O-LEVEL PAST YEARS COMPOSITION QUESTIONS
In our ‘O’ Level English Enrichment Programme, we ensure that our graduating students are ready to ace the English Language examination. It is a race against time to prepare for the ‘O’ Levels, hence our programme focuses on teaching and reinforcing our students’ essay writing skills, comprehension answer precision, summary writing and oral examination techniques. All W@W secondary teachers spare no effort in coaching our students how to tackle popular examination essay topics.
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Janice glanced worriedly at her wrist watch. The time was already ten past seven. She had twenty minutes to make it to school on time. The sky was overcast. A slight drizzle rained down like a mist. It started raining cats and dogs as Janice reached the bus stop. She had ignored her mother’s advice to take an umbrella with her. She wondered how she was going to make itto school in the rain.
Jovan Ang, Primary 2
Rulang Primary School
It was an idyllic Saturday morning. Fluffy white clouds hung in the clear cerulean sky. Granny Lucy was tottering to the market. Her heart was filled with light-hearted cheer and her mouth curled into a smile. She was looking forward to preparing a feast for her grandchildren, who were coming for dinner that night.
Kew Ling Wei, Primary 3
Raffles Girls’ Primary School
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7 Essay Types at the O Level
- Posted By Randall Chew
Hello everyone! I’m Mr Ng Guo Liang, an English Language Curriculum Specialist and Teacher at Lil’ but Mighty.
When I was still teaching in a secondary school, I often had to address many questions — from both parents and students alike — about the different composition or essay types being tested in the O Level examinations; chief amongst which were:
– What composition or essay types will appear in the O Level examinations? – What is the difference between a discursive essay and an argumentative essay? – What is the difference between a recount and narrative essay? – What is the difference between a descriptive and reflective essay?
There were (and are) of course, many other questions pertaining to composition writing for the O Level. The ones above however — those concerned with conceptualising the types of compositions — are the ones I have had to address the most. In this blog post therefore, I will list the various types of compositions that could be tested in the O Level English Language Paper 1, and attempt to very briefly describe each of them.
Before I continue, I must make a disclaimer. This post is not meant to be a comprehensive set of notes or guide detailing and explaining each individual essay type, their features, and nuances. I must make it very clear to my readers that what I write and elaborate on in this post should not be taken as the absolute and definitive word on the various essay types; we should note that different teachers, authors, publishers, and reference materials describe, explain, and conceptualise the various essay types differently (and very possibly with different terminology). That being said, the descriptions I’ll make in this post are meant only as a very brief explanation of the various types of essays so that you can better understand what they generally require students to address in the examination.
Should you wish to enquire about and discuss the individual essay types at a more comprehensive and deeper level than that provided in this post, you can do so with your English teacher in school, or contact us and we shall endeavour to address your queries!
In the O Level examination, the following essay types could be tested:
1. Narrative 2. Personal Recount 3. Descriptive 4. Reflective 5. Discursive 6. Argumentative 7. Two-Part Essays
1. Narrative Essays
Narrative essays, as the name suggests, are essays that narrate a story. Most students reading this post should, by the end of primary school, be familiar with narrative essays as this is perhaps the essay type that they see the most in primary school and in creative writing classes. These essays are generally fictional in nature, and adhere to how narrative stories are developed in terms of their plots (beginning —> build up —> climax —> events that lead to a resolution —> a resolution —> and a coda/conclusion). Although these essays are generally fictional, that is not to say that students cannot use their own experiences to address the question. As long as the experience is relevant to the question, and features a rising plot which leads to a resolution, students are free to use their own experiences to inspire the narrative essay.
Sample questions:
– Freedom. – A challenge. – Write a story about kindness. – ‘It was my proudest moment.’ Write a story based on this.
2. Personal Recount Essays
Similar to a narrative essay, a personal recount essay retells a series of events that should be written in a linear and sequential manner. A personal recount essay is not to be confused with a narrative one. Narratives are often fictional in nature, and generally adhere to a rising plot development structure (most often with a climax and resolution). Personal recounts however, are not fictional in nature, and often relate to an event or experience which is meaningful or memorable to you (in other words, you should have personally experienced or witnessed this event or experience taking place.) Depending on the question asked, it can, of course, include a plot structure with elements similar to a narrative. However, unlike narrative essay writing, it does not require students to adhere strictly to a rising plot structure.
Personal recount essays, by nature of the questions given, typically require students to include an element of reflection. This usually focuses on the impact and significance that an event or experience have on them, and their thoughts, feelings, changing beliefs and attitudes as the series of events unfold. Such reflections should be interspersed and woven in and between the paragraphs of the essay. This is different for narratives, where reflections typically appear in the coda.
