related (e.g. butterfly -> wings -> colourful -> rainbow -> green -> leaves). Keep going till someone is stuck. It's very fun & their competitive spirit will spur them to learn more words. It also trains their minds to link objects/descriptions. You can also write down the words (encourage them to spell) & make use of the words to form a sentence or story! Although the sentences/stories may seem 'crazy', it's really fun & gives them something to think about.

Self questioning technique
Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
Usually we will teach children to write 3 paragraphs - Introduction, Body & Conclusion. But do the kids understand what is expected in each paragraph?
This is what a typical story would be like:
Introduction -> Who is in the story? When/Where did it happen?
Body (can be more than 1 paragraph) -> What happened? Why did it happen?
Conclusion -> How was the matter resolved? Closing sentence.

Sample written by my P5 student [Topic - Describe what happened when you were late for a very important event.]:
````` Perspiration was trickling down the sides of my [WHO] face, every step causes a drop that was dangling at my chin to splatter on the tar road. It was the day of my PSLE examination [WHEN] & I was on my way to school [WHERE]. I was pushing myself to run as fast as my legs could take me as it was 10 minutes before my first paper was about to start. As I was running, I started to reflect. I knew it was entirely my fault that I'm late, but I could not help but hold resentment towards them. The two immature & spoilt children whom I have to call my siblings [WHO].
````` I woke up this morning thinking it was six in the morning. The room was dark, the air was fresh and most importantly, my trusty clock had it's shorter hand pointing at six and its longer hand in the opposite direction. A quick check with the living room clock and my heart skipped a beat. It was actually 8am! I scurried back into my room, fantically changing my clothes, suddenly noticing my two younger brothers giggling at the bedroom door.
````` \"What are you laughing it? I'm late for a major exam that determines the rest of my life and the two of you are giggling! You must have something to do with this!\" I yelled in frustration. I guess my tone was nasty as my youngest brother started crying.
````` \"We played with your clock last night after you feel asleep and we thought it would be fun to make you late for school since you slept so early,\" my youngest brother mumbled feebly with his knees shaking. [WHAT/WHY]
````` So it was them. I should have gotten my parents to wake me up. I should have gotten my friends to ring me in the morning. I cannot help but smack myself in the head, ignoring the fact that I'll be killing some much-needed brain cells. It was my fault for not making back-up plans in case the clock fails, but why must they play with my clock of all days?
````` I made up my mind to grill my siblings on the barbeque or tie them up on a tree after my examinations. For now, I'll have to run harder. The school gate was in sight! I dashed past security, past the school office & up into the school hall. 300 pairs of eyes suddenly suddenly looked up at me, all sweaty & disheveled. I had arrived in the nick of time, the teachers were just about to start the examination. I quickly took my seat and focused on the paper in front of me.
````` After the paper, I went straight home & called my parents. I was too tired with deal with my brothers physically. I told them everything over the phone and took a nap. When I woke up, I could hear screaming and crying. \"Piak!\" came the sound of the cane. I ran out of my room to take a look. My parents were caning my brothers for their mischief. My heart ached as I saw the cane land on their bottoms.
````` I quickly ran over to shield my brothers. My brothers clung to me like koala bears on a tree. Their faces were smeared with tears & mucus, their hands riddled with cane marks. Although they did cause me to be late for my examination, I still loved them. I begged my parents to stop as I've already forgiven them. After drying their tears & comforting them, I told them about the dire consequences if I had been a little later. They apologised and promised never to be mischevious again. [HOW] I also made a silent resolution to ensure that I have back up plans whenever I have something important [CLOSING SENTENCE].


May not be the best compo, but she managed to use some techniques I practised with her in which I'm pleased as this is a student who used to fail composition.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47724https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47724Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:45:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:19:44 GMT]]>Reading widely is the panacea. But for children who are not voracious readers, they can only turn to model essays and tutor's notes for quick fix. Some parents remarked that the essays of their DD and DS are peppered with good phrases (work of memorising those lines), however, their grammar did not put them in good stead.


强搬硬套，好词佳句反倒变成老鼠屎。 :scared: 强记硬背最后不得善终。可怜……


http://www.postimage.org/

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47563https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47563Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:19:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:47:23 GMT]]>

Emelyn:
Hi all,


Just an update.
DH and I tried to use new vocabs and good phrases (aka 好词好句）. Wow... Not easy lei... Always need to think think first before talking. And also realised that 来来去去 I kept using the same ones.

Sigh. Then how ? Help Help again !!
I totally get what you mean. For parents who are not so \"powerful\" in language, there is a limit to how much we can help. Example, I will automatically say ...the sky is dark and often do not consciously try to think of better words..eg \"the sky looks menacing\"...For parents who are not (like me) naturally blessed with strong language skills or not prepared to provide the child with tuition in compo writing, I would suggest buying good model compositions (be careful, some got no standard) and ask the child to \"read out aloud\" eveynow and then. You can point out/emphasise the good words as he/she is reading it. After a while, the child will eventually get some \"ideas\".

