PSLE Creative Writing Materials Primary Composition Paper 1: Motivation

PSLE Creative Writing Materials Primary Composition Paper 1 with theme Motivation, creative writing materials are found here. We will go through all the concepts, words and how we can setup compositions for an AL1 grade for your PSLE English score. In this creative writing material, we talk about how someone becomes motivated and how we can write about it that in a composition. In PSLE Composition, we should establish the idea of the formation of a motivation. We should also establish a location and the source of a motivation to come into effect. We should also direct the writer to develop a character that has the right mindset to form the motivation to do something. At the level for PSLE, the composition should also include interesting characters.

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Developing a motivation for a character. Incentivise a reason.

Motivation is a powerful force that drives us to take action and pursue our goals. When writing about motivation in an essay, it is essential to understand the different types of motivation and how they influence behavior. Here, we will explore how to write about motivation in an essay and the vocabulary that can be used to describe different types of motivation. Motivation is a crucial aspect of character development in creative writing. It is what drives a character’s actions and decisions, and it helps to create a compelling and believable character.

Firstly, when writing about motivation, it is important to identify the specific type of motivation being discussed. There are two main types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes from within, and is driven by an individual’s personal interests and enjoyment of a task. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, comes from external factors such as rewards, punishments, or pressure from others.

Once the type of motivation has been identified, the vocabulary used to describe it can be tailored accordingly. When writing about intrinsic motivation, words like passion, enjoyment, and personal satisfaction can be used to describe an individual’s drive to pursue a particular goal. These words create a sense of excitement and fulfillment in readers and help to establish the importance of the task to the individual.

When writing about extrinsic motivation, words like rewards, incentives, and pressure can be used to describe the external factors that drive an individual’s behavior. These words create a sense of obligation and duty in readers and emphasize the importance of external factors in motivating behavior.

Additionally, when writing about motivation, it is important to consider the impact of motivation on behavior. Words like persistence, perseverance, and dedication can be used to describe the ways in which motivation drives individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. These words create a sense of determination and resilience in readers and help to establish the importance of motivation in achieving success.

Finally, when writing about motivation, it is important to consider the potential downsides of excessive or misplaced motivation. Words like obsession, compulsion, and fixation can be used to describe the negative effects of excessive motivation, such as burnout or loss of perspective. These words create a sense of caution and balance in readers and help to establish the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced approach to motivation.

Writing about motivation in an essay requires an understanding of the different types of motivation and how they influence behavior. The vocabulary used to describe motivation should be tailored to the specific type being discussed, and should consider the impact of motivation on behavior and the potential downsides of excessive or misplaced motivation. By using a nuanced and layered vocabulary, writers can effectively convey the importance and complexity of motivation in driving behavior and achieving goals.

Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity or behavior for the inherent satisfaction or enjoyment of the activity itself, rather than for external rewards or consequences. In creative writing, intrinsic motivation can be a powerful tool for creating complex and relatable characters.

When a character is motivated by intrinsic factors, their motivation comes from within themselves rather than from external factors such as money, status, or recognition. This can create a deeper and more personal connection between the character and their goals, as they are driven by a genuine passion or interest in the activity or behavior they are pursuing.

For example, a character who is intrinsically motivated to write a novel may do so because they have a deep love of storytelling or a desire to express themselves creatively. This motivation comes from within the character and is not dependent on external factors such as fame or fortune.

Intrinsic motivation can also create a sense of autonomy and control for the character, as they are pursuing their goals for their own reasons rather than for the approval or validation of others. This can lead to a greater sense of satisfaction and fulfillment when the character achieves their goals, as they are motivated by their own internal desires and not by external factors.

However, it’s important to note that intrinsic motivation can also come with its own challenges. Because the motivation is internal, the character may struggle with self-doubt or uncertainty about whether they are truly capable of achieving their goals. They may also face obstacles or setbacks that threaten to undermine their intrinsic motivation and cause them to lose interest or give up.

Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity or behavior in order to receive external rewards or avoid negative consequences, rather than for the inherent satisfaction or enjoyment of the activity itself. In creative writing, extrinsic motivation can be a useful tool for creating complex and relatable characters.

When a character is motivated by extrinsic factors, their motivation comes from external rewards or consequences rather than from an internal desire to engage in the activity or behavior. This can include things like money, recognition, or approval from others.

