DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NEW SYLLABUS AND OLD SYLLABUS COMPOSITIONS (PAPER 1)

The one composition a week will be postponed to the weekend or Monday. In this blog, let's go through the differences between the old and new syllabuses for English composition.


This is not my first time posting a Primary 3 & 4 composition on this blog (see here and here amongst others), but I've not talked about the examination format for Primary 3 & 4 compositions before.


Generally, for Primary 3 & 4 Paper 1 (composition paper), the pupil will have two choices: a picture-based question and a scenario-based one.


There was a change in the English syllabus a few years back.


Before the change, the picture-based question would be a series of three (plus one question mark) or four pictures that form a clearly related sequence of events. See examples below.


Example 1

As can be seen from the pictures, the four pictures are clearly linked and are in sequential order, depicting a bicycle accident in the park.
















Example 2

In Example 2, the pictures are also arranged in order and illustrate clearly a story of a car accident.


The difference between Example 1 and Example 2 is in the last picture. In Example 1, the last picture is given but the last picture in Example 2 has been replaced by a question mark.


This makes Example 2 more challenging, but also more interesting, as the pupil has to come up with the end himself. Will the boys be hit? If yes, how seriously would they be injured? Or perhaps they would have a narrow escape? And if they did, how did it happen?


Some schools test four-picture questions in both Primary 3 & 4 examinations; some test only three-picture questions; and others give four-picture questions to Primary 3 students and four-picture ones to Primary 4 students.


The differences between the new and old syllabuses

New syllabus picture composition

1. The new format is that only three pictures will be given, and there won't be any question mark.


2. The three pictures are also not in order. But they are clearly linked because if you want to, you can arrange them to form a story without problem.


3. Previously, the pupil has no choice. He has to use all the three or four pictures that are given. Now, he can choose to use any one, two or all of the pictures given. This actually gives a lot more leeway to the pupil in terms of creative freedom.


Final note

Not all schools have adopted the new syllabus for Primary 3 & 4 Paper 1. In fact, many of them are still sticking to the old syllabus and will only begin to expose their pupils to the syllabus in Primary 5 & 6. And yes, the new syllabus is also the new PSLE format.


But parents and pupils don't have to worry too much for even though the format of the question has changed, the end product is still the same; the examiner will be looking out for:

• a well-developed storyline
• vivid characterisation
• the use of literary techniques (if any)
• sound grammar
• wide range of vocabulary that is effectively used
• how interesting and creative your story is.

If anything, the new format makes it easier for the pupil. Pupils who have problems coming with plots can just link up the three pictures and give their own conclusion. Pupils who are very creative can choose to use just one or two pictures and fill in the missing gaps using their own ideas. It's a win-win situation for all, isn't it?

Edit:

• There is no change to the scenario-based question.  As before, a starting scenario is given and then the pupil is asked to continue the story. 

• Marking rubric is unchanged for both picture- and scenario-based writing. 120 words minimum. 20 marks (12 marks content and 8 marks language).