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47543https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47543Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:47:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:02:07 GMT]]>Hi all,


Just an update.
DH and I tried to use new vocabs and good phrases (aka 好词好句）. Wow… Not easy lei… Always need to think think first before talking. And also realised that 来来去去 I kept using the same ones.

Sigh. Then how ? Help Help again !!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47483https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47483Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:02:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:11:41 GMT]]>Sometimes, we have to rationalise with our children. In their perspective, they tend to write whatever that comes to their mind. That's when they end up with TELLING sentences. e.g. She felt very sad after getting scolded by her father.

It doesn't satisfy the needs of a reader with no feelings evoked. A prosaic and unimaginative essay. Instead, we should write SHOWING sentences that help the reader (the marker) to conjure up the scenes and images upon reading the lines.
\"Tears flowed copiously from her eyes after her father livid with rage gave her the mother of all tongue-lashings. \" :x

Ask the child what he/ she prefers...the telling sentence or the showing sentence? Which has less impact? Which sentence is more likely to stir emotions? Meaningful learning will only ensue when the child is given the opportunity to ruminate upon the effects of employing \"showing\" phrases. We have to stop telling our children they will gain more marks for using the good phrases. :rant: I guess ramming it down their throats will only make them become rebarbative. :wrongmove:

Artbeaucoup :roll:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47254https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47254Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:11:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 01:26:23 GMT]]>

schellen:
A word of caution: Don't go overboard and end up overusing \"fancy words\"

Agree. Hopefully with wider vocab, he will be able to choose and select as appropriate.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/46244https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/46244Sat, 01 Aug 2009 01:26:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:36:59 GMT]]>

Emelyn:
Any advice how we can get/help/advise/suggest/whatever him to use more vocabulary in his composition?Really feel very frustrated and helpless..

Thought the help was how to help Emelyn help her son use more
vocabulary in his composition? :?

I remember reading that her son's content is good, except for the
vocab part right? 😐

Wah-seh, csc-jie... You've just given, compo tutoring 101 for us all
leh! :lol:


:udawoman:

And now, even I AM interested if you can do tuition for my girls, so i can
relax a bit... How? Can anot? But then again, with such powderful teacher
sure won't come cheap right? *gulp* Hehee... :lol:

Yes, i agree with all that csc is thee best writer to date! No two hoots
about that! Hands down.. So the genes definitely trickled down to your
children csc. That's why they too write well in school!

:celebrate: AND :salute:

PS : True. Agree with the rest..... too colourful a piece may seem a
bit over the top. Moderation is the key! Mebbe the class teacher can
help inspire the writing process and not pressure him to compare with
his peers... 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/46220https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/46220Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:36:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:07:38 GMT]]>

EN:
...apparently it a different method used by teachers. By the look of it, does look like mind mapping.

Mind mapping - Tony Buzan? I agree with the expansion of original/root idea...logical sequence etc...but surely there has to be a conclusion eh?

Not sure if the Creative Writing websites have anything good but usually writing prompts should work right?

Some pointers that may help our kids write:
--Help them find a pen pal that they can write letters to or e-mail.
This will get them into the habit of writing often hopefully!

--Start with getting them to tell you about the movies they love and video games they love all started with the written word. This shows them that writing is everywhere.

--Cut out pictures from magazines and have them write a story to go along with the picture.

--If your children enjoy writing, try submitting their stories to a children's literature magazine or web-site. Once they see their name in print, they'll be hooked! And you'd would be proud too !

Finally, when all else fails, and if they are having trouble with writing or understanding, help them or find them a tutor. Don't let bad habits or lack of writing continue...once you go down this path, it is hard to get back on track.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/46037https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/46037Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:07:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:47:37 GMT]]>[quote]I remember that I was taught to plan the Intro; Body and Conclusion. [/quote]
I remember the same thing too. I tried teaching her the same method but apparently it a different method used by teachers. By the look of it, does look like mind mapping.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45799https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45799Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:47:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:37:03 GMT]]>Yes, I hate bad conclusions or worse, no conclusions at all. Imagine if the child was writing a essay with discussions about pros and cons of some issue. Without a conclusion, the reader/marker is left hanging there wondering whether the writer is for or against the issue. Sure to lose some marks this way.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45788https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45788Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:37:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:31:46 GMT]]>

fxchow:
Yup, my DD also very lor soh and her ending always got problem.
My son's ending also got problem. It is like either he has reached the number of words required already :x , or time is up. My hubby once commented that after reading the ending, he felt so anti-climax.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45782https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45782Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:31:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:21:07 GMT]]>

fxchow:

Yup, my DD also very lor soh and her ending always got problem.

