The Freewriting Method: A Brainstorming Technique for PSLE English Composition Writing
The Freewriting method is a popular brainstorming technique that has been adopted in various forms across many domains, including the teaching of English Composition in Singapore. This method encourages students to write freely for a specified amount of time without worrying about grammatical accuracy, punctuation, or spelling. Here’s how you can use it for your PSLE English Composition Writing.
Understanding Freewriting
Freewriting is a technique that involves continuous writing for a specific period of time without worrying about spelling, grammar, or punctuation. The purpose of freewriting is to let your thoughts flow freely and to help generate ideas for your composition. It is guided by the principle that the act of writing itself can trigger ideas that you may not have thought of if you were too focused on correctness and structure.
Freewriting in PSLE English Composition Writing
When applying the freewriting method in preparation for the SEAB MOE PSLE English Composition Writing exam, students should first decide on a potential topic or theme for their composition. Then, they should set a timer (usually 10-15 minutes) and write continuously about the topic or theme without stopping to think too much about it. The goal is to put as many thoughts down as possible.
Benefits of Freewriting
The freewriting method is especially useful in overcoming writer’s block, as it allows students to express their thoughts without the pressure of writing perfectly. Moreover, it helps in generating a wealth of ideas that can be further refined and incorporated into the final composition. It also encourages flexibility in thought and spontaneity, which are vital for creative writing.
Review and Refinement
After the freewriting session, students should review what they have written. They can highlight or underline the ideas or phrases that seem promising and relevant to the composition theme. These points can then serve as the basis for the plot, character development, setting, and other elements of the composition.
Practice Freewriting with these exercises
| No. | Composition Topic | Freewriting Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | An Unexpected Adventure | I was walking in the park, suddenly a cat with a sparkling collar came in front of me, it had a map attached to its collar, I decided to follow the map, this is going to be an adventure… |
| 2 | A Day at the Beach | Bright sun, warm sand, laughter and joy, suddenly a bottle washes ashore, inside there’s a mysterious note, what could this mean… |
| 3 | The Mystery of the Locked Room | A creepy old house, a room that’s always locked, one day I found the key, the secrets it revealed were unbelievable… |
| 4 | A Special Gift | It was my birthday, a strange package arrived, it was not from anyone I knew, opening the gift changed my life… |
| 5 | An Unusual Pet | Everyone has dogs and cats, but I found a dragon egg in the garden, I decided to take care of it, life has never been the same… |
| 6 | A Memorable School Trip | We were visiting a historical fort, I got lost, found a hidden tunnel, the discoveries I made were beyond amazing… |
| 7 | Lost in the City | First time in the big city, got lost, couldn’t find my way back, the kind strangers and the experiences made it a memorable day… |
| 8 | The Haunted House | Everyone said the house at the end of the street was haunted, decided to check it out, what I found there was not what I expected… |
| 9 | My Favourite Festival | Festival day is always special, but this time it was different, met a man dressed as a clown who gave me a magical balloon, the festival became a magical journey… |
| 10 | A Dream Come True | Always wanted to fly, one day I found a pair of wings in the attic, they looked very real, decided to try them, what happened next was unbelievable… |
To conclude, the freewriting method is a valuable brainstorming technique that can significantly enhance the creative process in PSLE English Composition Writing. Remember, the aim is to let your thoughts flow freely without restriction. So, embrace the process and let your imagination take the lead.