– Write about an interesting day out with your family. – Write about a mistake you regret making. – Write about how you conquered one of your fears. – Write about a task which turned out to be more difficult than you initially thought. – Write about a time a great act of kindness took place.
3. Descriptive Essays
Descriptive essays contain and emphasise descriptive elements. That is to say, such essays are written to appeal to the five senses, and should create vivid mental images for the reader when it is being read. This genre goes beyond describing physical attributes, but abstract ones as well (e.g. feelings, ideas, or a situation), and often involves reflecting on why something or someone is special or important. Unlike narrative essays, descriptive essays do not require a plot structure or storyline. This essay type most typically require students to write about and describe in detail one of the following topics:
1. An object 2. A person 3. A place 4. An event or incident 5. An experience
– Describe an individual who has had a great influence on you. – Describe a memorable celebration. – Describe your typical day in school. – Describe an object which you hold dear.
4. Reflective Essays
Essays of this genre require the students to reflect on themselves. Despite the reflective element, this is not to be confused with a personal recount. Personal recounts require students to recount and reflect on an event or experience which actually took place. Reflective essays however, are not about an event or experience, but are more about the students themselves.
Reflective essays typically require students to reflect on and make observations about their own personality and character. As such, it is more philosophical and insightful in nature.
Sample Questions:
– What would you consider to be your best and worst qualities? – What is your idea of a perfect day? – What are the type of books you enjoy reading? – Write about some of the things you value most in life.
Expository Essays: Argumentative and Discursive Essays
The next two essay types fall under the category we call ‘expositions’. An expository essay is one that explores and considers in depth the different aspects and perspectives to a particular topic or subject matter. We typically see two types of expository essays appearing in the O Level examination: argumentative and discursive essays.
5. Argumentative Essays
In an argumentative essay, students are typically given an issue, topic, or subject matter on which they are supposed to take a clear stand, and argue for that stand they have taken. This essay type is ‘biased’ in that regard, and the aim of the essay is to persuade the reader, with the strength of their points and arguments, that the stand taken in the essay is the right one.
1. The key features of an effective argumentative essay are: 2. There must be a very clear stand taken on the topic/subject matter given in the question. 3. Points/arguments given are supported by facts, statistics, observations or examples. 4. Points/arguments appeal to logic and emotion. 5. Using a persuasive tone and register. 6. Considering the opposing views and being able to rebut or refute them – this makes an argumentative essay the most persuasive and effective.
– ‘People can only be happy if they feel they are treated fairly.’ Do you agree (2019 O Level 1) – Do you agree with the view that students should never engage in part-time work? – ‘Social media has destroyed communication.’ What is your opinion? – Who has more problems to deal with — adults or youths?
6. Discursive Essays
Like argumentative essays, a discursive essay focuses on and concerns itself with one particular topic or subject matter. Unlike the argumentative essay however, one is not required to take a stand on the subject matter. Rather than pushing for and validating only one particular perspective, students are required instead to discuss and explore the multiple perspectives regarding the subject matter in an unbiased manner.
What is important to note is that students can state a preference for a particular perspective or viewpoint at the end of the essay, but the tone and register of the essay should not be a persuasive one (i.e. the way the essay is written should not dominantly favour one particular perspective or viewpoint over others). It should be written in a manner which reflects that all the perspectives and viewpoints you discuss in the essay are equally valid (even if you do eventually state a preference for one at the end) — in essence, an effective discursive essay is one that achieves balance .
– What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media? – What are the qualities a good leader should have? – Discuss the implications of making home-based learning a permanent mode of education. – Discuss your views on discipline.
7. Two-Part Essays
As the name suggests, two-part essays are essays which could comprise features and elements of two different essay types. What you will typically see is a question which explicitly has two distinct and separate parts students would have to address. For instance, the question would not only require students to describe something or someone, but also require them to reflect on that particular thing they are describing in the essay; such that the essay becomes a ‘mixed-genre’ essay.
For two-part essays, students need to ensure that they address both parts of the question, and do not make the common mistake of devoting too much time and too many words to the first half of the question and neglecting the second half of the question.
– Write about a mistake you regret making. What lessons did you learn from it? – Describe an individual who has had a great influence on you. Why is this person so special to you? – Describe an object which you hold dear. Why is this object so important to you? – Write about a time you were misunderstood by others. How did you feel?
This brings us to the end of this blog post. Although there is much more to the respective essay types regarding their features and styles, I hope that I have managed to provide you with brief but lucid explanations that will make it a little easier for you to understand the various essay types that could be tested in the O Level.