For example, a character who is extrinsically motivated to write a novel may do so in order to win a literary award or become a best-selling author, rather than out of a genuine passion for storytelling or self-expression.

Extrinsic motivation can create a sense of pressure or obligation for the character, as they are pursuing their goals in order to achieve external rewards or avoid negative consequences. This can add an element of tension or conflict to the story, as the character may face obstacles or setbacks that threaten to undermine their ability to achieve their goals.

However, extrinsic motivation can also be a source of validation or external affirmation for the character. Achieving their goals and receiving external rewards can give the character a sense of pride and accomplishment, and may even lead to greater opportunities or success in the future.

Ways we can write a composition where characters can develop motivation.

Motivation is an essential component of character development in creative writing, and it can be derived from various sources. Here are ten ways where a character can get motivated:

1. Personal beliefs and values – A character’s own beliefs and values can be a powerful source of motivation, driving them to act according to their principles and ideals.
2. Relationships – A character’s relationships with friends, family, or romantic partners can be a source of motivation, as they seek to protect and support those they care about.
3. Adversity and challenge – Overcoming obstacles and facing adversity can be a powerful source of motivation, as characters strive to prove their strength and resilience.
4. Personal growth and development – A character’s desire for personal growth and development can be a source of motivation, as they seek to become a better version of themselves.
5. Fear and danger – Fear and danger can be a powerful motivator, driving characters to take action to protect themselves and those around them.
6. Love and passion – Love and passion can be a motivating force, inspiring characters to pursue their dreams and goals.
7. Ambition and success – The desire for success and achievement can be a strong motivator, driving characters to work hard and strive for greatness.
8. Guilt and regret – Guilt and regret can be a source of motivation, as characters seek to make amends for past mistakes and redeem themselves.
9. Duty and responsibility – A character’s sense of duty and responsibility can be a motivating force, driving them to act in the best interests of others or to fulfill their obligations.
10. Injustice and inequality – Injustice and inequality can be a source of motivation, driving characters to fight for what is right and to make the world a better place.

Mindset to have a strong motivation

When discussing the mindset of a character to be motivated to do something during character development in creative writing, it is important to consider their internal state of mind, emotions, and beliefs. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Goals and aspirations – The character’s goals and aspirations are an important factor in their motivation. What does the character want to achieve, and why is it important to them? Understanding their goals and aspirations will help you to determine what motivates them. For example, in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, Harry is motivated to defeat Voldemort and save the wizarding world because he wants to protect his friends and loved ones. His desire to protect those he cares about is a strong motivator for him, and it drives him to take action even when the odds are against him.
2. Emotions and feelings – The character’s emotions and feelings can also play a role in their motivation. For example, anger, love, fear, or jealousy can be powerful motivators for a character. Understanding their emotional state can help you to determine what motivates them. For example, in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games series, Katniss is motivated by a combination of fear, anger, and love. Her fear of losing her loved ones drives her to participate in the Hunger Games, while her anger at the Capitol motivates her to rebel against their oppressive rule. Additionally, her love for her family and friends motivates her to protect them at all costs.
3. Personal values and beliefs – The character’s personal values and beliefs can also influence their motivation. For example, a character who strongly believes in justice may be motivated to fight for what is right, while a character who values personal gain may be motivated to achieve success at all costs. In George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, Ned Stark is motivated by his sense of duty and honor. His commitment to upholding the law and doing what is right leads him to uncover the truth about the Lannisters’ treachery, even though it puts him in danger.
4. Past experiences – The character’s past experiences can also shape their motivation. For example, a character who has experienced trauma or loss may be motivated to prevent others from suffering the same fate. In Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Offred is motivated by her memories of her past life and her desire to escape the oppressive regime of Gilead. Her memories of her husband and child give her a sense of purpose and drive her to continue fighting for her freedom.
5. External factors – External factors, such as societal pressures, cultural norms, or peer influence, can also play a role in a character’s motivation. Understanding these external factors can help you to create a more complex and nuanced character. In Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower, Lauren is motivated by her belief in the Earthseed religion, which emphasizes the importance of adapting to change and creating a better future for humanity. Her desire to spread the message of Earthseed is motivated by the knowledge that society is collapsing and that people need a new way of thinking to survive.

