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7 Essay Types at the O Level

  • Posted By Randall Chew

Hello everyone! I’m Mr Ng Guo Liang, an English Language Curriculum Specialist and Teacher at Lil’ but Mighty.

When I was still teaching in a secondary school, I often had to address many questions — from both parents and students alike — about the different composition or essay types being tested in the O Level examinations; chief amongst which were:

– What composition or essay types will appear in the O Level examinations? – What is the difference between a discursive essay and an argumentative essay? – What is the difference between a recount and narrative essay? – What is the difference between a descriptive and reflective essay?

There were (and are) of course, many other questions pertaining to composition writing for the O Level. The ones above however — those concerned with conceptualising the types of compositions — are the ones I have had to address the most. In this blog post therefore, I will list the various types of compositions that could be tested in the O Level English Language Paper 1, and attempt to very briefly describe each of them.

Before I continue, I must make a disclaimer. This post is not meant to be a comprehensive set of notes or guide detailing and explaining each individual essay type, their features, and nuances. I must make it very clear to my readers that what I write and elaborate on in this post should not be taken as the absolute and definitive word on the various essay types; we should note that different teachers, authors, publishers, and reference materials describe, explain, and conceptualise the various essay types differently (and very possibly with different terminology). That being said, the descriptions I’ll make in this post are meant only as a very brief explanation of the various types of essays so that you can better understand what they generally require students to address in the examination.

Should you wish to enquire about and discuss the individual essay types at a more comprehensive and deeper level than that provided in this post, you can do so with your English teacher in school, or contact us and we shall endeavour to address your queries!

In the O Level examination, the following essay types could be tested:

1. Narrative 2. Personal Recount 3. Descriptive 4. Reflective 5. Discursive 6. Argumentative 7. Two-Part Essays

1. Narrative Essays

7 Essay Types at the O Level

Narrative essays, as the name suggests, are essays that narrate a story. Most students reading this post should, by the end of primary school, be familiar with narrative essays as this is perhaps the essay type that they see the most in primary school and in creative writing classes. These essays are generally fictional in nature, and adhere to how narrative stories are developed in terms of their plots (beginning —> build up —> climax —> events that lead to a resolution —> a resolution —> and a coda/conclusion). Although these essays are generally fictional, that is not to say that students cannot use their own experiences to address the question. As long as the experience is relevant to the question, and features a rising plot which leads to a resolution, students are free to use their own experiences to inspire the narrative essay.

Sample questions:

– Freedom. – A challenge. – Write a story about kindness. – ‘It was my proudest moment.’ Write a story based on this.

2. Personal Recount Essays

7 Essay Types at the O Level

Similar to a narrative essay, a personal recount essay retells a series of events that should be written in a linear and sequential manner. A personal recount essay is not to be confused with a narrative one. Narratives are often fictional in nature, and generally adhere to a rising plot development structure (most often with a climax and resolution). Personal recounts however, are not fictional in nature, and often relate to an event or experience which is meaningful or memorable to you (in other words, you should have personally experienced or witnessed this event or experience taking place.) Depending on the question asked, it can, of course, include a plot structure with elements similar to a narrative. However, unlike narrative essay writing, it does not require students to adhere strictly to a rising plot structure.

Personal recount essays, by nature of the questions given, typically require students to include an element of reflection. This usually focuses on the impact and significance that an event or experience have on them, and their thoughts, feelings, changing beliefs and attitudes as the series of events unfold. Such reflections should be interspersed and woven in and between the paragraphs of the essay. This is different for narratives, where reflections typically appear in the coda.

– Write about an interesting day out with your family. – Write about a mistake you regret making. – Write about how you conquered one of your fears. – Write about a task which turned out to be more difficult than you initially thought. – Write about a time a great act of kindness took place.

3. Descriptive Essays

7 Essay Types at the O Level

Descriptive essays contain and emphasise descriptive elements. That is to say, such essays are written to appeal to the five senses, and should create vivid mental images for the reader when it is being read. This genre goes beyond describing physical attributes, but abstract ones as well (e.g. feelings, ideas, or a situation), and often involves reflecting on why something or someone is special or important. Unlike narrative essays, descriptive essays do not require a plot structure or storyline. This essay type most typically require students to write about and describe in detail one of the following topics:

1. An object 2. A person 3. A place 4. An event or incident 5. An experience

– Describe an individual who has had a great influence on you. – Describe a memorable celebration. – Describe your typical day in school. – Describe an object which you hold dear.