Until my next post, and on behalf of the Lil’ but Mighty family, stay happy, stay safe, and stay healthy!
- Fine Out More
Mr Ng firmly believes that there is a strong correlation between effort and eventual success, and that finding success in English is something that is attainable by all of his students regardless of their background and starting point. He has a strong love and passion for the language and hopes to inspire that same passion in his students through his lessons. That being said, he looks forward to bringing out the best in his students and guiding them to fulfil the potential they all have.
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O level english expository essay: mastering the peel format.
by LearningGems.sg | Jul 20, 2023 | 1 comment
1. Introduction | O Level English Expository Essay
A well-structured essay with clear arguments and a logical flow demonstrates proficiency in communication and critical thinking. One effective structure that aids in crafting coherent essays is the PEEL format, a widely recognised format used in essay writing. This format provides students with a systematic framework to organise their ideas and present them coherently.
PEEL stands for Point, Explanation, Evidence and Link.
2. Writing Body Paragraphs using the PEEL format | O Level English Expository Essay
2.1 point: crafting a strong topic sentence.
Within the PEEL format, the Point component holds significant weight as it sets the direction for each paragraph. The Point can also be known as the topic sentence. A strong topic sentence serves as a concise preview of the paragraph’s content, encapsulating the main idea or argument. It should be clear, specific, and should also answer the essay question directly.
A good topic sentence not only captures the essence of the paragraph but also engages the reader from the start. For example, in an essay about the impacts of social media on society, a strong topic sentence could be: “The pervasive influence of social media has transformed communication patterns and reshaped social interactions.” This topic sentence clearly states the focus of the paragraph and presents a compelling point for further discussion.
On the other hand, a weak or vague topic sentence can lead to confusion and a lack of clarity in the paragraph. For instance, a weak topic sentence in the same essay topic could be: “One impact that social media has on society is its impact on humans.” This topic sentence lacks specificity. It is too general and fails to provide a clear direction for the paragraph. It does not offer any indication of the particular aspect of social media being discussed.
By crafting strong topic sentences, students establish a solid foundation for their paragraphs, allowing for targeted and impactful discussions throughout the essay. Effective topic sentences provide a roadmap for the reader, ensuring that the subsequent components of the PEEL format align with the overarching argument and contribute to the overall coherence of the essay.
2.2 Explanation: Providing Context and Analysis
The Explanation component of the PEEL format plays a crucial role in connecting the Point and the Evidence. It serves as a bridge that provides necessary context, analysis, and interpretation to support the main argument. Offering in-depth explanations allows students to showcase their critical thinking skills and demonstrate a deep understanding of the topic.
When crafting explanations, it is important to provide relevant background information and clarify any terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to the reader. This contextual information helps to establish the foundation for the evidence that follows. Additionally, students should delve into the significance and implications of the point being made, providing insightful analysis and interpretation.
For example, if the essay is discussing the impact of climate change on biodiversity, the explanation should go beyond stating the facts. It should explore the interconnectedness between climate change and biodiversity loss, analysing how changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can disrupt ecosystems and lead to the decline of species. By providing such context and analysis, the writer not only educates the reader but also strengthens the overall argument.
Effective explanations should also consider alternative perspectives or counterarguments, demonstrating the writer’s ability to critically evaluate different viewpoints. By addressing potential counterarguments and providing a thoughtful rebuttal, students can strengthen the persuasiveness of their essays and showcase their ability to engage in nuanced discussions.
Incorporating thorough explanations within the PEEL format helps to connect the main point with the supporting evidence, ensuring a coherent and well-developed argument. It demonstrates the writer’s depth of knowledge and analysis while providing the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand.
2.3 Evidence: Supporting Your Point
The Evidence component within the PEEL format plays a pivotal role in bolstering the main point and providing credibility to the argument. Well-chosen evidence strengthens the writer’s position and convinces the reader of the validity of their claims.
Effective evidence can take various forms, such as statistical data, expert opinions, direct quotes, or real-life examples. It is essential to select evidence that directly supports the main point and helps to substantiate the argument. For instance, when discussing the benefits of exercise on mental health, citing scientific studies or referencing experts in the field can serve as compelling evidence.
To ensure the effectiveness of the evidence, students should avoid including certain types of evidence such as anecdotal examples. While anecdotal examples and personal experiences can be compelling, they should generally be avoided. The exception is when students are writing a reflective exposition. This is because anecdotal examples are based on personal observations or experiences, rendering them subjective and limited in their applicability to broader contexts. Just because an event occurred to one individual does not imply its occurrence or likelihood for everyone else!