When discussing the mindset of a character to be motivated to do something during character development, it is important to consider all of these factors and to develop a clear understanding of what drives them. By doing so, you can create a more compelling and realistic character that is motivated by internal factors and external circumstances.

What kind of characters are there in a composition for motivation?

Motivation is a universal theme that can be applied to a variety of different characters in literature and film. Here are a few examples of characters that would be well-suited to a story about motivation: More character types can be found here.

1. Underdog Characters: Characters who are underestimated and facing long odds can be highly motivated to prove themselves. Examples include Rocky Balboa from the Rocky franchise and Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games.
2. Ambitious Characters: Characters who are highly ambitious and driven to succeed can be highly motivated to achieve their goals. Examples include Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby and Jordan Belfort from The Wolf of Wall Street.
3. Characters Facing Adversity: Characters who are facing adversity, whether it be personal or societal, can be highly motivated to overcome obstacles and persevere. Examples include Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird and Celie from The Color Purple.
4. Characters on a Quest: Characters who are on a quest or journey can be highly motivated to reach their destination or achieve their goal. Examples include Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings and Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz.
5. Characters Seeking Justice: Characters who are seeking justice, whether it be on a personal or societal level, can be highly motivated to make things right. Examples include Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Batman from the Batman franchise.

Characters who are highly motivated tend to be driven by a goal or purpose, whether it be personal or societal. These characters are often highly relatable and can inspire readers and viewers to pursue their own goals with greater determination and resolve.

Ingredients for a great composition

Writing a unique composition with the theme of motivation can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Here are some key ingredients to consider when crafting your composition:

1. Choose a unique angle: To make your composition stand out, it’s important to approach the theme of motivation from a unique angle. Think about what aspects of motivation you want to focus on and how you can explore them in a fresh and interesting way. For example, you might focus on the idea of motivation in the face of adversity, or the role of motivation in achieving personal growth.
2. Develop complex and relatable characters: Characters are the heart of any story, and developing complex and relatable characters is crucial to creating a compelling composition. Consider the motivations of your characters and how they drive the story forward. Try to create characters that readers can connect with and root for.
3. Use descriptive language: Descriptive language can bring your composition to life, helping to create a vivid and immersive reading experience. Use descriptive language to convey the emotions, thoughts, and physical experiences of your characters, as well as the setting and atmosphere of the story.
4. Build tension and conflict: Tension and conflict are essential to creating a story that keeps readers engaged. Consider the obstacles and challenges your characters face, and use them to build tension and create conflict. This can be achieved through both internal and external conflicts, such as personal struggles and external obstacles.
5. Show, don’t tell: To make your composition more engaging, try to show rather than tell whenever possible. Instead of telling readers how a character feels, show their emotions through their actions, dialogue, and physical reactions.
6. Use dialogue effectively: Dialogue can be a powerful tool for conveying character motivations and driving the story forward. Use dialogue to reveal character traits, explore conflicts, and advance the plot.
7. Have a clear structure: A clear structure is important to keep your composition organized and easy to follow. Consider using a traditional story structure, such as the three-act structure, to create a clear beginning, middle, and end to your story.

By incorporating these ingredients, you can create a unique and engaging composition with the theme of motivation. Whether you’re writing a short story, novel, or essay, focusing on these key elements can help you craft a compelling and memorable piece of writing.

What kind of stories can be written for theme “motivation”?

There are countless ways to write a story about motivation, depending on the specific focus and genre of the story. Here are a few examples of different types of motivation-themed plots:

1. Overcoming adversity: In this type of story, the protagonist is faced with a significant challenge or obstacle that they must overcome through their own motivation and determination. For example, in the book Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, the protagonist Louie Zamperini is a former Olympic athlete who is captured by Japanese soldiers during World War II and sent to a prisoner of war camp. Despite the extreme physical and emotional hardships he faces, Louie’s motivation to survive and return home to his loved ones drives him to endure and eventually escape from the camp.
2. Pursuing a dream: In this type of story, the protagonist is motivated by a desire to achieve a specific goal or dream, such as becoming a successful musician, athlete, or entrepreneur. For example, in the movie La La Land, the protagonist Mia is an aspiring actress who is determined to make it in Hollywood. Her motivation to pursue her dream drives her to work hard and take risks, even in the face of rejection and disappointment.
3. Seeking justice: In this type of story, the protagonist is motivated by a desire to seek justice or fight against injustice, whether it be on a personal or societal level. For example, in the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the protagonist Scout’s father Atticus is a lawyer who is defending a black man against false accusations of rape. Atticus’s motivation to do what is right and fight against racism and prejudice drives him to take on the difficult case, despite the risk to his reputation and safety.
4. Personal growth and development: In this type of story, the protagonist is motivated by a desire for personal growth and development, whether it be through self-discovery, healing, or overcoming personal flaws. For example, in the book The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the protagonist Holden Caulfield is struggling with depression and a sense of disillusionment with society. His motivation to find meaning and purpose in his life drives him on a journey of self-discovery and growth, as he learns to come to terms with his own limitations and find a sense of acceptance and peace.

