Monday, April 30, 2007
Hello BSF!!!!!!!!!!!
Seeing that mid-years are here, I've decided to share some tips on how to write a composition effectively!! =)
How to write a proper composition:
1) Never ever ever ever write a narrative because trying to come up with a plot is very time-consuming and probably leave you with about a bit more than half the time allowed. Remember that your composition is to be taken together with you letter writing, so time-management is vital here.
And even after coming up with a plot, you may write until you get stonewalled and be unsure of how to continue. Plus, it is very difficult to give each character a distinct enough personality to differentiate itself. Most of the time, the dialogue sounds like a person trying to talk both sides of a conversation.
2) Avoid writing descriptives at all costs! Even when you have a wide vocabulary sufficiently substantial for such a compo, imagine how your teacher feels when he or she is marking the paper? He or she would get his or her butt bored off reading phrases like "the ostentatious glint on the golden ring practically screams for attention." all over the compo.
Most people have problems just trying to meet the most basic criteria of descriptive writing: painting a vivid mental picture for the reader without boring them off. You also have to watch your tenses here, which might cause a big problem
3) If you choose to write expositories, do it only if you have expertise over the subject. This will give you an advantage over your fellow examees. There is this phrase that is used in the media industry: "Content is King". If you have fresher, more novel information over your rivals, your content will take the to list.
But the most vital in this type of composition are the 'transition phrases' like 'Firstly, then, subsequently, etc.' so brush up on such phrases before youre exams as it might just come in handy. Remember to write everything in past tense.
4) That leaves us with argumentative/persuasive compositions, the one I recommend to write. There are usually 2 topics available for this sub-genre, so the variety is available for you to choose from.
The thing about this is to get as many unique points as possible and list them down before you start writing. For example, for the topic 'Marriage', you can write about how marriage came about through the ages, from the age where betrothal was the way to go to the different type of marriages now i.e. shotgun marriages, purchasing of brides, etc.
The most important thing about writing this kind of compositions is the style of writing. You write as if you are speaking/arguing with the teacher. This is important because you are writing to convince the teacher of your viewpoint. It is of utmost importance that the teacher comprehends what you are saying and can relate to your writing.
5) Of course it helps if you have perfect grammar in writing your compositions, and there is only 1 way to perfect your grammar, which is to read. Reading can be very interesting. For starters, try searching something you are interested in on Wikipedia and read everything related to it.
For example, try searching under blogging and learn all the interesting stuffs like how it originated and whatnot. It can also help increase your general knowledge.
Yeah, so that's all for my *tips*, hope it's been more of a help than a hindrance =D
Good luck for all your mid-years, don't stress out, keep God in your heart! See you this Saturday/Sunday
God Bless,
Kelvin
Faith flew over me @11:40 PM;