Further, it is worth noting that simply presenting evidence is not sufficient; it is equally important to analyse and explain its significance. Connecting the evidence back to the main point and offering insightful analysis helps to reinforce the argument and allows the reader to see the logical progression of ideas.
2.4 Link: Ensuring Smooth Transitions and Coherence
The Link sentence in the PEEL format connects the paragraph to the overall argument and succinctly summarises what was discussed within the paragraph. It acts as a bridge between the supporting evidence and the main point expressed in the topic sentence, effectively rounding up the argument presented in that paragraph.
It is important to note that link sentences should be concise and purposeful, avoiding unnecessary repetition of information or phrases. Many students have the tendency to just repeat the topic sentence, but doing so does not add any value to the paragraph. In fact, it merely creates redundancy and diminishes the overall impact of the paragraph.
A good link sentence should wrap up the key ideas within the paragraph and connect them to the central argument. Mastering the art of linking within the PEEL format enhances the overall readability and impact of the essay.
3. A Sample Body Paragraph using the PEEL format | O Level English Expository Essay
Let us now look at how we can put all these together and apply it in writing. Can you identify the elements of the PEEL structure in this sample paragraph?
Question: Should Artificial Intelligence (AI) be regulated? Explain your views.
The development and prevalent use of AI poses significant risks to individuals and society. One of the primary risks is the potential for biased algorithms. AI algorithms are only as unbiased as the data sets they are trained on. Therefore, if these data sets contain biased information, the AI will replicate and even amplify those biases. This could result in discriminatory decisions, such as denying someone of an employment opportunity based on their race or gender. For example, in 2018, Amazon scrapped an AI-powered recruiting tool after it was discovered that the system had a bias against women. The system was trained on resumes submitted to Amazon over a ten-year period, which were mostly from male applicants. As a result, the system taught itself that male candidates were preferable, and it downgraded resumes that contained words like “women” and “female”. Without regulation, these risks could lead to significant harm to individuals and our social fabric. Therefore, it is essential to regulate AI to ensure that it is developed and used in a responsible and ethical manner, with appropriate safeguards in place. By mandating transparency, accountability, and fairness in the development and deployment of AI systems, we can mitigate the potential harms associated with this powerful technology.
4. Conclusion | O Level English Expository Essay
In summary, the PEEL format equips students with a structured framework to effectively organise their ideas and present them with clarity and flow. Ultimately, incorporating the PEEL format empowers students to craft well-structured essays that engage readers, showcase their depth of knowledge, and present compelling arguments.
Preparing for the O Level English Exam is never a walk in the park, but you should never navigate the journey alone. Should you require additional support in mastering the PEEL format, our experienced tutors are here to provide personalised guidance and assistance. Together, we can help you refine your writing skills and achieve the success you desire!
Calling all Sec 2 students! Are you ready to elevate your expository essay skills and master the PEEL format? Join our Expository Writing Booster Workshop today!
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O Level History Elective Paper 2273: How to Ace the Paper!
History Elective and Social Studies is one of the three Combined Humanities options. Some people think that History is a useless subject and prefer to choose Geography or English / Chinese Literature. However, I assure you that it is not. History is not just about past events; it is also about analysing, evaluating and making judgements about these events. These critical thinking skills are important for your child’s future, even if they do not study History.
O Level History Elective: What do we learn?
Unlike lower secondary history, O Level History Elective does not feature Singapore. O Level History Elective is in fact modern world history. If you want to know why the current world is this way, you need to learn history. The following are the topics:
- Impact of World War One.
- Rise of authoritarian regimes and its impact in the interwar years.
- World War II in Europe and the Asia–Pacific.
- Cold War and the bi-polar world order.
- Manifestation of the Cold War outside Europe.
- Reasons for the end of the Cold War.
The first unit covers the impact of World War One, especially on Germany. The students then continue with two case studies to explore the rise of dictatorship in Europe. The two case studies are Russia (Stalin) and Germany (Hitler).
Students then study the reasons for the outbreak of World War Two in Europe and Asia and the reasons for the defeat of Germany and Japan. The events of the war are not emphasized.
Finally, students learn about the reasons behind the Cold War and use the case studies of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Korean War to explore different facets of the Cold War. Finally, they learn the reasons for the end of the Cold War.
As mentioned, other than content, the exam tests critical thinking skills. They are similar to Social Studies:
- Draw inferences
- Analyse and evaluate information through different perspectives
- Differentiate between fact and opinion
- Compare and contrast different viewpoints
- Detect bias
- Construct well-supported arguments and make reasonable judgement and recommendations
O Level History Elective: Paper Format and Assessment
The paper is divided into two sections just like Social Studies. Section A consists of Source-Based Questions and is worth 30 marks in total. The content that can be tested in this section are the four case studies (Stalin, Hitler, Cuban Missile Crisis and Korean War).