4. Reflective Essays

Reflective Essays

Essays of this genre require the students to reflect on themselves. Despite the reflective element, this is not to be confused with a personal recount. Personal recounts require students to recount and reflect on an event or experience which actually took place. Reflective essays however, are not about an event or experience, but are more about the students themselves.

Reflective essays typically require students to reflect on and make observations about their own personality and character. As such, it is more philosophical and insightful in nature.

Sample Questions:

– What would you consider to be your best and worst qualities? – What is your idea of a perfect day? – What are the type of books you enjoy reading? – Write about some of the things you value most in life.

Expository Essays: Argumentative and Discursive Essays

The next two essay types fall under the category we call ‘expositions’. An expository essay is one that explores and considers in depth the different aspects and perspectives to a particular topic or subject matter. We typically see two types of expository essays appearing in the O Level examination: argumentative and discursive essays.

5. Argumentative Essays

Argumentative Essays

In an argumentative essay, students are typically given an issue, topic, or subject matter on which they are supposed to take a clear stand, and argue for that stand they have taken. This essay type is ‘biased’ in that regard, and the aim of the essay is to persuade the reader, with the strength of their points and arguments, that the stand taken in the essay is the right one.

1. The key features of an effective argumentative essay are: 2. There must be a very clear stand taken on the topic/subject matter given in the question. 3. Points/arguments given are supported by facts, statistics, observations or examples. 4. Points/arguments appeal to logic and emotion. 5. Using a persuasive tone and register. 6. Considering the opposing views and being able to rebut or refute them – this makes an argumentative essay the most persuasive and effective.

–  ‘People can only be happy if they feel they are treated fairly.’ Do you agree (2019 O Level 1) –  Do you agree with the view that students should never engage in part-time work? –  ‘Social media has destroyed communication.’ What is your opinion? –  Who has more problems to deal with — adults or youths?

6. Discursive Essays

7 Essay Types at the O Level

Like argumentative essays, a discursive essay focuses on and concerns itself with one particular topic or subject matter. Unlike the argumentative essay however, one is not required to take a stand on the subject matter. Rather than pushing for and validating only one particular perspective, students are required instead to discuss and explore the multiple perspectives regarding the subject matter in an unbiased manner.

What is important to note is that students can state a preference for a particular perspective or viewpoint at the end of the essay, but the tone and register of the essay should not be a persuasive one (i.e. the way the essay is written should not dominantly favour one particular perspective or viewpoint over others). It should be written in a manner which reflects that all the perspectives and viewpoints you discuss in the essay are equally valid (even if you do eventually state a preference for one at the end) — in essence, an effective discursive essay is one that achieves balance .

–  What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media? –  What are the qualities a good leader should have? –  Discuss the implications of making home-based learning a permanent mode of education. –  Discuss your views on discipline.

7. Two-Part Essays

7 Essay Types at the O Level

As the name suggests, two-part essays are essays which could comprise features and elements of two different essay types. What you will typically see is a question which explicitly has two distinct and separate parts students would have to address. For instance, the question would not only require students to describe something or someone, but also require them to reflect on that particular thing they are describing in the essay; such that the essay becomes a ‘mixed-genre’ essay.

For two-part essays, students need to ensure that they address both parts of the question, and do not make the common mistake of devoting too much time and too many words to the first half of the question and neglecting the second half of the question.

– Write about a mistake you regret making. What lessons did you learn from it? – Describe an individual who has had a great influence on you. Why is this person so special to you? – Describe an object which you hold dear. Why is this object so important to you? – Write about a time you were misunderstood by others. How did you feel?

This brings us to the end of this blog post. Although there is much more to the respective essay types regarding their features and styles, I hope that I have managed to provide you with brief but lucid explanations that will make it a little easier for you to understand the various essay types that could be tested in the O Level.

Until my next post, and on behalf of the Lil’ but Mighty family, stay happy, stay safe, and stay healthy!

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Mr Ng firmly believes that there is a strong correlation between effort and eventual success, and that finding success in English is something that is attainable by all of his students regardless of their background and starting point. He has a strong love and passion for the language and hopes to inspire that same passion in his students through his lessons. That being said, he looks forward to bringing out the best in his students and guiding them to fulfil the potential they all have.

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  • Composition Strategy , English Composition , Exam Preparation , O Level English , Student , Writing Tips

10 Effective Tips for Writing O Level English Composition

  • September 29, 2022
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Table of Contents

When you write an O Level English composition, you know that choosing the correct topic can make or break your essay.

