A Dynamic and Experienced English Tutor!
DEREK WEE – An author of ten English Assessment Books/Reference Guides
30 years ago, I represented my school and Singapore in International Debates overseas. Today, I am able to relive the excitement by training (remotely) some Chung Cheng High students in debating for their weighted assessment. I am happy to feature 2 of them with contrasting styles – one aggressive and the other, calm and collected. Both, I must say, are equally good.
Erica too was informed that she got a distinction for her presentation. Well-done! You have earned it!
A good descriptive essay describes the content so well that it brings out the five senses; smell, touch, sight, taste and hearing. To achieve that, students must readily be equipped with fantastic descriptive phrases to facilitate their writing. These phrases are most easily adapted from novels or narrative texts.
I have collected a list of such phrases from books and narrative writings that I have come across. For students who are attempting descriptive essays or those preparing their PSLE, these phrases will be very useful to incorporate in your essay.
Descriptive phrases
Describes how the leaves move, before an impending storm or when the wind blows
2. Trees swayed and strained
Describes how strong the wind is that trees are almost uprooted
3. Wind howled like a crying banshee
Describes the blowing of the wind to that of a howling ghost to emphasize creepiness
4. Air screamed as though it was packed with attacking demons
Describes the forceful nature of wind
5. Pelting down bullets of rain
Describes a heavy rainfall
6. Roofs of houses peeled away
Describe the destructive nature of a hurricane or tornado
7. Parting traffic like a knife
Describe how a vehicle, most likely an ambulance, navigates through heavy traffic during an emergency
8. Eyes dilated in terror
Describes a terrified look of a person
9. A spasm of terror ran through him
Describes how a person is overwhelmed by terror
10. Eyes crinkled up in a wide smile
Describes how a person’s face brightens up in joy
11. A mounting pressure of tears
Describes how a person is overwhelmed with emotions
12. Heart hammering in my chest
Describes the forceful beating of the heart
13. Body glistened with sweat
Describes the texture of the skin moist with sweat
14. Face tight with pain
Describes the expression of a person in pain
15. Heart leapt to my mouth
Describes how a person is so suddenly shocked
16. Multitude of colours
Describes a variety of colours
11 October 2019
This month I would like to share the final component in Paper 1 which is Editing. A lot of students attempt the Editing based on “gut feel” or by “trial and error”. Most times, many are disappointed by their scores.
In fact, it is just a simple technique to follow in order to ace the Editing – look for the 7 types of errors in the text:
Example: The child may become greedy and expects more toys – expect
Example: I am now travelling in the bus – on
Example:
This is a beautiful (noun) crafted piece of work – beautifully (adverb)
Example: The dog is trained to walk home by himself – itself
Example: This is the park when I will go to unwind – where
Example: Fried food is unhealthy and many people still love it – yet
Some students are still unclear when to change from “a’’ to “the” and vice versa. “A” is used when it refers to things in general and “the” refers to something more specific.
Example:
The school is an institution where students attend to gain knowledge – A
Singapore is a small country. A country is known for its strict laws – The
8. Comparatives & Superlatives – such as big, bigger and biggest etc
Example: Though Sydney is the capital city in Australia, Brisbane is actually the large city in the country – largest
20 September 2019
The English O-level Paper 1 begins next month. There are still students who are unclear about the Situational Writing format. Hence, I would like to take this chance to share with everyone the different types of situational writing and the correct format.
You may download and look the the corresponding format.
17 September 2019
A really sweet gesture from Koen.
It has been insightful teaching you. And I can see the gem in you. Believe in yourself.
12 August 2019
The English O-level oral exam is round the corner. I always tell students that the oral exam is the easiest to score.
For Reading, be mindful of words that appear before vowels and articulate your words. Don’t mumble. Pause whenever there is a comma and full stop. Do NOT rush through your reading! Beware of Commonly Mispronounced Words that you encounter. I would like to share some of these words.