Section B has two Structured Essay Questions worth 20 marks in total. The two questions are further divided into two sub-questions. The student only needs to answer one question of his or her choice.
The O Level History marking scheme is similar to Social Studies as it also uses the Levels of Response Marking Scheme (LORMS). This marking scheme emphasizes the quality of answer and students who explain their reasons well will score for history.
What can parents do?
This subject requires specialist knowledge of specific content. Despite this, parents can still nudge their children into picking up more knowledge about this period:
- Encourage students to watch shows based on modern world history. There are many dramas, films and documentaries set in this period.
- There are a lot of YouTube resources of this period. Just ask your children to look up Google.
- Always link back the present day to events that happened to the past. For example, why did America end up as the dominant superpower in the world?
I have a special section that features additional resources that students can access. Click here to read more about it.
In addition, I have prepared sample essays for students to refer to. They can be found below:
- Treaty of Versailles
- League of Nations
- Rise of Stalin
- Stalin’s Rule
- Rise of Hitler
- Hitler’s Rule
- Reasons for World War II in Europe
- Reasons for the Defeat of Germany
- Reasons for World War II in Asia-Pacific
- Reasons for the Defeat of Japan
- Reasons for the Cold War
- Cuban Missile Crisis
- Reasons for the End of the Cold War
Critical Thought English & Humanities is your best resource for English, English Literature, Social Studies, Geography and History.
My experience, proven methodology and unique blend of technology will help your child ace their exams.
If you have any questions, please contact us!
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Recently a student was spotted with a jacket that had the Nazi swastika. However, many Singaporeans are not perturbed. Is the swastika a symbol to be scorned?
Stalin’s Rule: 5 SEQ Samples
Another common Structure Essay Question for O Level history is Stalin’s Rule. How can we answer this topic well? Read more to find out how to score for this topic.
The Defeat of Germany: 3 SEQ Samples
The Defeat of Germany in World War 2 is a common O Level History Structured Essay topic. The following SEQ samples will help you ace your O Level examinations!
Case Study: France’s Assimilation Policy
France’s assimilation policy to get Muslim immigrants to fit into French secular culture has failed. Why have they persisted? Read on to find out more!
Complete Social Studies Issue 3 SRQ
Especially for students struggling with the Social Studies SRQ Issue e questions: Here are some sample essays! Ace your examination with these samples!
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'O' LEVELS ENGLISH NOTES
Find useful notes for essay writing & comprehension skills!
I'll be uploading some sample essays in the near future!
If you wish to request for extra notes, join our telegram channel @overmugged & make your request there!
- Victoria, 'O' Levels English Tutor
Essay & Comprehension Skills
SUMMARISED NOTES
Essay Writing & Comprehension Skills
More sample essays are coming soon! Stay tuned!
SAMPLE ESSAY #1
'Is attractiveness a necessary part of success?'
CURATED NOTES
LATEST 2022 VERSION
Get a copy of our curated notes designed by our specialist tutors!
An upgraded version of the free notes, there is comprehensive coverage of the entire syllabus for 2022!
Contains essay structures, writing techniques & sample essays !
Prices listed are inclusive of delivery within 2-3 days to your home letterbox!
'O' LEVELS ENGLISH CURATED NOTES
$40 per booklet. 143 pages.
This booklet contains detailed guides and templates for situational writing and continuous writing !
There is a wide variety of sample essays to reference from as well!
Comprehension, summary and oral skills are also covered within this guide book!
Past Years O-Level Essay Questions (English) with Essay Outlines
In this blog post, we have compiled the past years’ O-Level English Essay Questions. However, looking at these questions is not enough for your child’s revision. Hence, we have included essay outlines to accompany the essay questions from year 2022 to 2018.
These essay outlines, (almost 2100 words long), are written by the English curriculum team at Writing Samurai and Grade Solution Learning Centre. When you download the pdf of these essay outlines, you get to learn how to…
- Breakdown and analyse a question
- Generate main points and examples
- How to formulate counter-arguments
- Come up with ideas for personal recount and reflective essays
Use it as a study resource for your child!
Here’s a video preview of our Past Year’s O-level essay outlines:
So before you go on reading… You might want to download a pdf copy of our Essay Outlines from Year 2018 – 2022!
Click the blue download button, enter your email, and the pdf file will be delivered to your inbox! (Remember to check spam!)