How many times have you found yourself wishing that you had chosen another topic instead but it was too late?

Why does this feeling always come up?

That is because some O Level English composition questions can be deceptive.

Yes. It seems as if it is easy to do but when you get down to writing it, the subjective part makes it difficult for you to write beyond 2 paragraphs.

So, what do you do? How can you know if the topic is deceptive and how can you avoid this calamity?

Ok, do not worry as I’ve got some great tips to get you off to a really great O Level English composition. 

Just follow the points I have set up for you and you will never go wrong in your O Level English composition. Ready?

#1 choose the right topic.

Ok. This is obviously the trickiest part as the entire O Level English composition hangs on this hinge. How do you know if the question is tricky or not?

Now, this is actually rather simple. Take a good look at the question. What is it asking you to do?

If the question is wordy and carefully asks you to examine the lifestyle of young people and if they are likely to be more or less independent. 

Most students will baulk at a long question like this but if the truth be known, the longer the better.

Yep. That’s because you get more clues and a better guideline for your essay. 

A short question like “Greed” may seem relatively simple and some students may think that it gives them all the freedom in the world to write. 

That is the biggest mistake to make. That’s because you will find yourself running out of points or steam once you start writing unless you are really good at writing subjective essays.

The next step is to focus on the words in the question. Choose the ones that are familiar. 

Have you done this before or read about this before? That should be a step forward in the right direction.

#2 Focus On The Keywords

After you have got past your initial qualm in choosing the O Level English composition question, focus on the question now.

It is time to get down to the brass tacks. What is the question asking? Focus on the keywords and what each one means.

o level english

Some key words could be separate words and others, phrases.

Each one will have a distinct emphasis and directive. 

You are meant to dissect each one and figure out the direction it is meant to take you.

Examine the meaning of these words and phrases in relation to what is going on in the world today.

Focus on your society if the words point you in that direction. Always give your view of the key words in the introductory paragraph. 

This is called your angle. This is really important as it tells the marker which direction you are headed in.

#3 Use A Strategy For The Template

Using a strategy means that you will cover all areas and leave nothing out. This is a good organisation skill as you will have enough content for your O Level English composition.

When you write a narrative or reflective type of essay, you will need a fairly good base to write on. 

Make sure you cover the background, profile and the build-up, climax and the learning part at the end. There should be a gradual climb up and down.

For argumentative and expository essays, it is more fact based.

You will need to write in PEELs – Point, Evidence, Elaboration and Link back.

Follow a strategy where you write your evidence in a gradual climb to reveal the most pertinent information reflecting the swings or shifts in society. 

Make sure your points and information are spread out evenly over a couple of sides of your writing paper.

#4 Build Your Content

Collect evidence from the latest and most impactful examples.

Your evidence is the base of your O Level English essay. Verify all information before you write it.

A good idea of the history of your essay will be a sound start.

If the essay is about lifestyles of people in your society, you will need to examine the various shifts starting from a certain point. 

Post–war changes and the way people gradually started to live differently till the modern times will be a sensible way to go about it.

#5 Sharpen Your Rebuttal

When you plan your template for the essay, make sure that you plan for your rebuttal as well. It should be a logical explanation of the other side of the O Level English composition question. 

You will have to engage in the latest examples and outcomes in societies.

The Rebuttal should be engaging and impactful. 

As always, check for the veracity of the example/s before using it.

#6 Use Exciting Words

The most exciting words make a difference! Make every word count. Avoid repetitive and boring words. Stop repeating your statements.

Use fresh and interesting adjective phrases in every paragraph especially when you are explaining your opinion.

Words bring an essay to life. They make the difference between a jaded, old explanation of a point to a fresh and startling way of looking at it.

best o level english essays

#7 Be Insightful

Use examples and evidence that are insightful. Remember it is your choice of whom you want to highlight in your examples. 

Choose leaders or game-changers who have given something of worth to society. Do your research before you write. Practice writing like this so that you will be ready for your O Level English composition exam.

Being insightful means that you are able to study the question in detail and look into the deeper meaning of it. You need to show this by using useful examples of people connected to your points. 

Or there could be relevant examples of happenings in the past or recent present that could reveal this.

#8 Use Examples Of Great People To Lend Depth

I have always found that examples of great people can make an essay spring to life. People who have made great contributions to society or to education, to emancipation or those with major medical discoveries leading to relief. 