For Spoken Interaction, when you watch a visual stimulus (video), always link it to a theme. The O-level oral is based on a thematic approach. For example, if you see a video of children playing at a playground, the discussion would most likely be about childhood, play, outdoor fun etc. Examiners are NOT there to assess how intelligent your ANSWERS are. Rather, what is important is how relaxed and confident you are. Are you able to hold a conversation relating to the topic? Remember, it’s best to share your personal experiences as it helps to keep the conversation going and it’s uniquely yours! When speaking, be mindful of your tenses (very important!) and try to use different vocabulary for the same meaning. Students will lose marks if they keep repeating the same words.
For those who would like to have more practice and tips on tackling the exam, you may grab a copy of my O-Level English Oral book from The Popular bookstores. The book also includes the official assessment criteria by the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB). Good luck!
21 July 2019
Expository Essay
The purpose of an expository essay is to present and explain a situation or issue by providing readers with the relevant information. An example of an Expository essay – “How has technology improved lives?”.
An expository essay is usually a five-paragraph essay or longer. Below is the structure of an Expository essay.
Introduction
The Introduction paragraph provides an overview or background information. For instance, students can write about how life is different now compared with the past when technology was not readily available. Consequently, how lives have improved in various aspects such as lifestyle, work and entertainment because of technology.
Body Paragraphs
Each Body paragraph should cover only one point. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence. Remember to use an example; preferably a real-life one, to substantiate a point.
Paragraph 2 – Point #1 how technology improves lives. Support with one example or statistics
Paragraph 3 – Point #2 how technology improves lives. Support with one example or statistics
Paragraph 4 – Point #3 how technology improves lives. Support with one example or statistics
Conclusion
Finally, the Conclusion paragraph can offer a final thought or solution to the topic or issue being discussed.
28 June 2019
Argumentative Essay
The purpose of an Argumentative essay is to convince the reader (the examiner) to agree with the writer’s point of view relating to a topic. An example of an Argumentative essay – “Technology brings more benefits than problems. Do you agree?”. Below is the structure of an Argumentative essay.
Introduction
Present an overview of the topic. For instance, how technology has become an integral part of our lives. After the overview, present an opposing view. If you agree that technology brings more benefits, then first present why critics would say that technology creates more problems. After that, state why you feel that technology brings more benefits instead. Then you are ready to indicate your stand; that is – “I agree that technology brings more benefits than problems”.
Body Paragraphs
Give two supporting points and one opposing point. For upper secondary students, you also need to give one rebuttal to the opposing point. Remember to support each point with a real-life example or statistics.
Students are encouraged to organise their paragraphing as follows:
Paragraph 2 – Supporting Point #1 and one example or statistics
Paragraph 3 – Supporting Point #2 and one example or statistics
Paragraph 4 – Opposing Point and one example or statistics. Rebuttal (if required) can be in this paragraph.
Conclusion
The Conclusion paragraph reiterates why reader should agree with the writer by showing how all the arguments and evidence fit together.
12 May 2019
Many secondary 2 students have learned writing the Discursive essays. When the new term starts after the June holidays, they will be exposed to writing the expository and argumentative types.
Some parents have asked me about identifying the different types, more importantly, the structure for each type. So, I shall share with everyone; beginning with Discursive essay this month.
Discursive Essay
The purpose of a Discursive essay is to present both sides of an argument relating to a topic. An example of a Discursive essay – “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of technology”. Refer below on the structure of writing the essay:
Introduction
Present an overview of the topic. In this case, present how technology has become an important part of our lives. After the overview, present a balance view – how technology is good, and how it can also be a problem.
Body Paragraphs
Give two advantages of technology and the two disadvantages of it. Remember to support each point with a real-life example or statistics.
Students are also encouraged to assign each point and the example to one paragraph. As such, you can have
Paragraph 2 – Advantage #1 and one example or statistics
Paragraph 3 – Advantage #2 and one example or statistics
Paragraph 4 – Disadvantage #1 and one example or statistics
Paragraph 5 – Disadvantage #2 and one example or statistics
Conclusion
A good conclusion may offer suggestions to the issues discussed. Students may also present a personal opinion to the topic.
10 March 2019
With no tuition and home creature comforts, and in a maximum security prison surrounded by dangerous and hardcore criminals. But a prison inmate has beaten the odds to deliver an impressive 5As and 1B in the A level exams.
An epic example of true determination!