- Some people enjoy being in a crowded place, while others prefer somewhere quieter with fewer people. Describe your perfect place when you want to relax.
- “I realised that I was much stronger than I had previously thought.” Write about a time when you felt like this.
- “Young people spend so much time thinking about the future that they forget to enjoy the present.” How far do you agree?
- “People today are far too easily persuaded to spend money on things they don’t need.” Do you agree that advertising has made us wasteful?
- Describe the sights and sounds of a shopping mall. Remember to describe the people too.
- “I felt I was on top of the world.” Write about a time when you felt like this.
- “Young people are making the world a better place.” What is your opinion.
- “A happy person is a healthy person.” How far do you agree?
- Describe ways to relax after you have been busy. Explain why it is enjoyable for you.
- Write about a time when you did something to impress someone and regretted it.
- Learning how to respond to mistakes is essential for success. What is your opinion?
- “There is no place like home.” Is it true to you?
- Which person has the most positive impact on your life? Describe the individual’s personality and in what ways he or she influenced you.
- “It was the proudest moment.” Write about a time when you felt like this.
- Most young people today are obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities. What are your views?
- “People can only be happy if they feel they are treated fairly.” Do you agree?
- Describe an event that you looked forward to which turned out to be disappointing. Explain why you were excited about it and why it didn’t live up to your expectations.
- “I had never seen my friend laugh so much!” Write about a time when this happened.
- Some people like to stand out from the crowd; others just want to be part of it. Which do you prefer and why?
- Which modern invention is essential for you and your family and which one could you and your family live without? Explain your views.
- Describe a place that means a great deal to you. Why is it so important?
- Write about a time when you caused great disappointment to a person. What did you do about the situation?
- It is often said that people are too concerned with getting things and spending money. What is your opinion?
- People should always tell the truth.’ Do you think there are any situations in which this might not be the best thing to do? Explain your views.
- Describe a childhood toy, or a game you played, which still means a great deal to you. Why is it so important?
- Do you agree that we can learn from the mistakes of others or do we need to learn from our own experiences?
- What are your ambitions for the future? Explain how you plan to achieve them, including any possible difficulties.
- To what extent do you agree with the idea that some teenagers lead an unhealthy lifestyle? Give reasons for your views.
- Describe the possession that matters most to you and explain why you would never be prepared to part with it.
- The world would be a very dull place without music’ What are your views?
- Shoppers have too much choice, from chocolate bars to jeans’ What, in your opinion, are the advantages and disadvantages of having many things to choose from?
- Do electronic devices, such as tablets or smart phones, help or hinder students in their studies?
- Describe how you celebrated an important family occasion. Why will this event always remain in your memory?
- Which features of Singapore and its citizens make it a major tourist attraction for people from all over the world?
- Which person has the greatest influence on your life at the present time, and why?
- The best things in life are free’ Write about some of the occasions when you have found this to be true.
- Parents often believe that it is better to be safe than sorry. Do you consider young people to be too protected?
- Describe some of your experiences in food courts and hawker centers. How important are these places in your life as a teenager in Singapore?
- The way we dress reveals who we are’ What are your views?
- What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Why does it mean so much to you?
- Write about an incident you still remember from your early childhood. Why do you think it has remained in your mind so clearly?
- People all over the world are living longer. What are the advantages and disadvantages of their increased life expectancy?
- Describe an annual event which you enjoy and explain why it is so important to you.
- The use of motorcars is the greatest threat to the environment’ Do you agree?
- “It is better never to borrow or lend money” What are your views on this advice?
- Write about an amusing incident on a day out with your family, which still makes you laugh whenever you remember it.
- Should boys and girls be given exactly the same type of education?
- Describe how a religious or national event is celebrated in your country.
- What important lessons in life are learned away from school?
- Write about an occasion when it was necessary to tell the truth whatever the consequences.
- Some people say that the internet does more harm than good. What is your view?
- Describe the location and the main features of your ideal home and explain why you think it would be an ideal place to live.
- In the 21st century, how important is it to be able to read, write and speak English in Singapore?
- I’m bored’ is so often the cry of teenagers today. What could be done about this?
- Write about an occasion when an attempt to help led to unexpected consequences for the helper.
- Write about some of your worries and hopes for the future.
- The delights and frustrations of being a teenager
- Write about an occasion when you just could not stop laughing at an inappropriate moment.
- Television, newspapers and the Internet – which of these do young people prefer as a source of information, and why?
- In your opinion, what kind of voluntary work is worth doing, and why?