Really hope that she can do well on her writting for her prelim and psle which's coming soon. 🙏
How about planning the end first? Then work backwards. I remember that I was taught to plan the Intro; Body and Conclusion.

I like CSC's guidelines/suggestion :idea: and will use this for my girls. Thanks!

I'm very verbal a person, so I tend to speak with \"flowery\" language. Once your boy's comfortable using such phrases in his conversation, it's go to his composition as it's now 2nd nature 🙏

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45770https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45770Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:21:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:00:32 GMT]]>

EN:
My dd full of ideas but very lor soh (long winded) and her grammar is something that really need to work on. But then...same goes to the mum. 😉

Hi,

Yup, my DD also very lor soh and her ending always got problem.

Really hope that she can do well on her writting for her prelim and psle which's coming soon. 🙏

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45705https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45705Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:00:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 04:06:30 GMT]]>[quote] Posted: 31 Jul 2009 11:43 Post subject:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

no la, emelyn, i where got write well... have difficulty expressing my thoughts sometimes, not like buds, Chief, sashimi, insider - [/quote]csc, don't be so coy lah. I agree with Emelyn's sentiment on your writing style. Err...can give tuition to my two kids?


Hi Emelyn

I know your son reads widely. So does mine. But during PTC last year, the teacher was advising me to introduce to fictional books as DS early last year was only reading non-fiction. This is to build up vocab and the style of writing. Of course as mention by all the experts that have replied earlier, writing diaries, dont go overboard of using too much flowery phrases and idioms (just like food with too much spices, spoils the taste) and use of new words in everday interactions.

My dd full of ideas but very lor soh (long winded) and her grammar is something that really need to work on. But then...same goes to the mum. 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45652https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45652Fri, 31 Jul 2009 04:06:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:43:02 GMT]]>no la, emelyn, i where got write well... have difficulty expressing my thoughts sometimes, not like buds, Chief, sashimi, insider - :salute:


juz sharing experiences... and i believe practice (with the right techniques) makes perfect (not always...but most of the time)

So keep trying and praising your ds1 for his effort...don't keep pressing him to use the phrases but suggest him to use them... don't compare his work with his peers..

And keeping a diary or journal helps (where writing is made meaningful).Check out buds' blog.

Have fun and enjoy the process. :lol:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45631https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45631Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:43:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:30:24 GMT]]>wow...csc....after reading what you have written, i suddenly realised why DS1's compo is so-so only.....


Cos the mother's compo also so-so....I can never write like you !!

😞 自我安慰 ！

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45624https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45624Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:30:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:07:27 GMT]]>A word of caution: Don't go overboard and end up overusing \"fancy words\" (sorry, I don't know what else to call them 😉 ). If you do so, the marker will get the impression that you're trying too hard and he/she will be overwhelmed by all the fancy language.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45610https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45610Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:07:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Use of Vocabulary in Compositions on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:03:47 GMT]]>[Editor's note: Topic selected and edited for http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/some-tips-writing-compositions.]


There are more to a good piece of writing than using good phrases. A piece of writing full of 'good phrases' with no interesting content will not 'score' well. Some students have a tendency to 'overuse' such phrases or use them inappropriately.

An excellent piece of work needs to have clear and appealing ideas and is supported with vivid details. The introduction must be effective and has the ability to arouse the interest of the reader. Some examples are : use of sounds, dialogues or flashbacks.

An example of a flashback: \" Sitting in my cold, dark cell, I reflected and mourned on my dark, shadowy past..........\"

Characters must be interesting and well-described. The use of relevant dialogues and description of appearance can bring life to the characters.

Example : \"The pharmacist recoiled in terror and let out a blood-curding scream.\"

Of course, interesting phrases must be used. Try to make the phrases specific and vary their usage. So instead of car, use phrases such as a red BMW. Use vivid verbs - such as scurried off instead of ran.

Pay attention to the sentence structure. Vary the length. Strike a balance between long and short sentences. Sometimes a short sentence can have a great effect on the reader.

Example : There was no sign of the policeman; it was as quiet as a graveyard. I panted and gasped for air. There was a sense of triumphant feeling in me. I had escaped.

Try a different way of starting a sentence instead of using nouns or pronouns.

Example : Grabbing a knife from a kitchen, I made my way out.

Shocked at the appearance of the stranger, the children fell silent.

Use good linking words and connectors well. eg Just then, without hesitation

Start and end well. A good ending will leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Eg : \"Murder. I had killed someone; taken away someone's life. I crumpled my face with tears. Then I ran. I ran.\"

Last, but not least,there must be minor mistakes in spelling, punctuation and grammar.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45606https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/45606Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:03:47 GMT