Writing guides...

Hi all,
Here are some guides on content and language when you write.

Content

• Paragraphing - please write a short introduction and the description of the first picture in paragraph 1. Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 should be describing pictures 2, 3 and 4. For a non- pictorial composition, please write intro and setting in paragraph 1, the action/problem in paragraph 2 and the ending in paragraph 3. Please follow the helping phrases/words given in this type of composition.
• Please tell the story as interestingly as possible; example is that your reader can feel the action when you are describing how the police chased the thief. Here is where your helping words/phrases plays a part. Please use the given words/phrases, CORRECTLY. If you're not sure of the meaning, then don't use them.
• Your story must be smooth flowing without any missing infomation; example is that you've caught the pickpocket in the MRT and you called the police. They arrived and handcuffed the thief. But you have forgotten to include HOW did the police arrived. You should have simply written that the police and the stationmaster were waiting at the next station.
• Last but not least, please write to describe the pictures. Do NOT write out of point or provide little description on the pictures because you write more extras (meaning nothing about the pictures at all)!

Language

• Use some of the phrases that's not given but something extra, like similies and idioms and other phrases that we've practiced from other compositions / or the compo booklet.
• Do not make spelling errors. Please check after you've finished. Read at least twice to check.
• Please use past tense. The only time you use present tense is after the word "to" or "should, could and would".
• Use your punctuations like commas and full stops correctly. Use exclamation marks or question marks when needed.
• Use direct speech ONLY if you know how. Example; "Stop running or I'll call the police!" shouted John. OR "Thank you for helping me", replied Sam. If you're not sure, DON'T use. Only use not more than 3 or 4 direct speeches in your writing. Too many of those will not be a story but a dialogue or script!
• Last but not least, sentence structure. Please practice simple sentences and follow the Subject and Verb agreement. A simple sentence would have a subject, a verb (the action for the subject), an indirect and direct object. You can use connectors like "and' or "but". You can also use connectors of reason like "because", "since" and "as". But remember not to write long sentences. Example; John returned the purse to the old lady. OR The police officers caught the pickpocket.
• Do not use too many or repeat the word "Then" in every sentence. Example; Then the police arrived. And then they chased the thief.

Hope this helps :) Please give your friends a call if you think this is helpful and you want them to read the guides.