- If you were drawing up a set of school rules for a new school, what would they be? Explain which of these you think are the most important
- Nowadays, people live longer than ever before. What problems does this present and how can these problems be dealt with?
- Write about someone who failed to live up to his or her reputation.
- Write about some of the things in your country you value the most and would miss greatly, if you had to live in another country
- Write about a time when your late arrival for a particular meeting or event led to serious trouble.
- What do you think secondary schools can do to ensure the health, well-being and safety of their students?
- Given the limited land available in Singapore, is it wise to set aside some areas as nature reserves?
- Do you feel that you need the long school vacation? How do you occupy your time during the December break, when schools are closed?
See more related articles and information on Writing Samurai:
- How to Write Argumentative Essays For Secondary School
- Top Tips on How to Write Discursive Essays
- Benefits of Secondary English Tuition
- Past O-Level Essays and Questions For Secondary English
- Exam Smart Tips For Language Editing
- Top Exam Tips for Secondary English
Before you leave this page… You might want to download a pdf copy of our Essay Outlines from Year 2018 – 2022!
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GCE O-Level English 50 Model Essays
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Ace the GCE O-Level English with 50 Model Essays: Your Ultimate Guide to Essay Writing Success
Unlock your full potential in English essay writing with GCE O-Level English – 50 Model Essays, a comprehensive collection of model essays designed to prepare you for success in the O-Levels. Gain valuable insights into commonly tested topics, including science, technology, the arts, and social issues, and develop the skills necessary to excel at secondary school level essay writing.
Key features of this indispensable book:
- Expertly crafted model essays: Learn from 50 model essays, meticulously written to provide you with a clear understanding of what’s expected in a high-scoring O-Level essay.
- Diverse topics: Engage with a wide array of questions, ensuring that you’re well-prepared to tackle essays on science, technology, the arts, and social issues with confidence.
- Effective learning approach: Challenge yourself to attempt the essay questions before referring to the respective model essays, fostering a valuable feedback loop for continuous improvement.
- Targeted preparation: This book is specifically tailored to prepare you for the GCE O-Level English examination, offering ample examples of essay questions and answers that you can learn from.
Don’t let essay writing challenges hold you back from achieving your academic goals. Invest in the GCE O-Level English – 50 Model Essays and unlock the door to essay writing mastery.
Order now and elevate your essay writing skills to new heights, ensuring success in your English examinations. Let this exceptional resource guide you on your journey to linguistic excellence!
Publisher: CPD Singapore Education Services Pte Ltd
Author: Andrew Smith
ISBN: 9789811413100
Price: SGD 12.90
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Key Guide O-Level English: Mastering Comprehension Skills
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A few have come forward asking for my essays, so I'll be linking two of them here. The first essay's my prelim essay, for which I scored a 29, while the second one's an essay I wrote for practice, so it's ungraded. They aren't the best, but the first essay might serve as a good gauge for what to expect as it was also written under exam conditions.
for argumentative essays (when they ask a question and whether u agree on it) its similar to the previous topic but have only one stand. (no "i agree to a certain extend") make sure you have valid examples, again, no personal examples. (for example, with the usage of plastic bags, there are some stores that require you to pay for plastic bags ...
O Levels. hi i'm about to take o levels soon and from what i read all over reddit, the best way is to write essays and let my teacher mark. yet, i can never hit 21/30 mark for continuous writing. if lucky, i can hit twenty. most of the time its just nineteen. thus i am here to politely request for students who have written narrative/personal ...
hi! i took my o levels last year and managed to get an a1 for english, i also consistently got a1 for english during regular school exams. i might be a bit biased as i tend to like writing essays for fun sometimes, but i would say that sticking to expository essays like discursive or argumentative is always safer, especially if you are used to writing these formats usually. iirc, for my o ...
English O Level 2022 - Argumentative Essays. Please send some of your best argumentative essays that have scored an A1, which include real-life examples to support your points. I want to get some ideas because my thought processes are usually sub-par. Also, prelims for English are coming this Monday.
hi all! i am a secondary 4 student taking o lvls this year. i was wondering if any of yall have read or heard of any good english model essay books. my english essay is quite week so i think it wld help if i could be able to study some good essays. i am going to popular tomorrow to look for model essay books so if any of u have some good recommendations, it would be greatly appreciated haha ...
i'm here to ask if any o level students who score distinctions for (argumentative) essay and situational writing are willing to share their own essays with me/here, including advice if have any! i've read model essays online and model essays by my english teacher, but i feel it'd be better if i read the distinction essays written by you guys. i ...