These are just a few examples of different types of motivation-themed plots that can be explored in creative writing. By focusing on the motivations of your characters and developing a compelling plot, you can create a story that engages readers and explores the complexities of human motivation.

Vocabulary for Motivation

Here are some useful words that are commonly associated with motivation in books, along with their meanings and example usages:

1. Ambition – a strong desire to achieve a particular goal or level of success Example: “His ambition to become a successful businessman drove him to work tirelessly and take calculated risks.”
2. Drive – the motivation or determination to achieve a particular goal Example: “Her drive to succeed in the competitive world of sports motivated her to train harder and push herself to the limit.”
3. Persistence – the quality of continuing to pursue a goal despite obstacles or setbacks Example: “Her persistence in pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor paid off when she finally earned her degree after years of hard work.”
4. Grit – a combination of passion, perseverance, and resilience in the pursuit of a goal Example: “His grit and determination in overcoming personal obstacles inspired others to pursue their own dreams and aspirations.”
5. Dedication – a strong commitment to a particular goal or purpose Example: “Her dedication to her craft as a writer motivated her to spend countless hours perfecting her work and honing her skills.”
6. Tenacity – the quality of holding fast to a goal or pursuit despite challenges or difficulties Example: “His tenacity in pursuing his goals inspired others to push through adversity and never give up.”
7. Determination – the quality of being firmly committed to a particular goal or course of action Example: “Her determination to succeed in her career as an artist motivated her to continue creating and sharing her work with the world.”
8. Perseverance – the quality of continuing to pursue a goal despite challenges or difficulties Example: “His perseverance in overcoming setbacks and challenges along the way to achieving his goals was truly inspiring.”
9. Zeal – great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a particular goal or cause Example: “Her zeal for helping others motivated her to volunteer her time and resources to make a positive impact in her community.”
10. Motivation – the driving force behind a particular behavior or action Example: “His motivation to succeed in his career as a scientist was fueled by his curiosity and passion for discovery.”

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs for theme Motivation

Some idioms and phrasal verbs related to the topic of motivation in creative writing:

1. Get fired up – to become enthusiastic or excited about something Example: The motivational speaker’s words really got the crowd fired up.
2. Keep your eye on the prize – to stay focused on achieving a goal Example: Despite the setbacks, she kept her eye on the prize and eventually succeeded.
3. Take the bull by the horns – to take control of a situation and tackle it head-on Example: She decided to take the bull by the horns and confront her fear of public speaking.
4. Pull yourself together – to regain composure and focus after feeling upset or overwhelmed Example: After receiving the bad news, she took a moment to pull herself together before moving forward.
5. Keep at it – to persevere and continue working towards a goal Example: Even when progress is slow, it’s important to keep at it and not give up.
6. Rise to the challenge – to face a difficult situation or task with determination and courage Example: Despite her fear of heights, she rose to the challenge and climbed the mountain.
7. Buckle down – to focus on a task and work hard to achieve it Example: With the deadline approaching, it was time to buckle down and finish the project.
8. Put in the effort – to work hard and commit oneself to achieving a goal Example: Success doesn’t come easy, but if you put in the effort, it’s worth it in the end.
9. Step up to the plate – to take on a responsibility or challenge that requires action and effort Example: With the team struggling, he stepped up to the plate and became a leader on the field.
10. Keep the ball rolling – to continue making progress and moving forward Example: With each successful milestone, it’s important to keep the ball rolling and not lose momentum.

Sample Past Year Examination Paper: Primary 6 English SA2 2021 MGS Exam Composition