Choose your example carefully and try to use the ones that people do not always use. If you want to mention the more prominent ones, then highlight the reason why you are fascinated. 

Use some personal reference about how it impacted you, for example.

#9 Provide Useful Quotes Or Idioms

Having a quote or two makes a big difference. Or an idiom. Idioms are impactful too as they are short and meaningful. 

Useful quotes from statesmen are also enlightening. Pick on the ones that lend greater depth to your O Level English essay and what you are aiming at before you finish.

#10 Make Sure Your Conclusion Is Impactful

The conclusion is the main part of your O Level English essay whether you realise this or not. It is the last thing the marker looks at before grading you, so give it all you have got!

Include a futuristic view about the way the direction of the question is making you think it is heading in the near future. Do not just summarise what is in the essay but add something personal and emotional before you end. 

Make your conclusion count in the O Level English composition. All too often, students just write one single line for the conclusion as they run out of time. This is due to bad planning. 

If you had done the template properly, this should not happen.

Aim for a solid and meaningful conclusion and you will be surprised to see how your grades will be affected.

Well, those are my 10 tips for writing a really wonderful O Level English composition! I hope you will follow them and that it will give you the reward that you deserve!

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Learning And Teaching English

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How To Write A Perfect Summary For O Level English Language

best o level english essays

Would you like to ace your O Level English language paper? Do you want to crack the code to write the perfect summary for your O Level English language paper?

In this post, you will learn to write a summary for your O Level English language paper without feeling distressed!

The Summary Writing Question for O Level English

Section 1: Reading for Ideas

Before we begin, let us review the summary writing question. In Paper 2, the Reading Paper,  you are required to write a summary of a nonfiction text in 150 – 180 words.

This question has two parts: Question 1(a) Notes and Question 1 (b) Summary . 

In Question 1 (a) you are supposed to select and write down the relevant main ideas in bullet form which do not need to be in your own words.

Whereas in Question 1(b), you are expected to write a coherent summary in your own words using your ‘already-selected and listed’ content points.

Write The Perfect Summary For O Level English In Six Easy Steps

Just follow these six easy steps and ace your O Level summary writing question.

Read the question first and underline the question requirements. 

Next, read the passage carefully and underline or highlight the relevant points as you read, and if you prefer, you can use brackets or number them.

While you underline or highlight each of the main relevant points, try writing synonyms to help you with rephrasing for Question 1 (b), and r epeat this process as you read through the rest of the section.

Now you may ask, “How do I make sure that the points I am selecting are correct and are relevant?

The answer is, “Simply avoid D.I.E.R.Q:

Details : If not asked in the question, avoid writing the details that support the main point.

Irrelevant Points : Ideas and points that are not required in the question must not be included. Refer to the question to ensure that you are selecting the required content points.

Examples: Unless required in the summary question, avoid writing examples or elaborations that support the main points. 

Repetitions: Do not repeat any points even if they have been repeated in the original text. A good idea is to combine similar/ ideas and mention them only once.

Quotations: Do not include any quotations when selecting the content points as they usually support the main idea.

In your O Level English reading paper, you should write the summary for two parts of the text which will be mentioned in the question.

To do so, make sure you use the given space to write your content points. For Question 1 (a) Notes, you are not required to write the content points in your own words as yet. Then, select 12 distinct content points/ notes in total (excluding the given content point). You may, however, write up to 15 content points.

Examiner Tip: For ‘Reading for Ideas’ Question 1(a), you may copy ‘directly lift’ the phrases from the text. In this part of the question, marks will not be deducted. However,  changing the points into substitute words may help you save time.

Once you finish listing down the content points for Question 1 (a), you need to rearrange the chosen points in paragraph form to write the summary for Question 1 (b) in your own words .

Now, the best way to ensure that you do not ‘directly lift’ text or copy from the given passage, is to use synonyms (without changing the meaning of the text) and combine two words into one word. When writing the summary, remember to:

  • Keep the sentences simple and brief.
  • Combine similar ideas, using complex sentences. Use subordinating conjunctions (as, while, although, even though, etc.)
  • Paraphrase. Using synonyms and easier-to-understand language without changing the essential meaning of the main points. 

You must ensure that the summary is in your own words. To this end, use synonyms of keywords/ difficult words, rearrange the sentence/ word order, and make it easy to read.