Avoid using connectors that take up multiple words like "in addition", "as a result", "on the other hand" etc. Using the right conjunctions or connectors can increase your language score . 9. Check Your Work! After writing your summary, count the number of words and make sure you haven't exceeded the word count.
O'levels Paper 1: Continuous Writing (Sample Narrative / Personal Recount Essay) O'levels Paper 1 Student's Model Essay: Question: Write about an occasion when an inconsiderate act leads to drastic consequences. "Bang, bang, bang, buzzzzz," the sound of the relentless pounding of the drill reverberated throughout the walls of my flat.
In our 'O' Level English Enrichment Programme, we ensure that our graduating students are ready to ace the English Language examination. It is a race against time to prepare for the 'O' Levels, hence our programme focuses on teaching and reinforcing our students' essay writing skills, comprehension answer precision, summary writing and oral examination techniques.
An expository essay is one that explores and considers in depth the different aspects and perspectives to a particular topic or subject matter. We typically see two types of expository essays appearing in the O Level examination: argumentative and discursive essays. 5.
Personal recount essay. Descriptive essay. Reflective essay. Discursive essay. Argumentative essay. 1. Narrative Essay. As the name suggests, the goal of the narrative essay is to narrate a fictional story. However, that doesn't mean you can't sprinkle in some personal experiences to spice up your writing.
Get better English grades in the new syllabus. Master O Level English exam strategies that matter for secondary 1 to 4 students. With only 4 to 8 students in each class, students get maximum teacher's attention. Sign up for a $20 trial lesson to experience one of our classes. Our classes & fees. Learn More.
From F9 to B3 for O levels English Jenell CHIJ SJC '19. Ace Your Secondary/IP English Workshop - (Summary) This workshop aims to impart useful techniques for Summary writing and Hands on summary writing practice. 2 days workshop (2days x 3h) Fees: $150. Ace Your O Levels English Essay Writing & Summary Package
Hello!! I (25F) am not an English major myself as I have switched degrees but I am realizing that for where I'm at in life, my writing skills I feel suck… people have told me on multiple occasions I am very articulate and well spoken but my issue is, I feel like I absolutely suck at writing, whether it be English class papers, social science papers.
4. Conclusion | O Level English Expository Essay. In summary, the PEEL format equips students with a structured framework to effectively organise their ideas and present them with clarity and flow. Ultimately, incorporating the PEEL format empowers students to craft well-structured essays that engage readers, showcase their depth of knowledge ...
O Level History Elective: Paper Format and Assessment. The paper is divided into two sections just like Social Studies. Section A consists of Source-Based Questions and is worth 30 marks in total. The content that can be tested in this section are the four case studies (Stalin, Hitler, Cuban Missile Crisis and Korean War).
143 pages. This booklet contains detailed guides and templates for situational writing and continuous writing! There is a wide variety of sample essays to reference from as well! Comprehension, summary and oral skills are also covered within this guide book! Find high quality free notes for every chapter for 'O' Levels English! Notes are ...
In this blog post, we have compiled the past years' O-Level English Essay Questions. However, looking at these questions is not enough for your child's revision. Hence, we have included essay outlines to accompany the essay questions from year 2022 to 2018. These essay outlines, (almost 2100 words long), are written by the English curriculum […]
O'LEVELS ENGLISH DAY 1: 2023 ORAL QUESTION (YOUTH CHARACTER) (As you should already know, the sound in the video is immaterial. Focus on the content and subject.) How to tackle the Oral Planned Response Question: For planned response, students must present a 2-minute response (usually this means two PEEL Paragraphs) to answer the question.
Para 6 : Conclusion. -summary of the whole proposal. -a polite thank you for favourable consideration of your ideas. 3) Language. Keep in mind these language tips you write, for a well-rounded and watertight proposal. > Write in present tense (predominantly) unless you are citing a past event. > Be persuasive, respectful and polite.
2018 O Level English Model Situational Writing. However, I assure you that the centre will be advantageous to the rest of the school as well. A theatre with state-of-the-art technology and a seating capacity of 200 is an investment that would reap the school financial benefits. We could sell tickets for our in-house drama, dance and musical ...
Overall, Score A1 in O-Level English Expository, Argumentative and Discursive Model Essays is an excellent resource for students who want to excel in their English writing skills. The book's comprehensive coverage of model essays, combined with practical advice on how to improve writing skills, makes it a valuable tool for students of all levels.
GCE O-Level English - 50 Model Essays is a collection of 50 model essays designed to present students with insights on commonly tested topics, including science, technology, the arts and science. This wide array of questions will equip students with the necessary skills to tackle essay writing at the secondary school level.This book aims to prepare students for the O-Levels by providing ...