The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) in Singapore is a significant academic milestone for students. One of its most critical components is the English Composition examination, a challenging yet rewarding test of a student’s ability to express ideas coherently, creatively, and effectively. While every part of the composition is important, the conclusion holds a particularly crucial role. It is the last impression a reader will have of your child’s composition, making it an essential opportunity to leave a powerful and lasting impact. So, how can your child ensure that their PSLE English Composition has a great, memorable conclusion? This article will guide you through some essential strategies.
Understanding the Role of a Conclusion:
The first step in writing a great conclusion is understanding its purpose. A conclusion isn’t merely a summary of what’s been written; it’s a chance to leave a lasting impression. The conclusion should restate the main points of the composition, tie all loose ends together, and provide a sense of closure. Your child should view the conclusion as a final opportunity to emphasize their message and leave the reader with something to think about.
Here’s some ideas and 10 examples for conclusions :
| Methods | Description |
|---|---|
| Emphasize Main Points | Reinforce the primary arguments or themes of the composition, but in a fresh, potent manner to make the conclusion impactful. |
| Provide Closure | Address any outstanding issues and tie up all narrative threads to provide a clear end to the composition. |
| End with a Memorable Statement | Conclude with a thought-provoking statement, an apt quote, or a compelling call to action to leave the reader with something to ponder. |
| Invoke Emotion | Evoke a strong emotional response from the reader to create a deeper connection with the content. |
| Use a Cliffhanger | In narrative compositions, a well-placed cliffhanger can leave a lasting impression and ignite the reader’s imagination. |
| Reflect on the Journey | A retrospective commentary on the progression of the story or argument can provide a comprehensive conclusion. |
| Incorporate a Surprise Element | A surprising fact, statistic, or revelation can leave a lasting impact on the reader. |
| Refer Back to the Introduction | Circular conclusions that refer back to the introduction can create a sense of completeness. |
| Use Powerful, Evocative Language | Use expressive, vivid language to create an image in the reader’s mind, making the conclusion memorable. |
| Provide a Forward-Looking Statement | A prediction, a glimpse into the future, or a hint at the next steps can leave the reader thinking about the composition long after they’ve finished reading. |
Emphasizing the Main Points:
One of the most important roles of a conclusion is to emphasize the main points of the composition. Your child should reiterate the main ideas or arguments presented in their composition but in a more condensed, potent form. This doesn’t mean merely repeating what they’ve already written. Instead, they should strive to convey their points in a fresh, powerful way that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Providing Closure:
A well-written conclusion should provide a sense of closure. Your child can achieve this by making sure that all arguments, points, or narrative threads introduced in the composition are neatly tied up in the conclusion. They should address any outstanding issues and make sure that the reader isn’t left with any unanswered questions.
Ending with a Memorable Statement:
The last sentence of the conclusion is especially important as it’s the final impression the reader will have. Your child could end with a thought-provoking statement, a quote that encapsulates the theme of their composition, a call to action, or even an interesting prediction. The goal is to leave the reader with something to ponder, ensuring that their composition will be remembered.
Practicing Writing Conclusions:
Practice makes perfect. Encourage your child to practice writing conclusions regularly. They could start by writing conclusions for short paragraphs or stories and gradually work their way up to longer compositions. Providing constructive feedback on their practice attempts will help them understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Writing a great, memorable conclusion for the PSLE English Composition involves understanding the role of a conclusion, emphasizing the main points, providing closure, ending with a memorable statement, and consistent practice. The conclusion is a powerful tool that can elevate your child’s composition from good to great. Encourage your child to dedicate time and thought to crafting their conclusion. With practice and patience, they can develop the skills to write impactful conclusions that leave a lasting impression on the reader. Happy writing!