To make your summary coherent, use Transition Words/ connectives to join your paraphrased content points as you write your summary. Use connectives and join similar or close ideas using complex sentences. Try using ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘however’, and ‘also’.

In this step, use the given summary starter. Remember, the given summary starter will be counted in the word count.

O Level Summary Writing Checklist

Use this FREE Summary Writing Checklist before and after writing the summary when practicing for your reading paper. This will help keep you focused and ensure you fulfill the requirements of the summary writing question.

Top Tips For O Level Summary Writing

  • Read the selected part of the passage to be summarized (paragraphs or whole passage).
  • Highlight/ underline the key points.
  • Check the selected points are relevant (reread the question)     
  • Omit unnecessary points (examples, elaborations, quotations, and irrelevant points)
  • Count your content points (12 – 15points)

Check out ‘How To Write A Summary For O Level English Reading Paper’ Lesson Slides and learn from me as I take you through all the steps involved in writing a summary for O Level English paper.

Books to Get A* in Your O Level English Paper

Here are some books that I personally recommend using when preparing for your O Level English exam.

  • Cambridge O Level English Language Coursebook 2nd Edition by Helen Toner and John Reynolds
  • Cambridge O Level English by John Reynolds and Patricia Acres
  • First in the series: Oxford Progressive English Book 8 by Rachel Redford
  • Second in the series: Oxford Progressive English Book 9 by Rachel Redford
  • Third in the series: Oxford Progressive English Book 10 by Rachel Redford

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Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge o level english language (1123).

  • Syllabus overview

Cambridge O Level English Language is designed for learners who speak English at home or at school, at near first language level.

The course enables learners to:

  • develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when writing
  • use a wide range of vocabulary, and the correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
  • develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.

Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. Cambridge O Level English Language also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.

The syllabus complements other areas of study by encouraging skills of more general application.

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

  • -->2023 Syllabus (PDF, 294KB)
  • -->2024 - 2026 Syllabus update (PDF, 144KB)

Syllabus updates

We revise our qualifications regularly to make sure that they continue to meet the needs of learners, schools and higher education institutions around the world and reflect current thinking.

What are the main changes to the syllabus?

To support teachers and learners, we have:

  • updated the syllabus aims and assessment objectives
  • updated the syllabus content to continue to reflect current educational thinking and practice. There is more information and new wording but the teaching content remains largely the same
  • introduced a list of command words to the syllabus to help learners understand what will be expected of them in the exam.

What are the main changes to the assessment?

  • The order of the question papers has changed to: Paper 1 Reading and Paper 2 Writing.
  • There are significant changes to the style, format and content of the questions in Paper 1 Reading and in Paper 2 Writing. Please see the syllabus, specimen papers and marking criteria for more detail about these changes.
  • There is more integration of skills across the papers with more writing skills assessed in the Reading paper and more reading skills assessed in the Writing paper.
  • The duration of both examinations (Paper 1 and Paper 2) has increased to 2 hours each.

When do these changes take place?

The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2024 onwards. Examinations are available in March 2024 for India only. Please see the 2024-2026 syllabus above for full details.

Coming soon

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We aim to provide a scheme of work and other relevant classroom resources. Example Candidate Responses will be available following the first examination in 2024. Visit the School Support Hub from June 2022 onwards for details.

Endorsed resources

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Second edition) (Hodder Education) front cover

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Written by renowned expert authors, our Cambridge O Level English Language Student’s Book enables learners to effectively and successfully master the content of the revised syllabus (1123) for examination from 2024.

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Cambridge O Level English Language (Third edition) (Cambridge University Press)

Cambridge O Level English Language (Third edition) (Cambridge University Press)

Work through the Cambridge O Level English Language syllabus with clear and accessible resources. Includes ‘Language support’ boxes for quick and easy tips, as well as exam-style questions and sample answer.

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O/L English Essays PDF and  O/L Exam English model Essay topics for students

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Download O/L English Essays PDF and  O/L Exam English model Essay topics for students. We have Uploaded several pdf files that include Model essays and previous O/L exam essays for practice.

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Model O/L exam English essays topics

Study both previous and Model O/L English essays topics. Get ready for exams.

  • An Essay on Corona Virus/ Covid 19
  • Essay on Environmental pollution
  • Let’s keep the public properties without harming them
  • .Write an article to a newspaper on “The advantage and disadvantages of internet
  • The pros and cons of online education
  • Value of reading
  • Facing Challenges
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Types of composition essays tested at o level / g3 english.

by LearningGems.sg | Nov 27, 2023 | 0 comments

Types of Composition Essays Tested at O Level G3 English - Learn English Online Resources Learning Gems Singapore

1. Introduction | Types of Composition Essays Tested at O Level / G3 English

Unlike the PSLE where students are exposed primarily to writing stories , the O Level / G3 English syllabus at secondary school expects students to be proficient in various text types or text genres. Text types refer to different styles of presenting information, classified based on the intent or purpose of the communicator. O Level / G3 English assesses a range of text types, including personal recounts, descriptive essays, expositions  ( argumentative and discursive essays), reflective essays, as well as hybrid or mixed genres.

2. Text Types Tested at O Level / G3 English Exam Essay Writing

2.1 personal recount.

A personal recount is a storytelling form where writers share real-life experiences they have personally lived through. It involves the chronological retelling of a series of events, adopting a first-person perspective and using past tense. Show not tell is also used to craft a vivid, sensory experience for the reader.

A personal recount also delves into the writer’s emotions, thoughts, and reflections throughout the experience. This introspective element adds depth to the storytelling, allowing readers to connect on a personal level and gain insights into the writer’s perspective. Ultimately, a personal recount is more than just a recollection of events. It is an invitation for readers to join the writer on a journey through his memories and emotions.

Examples of Past Year O Level English Exam Essay Questions:

  • ‘As I looked back, I realised I had made the right decision.’ What about a time when you felt like this. [O Level 2023]
  • ‘I realised that I was much stronger than I had previously thought.’ Write about a time when you felt like this. [O Level 2022]
  • Write about a time when you did something just to impress someone which you later regretted. [O Level 2020]

2.2 Descriptive

A descriptive essay is a literary composition that engages the reader’s senses by vividly portraying a person, place, object, or experience. This form of writing intricately weaves together details that appeal to our five senses – sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch. The primary aim is to create vivid mental images in the reader’s mind, transporting them to the depicted scene or experience.

A descriptive essay does not necessarily require a fixed structure. Instead, it focuses primarily on capturing the essence of the topic through a wide array of descriptive language techniques. Examples of descriptive language techniques include the use of adjectives, adverbs, metaphors, similes, personification, and other literary devices to evoke specific sensory experiences. These descriptions can be organised logically or chronologically, depending on the writer’s intent. The result is a vivid, immersive portrayal that captivates the reader’s imagination.

Descriptive essays in the O Level / G3 English exam also quite commonly come in the form of hybrids .

  • What is your idea of a perfect afternoon? Describe what you like to do and how it makes you feel. [O Level 2023]
  • Some people enjoy being in a crowded place, while others prefer somewhere quieter with fewer people. Describe your perfect place where you want to relax. [O Level 2022]
  • Describe the sights and sounds at a busy shopping mall. Remember to describe some of the people there as well. [O Level 2021]

2.3 Exposition

An expository essay is a type of writing which explains, illustrates, or clarifies a topic such that it becomes clear for the readers. It requires the writer to explain an idea, evaluate evidence, or set forth an argument concerning an idea in a clear and concise manner.

There are two primary sub-types of expository texts: argumentative and discursive.

2.3.1 Argumentative

Argumentative essays are designed to persuade or convince the reader to adopt a specific viewpoint or take a particular course of action. They present a clear argument or thesis, supported by compelling evidence, reasoning, and persuasive language.

The structure of an argumentative essay typically includes an introduction that states the thesis, followed by a presentation of supporting evidence and a conclusion that reinforces the author’s position. It may also provide counter arguments and offer rebuttals to refute these opposing arguments.

  • ‘Schools should teach practical skills such as cooking and managing our finances.’ Do you agree? Why or why not? [O Level 2023]
  • ‘People today are far too easily persuaded to spend money on things they don’t need.’ Do you agree that advertising has made us wasteful? [O Level 2022]
  • ‘A happy person is a healthy person.’ How far would you agree? [O Level 2021]

2.3.2 Discursive

Discursive essays are characterised by their neutral and balanced presentation of information. Unlike an argumentative essay, a discursive piece presents different perspectives on a given topic without necessarily taking a clear stance or arguing for a specific point of view. These texts aim to provide a comprehensive overview by presenting various arguments or ideas related to the subject.

Discursive essays use logical reasoning, evidence, and facts to support each perspective without any criticism or persuasion. They allow readers to develop their own opinions due to its objectivity.

  • ‘Young people are changing the world for the better.’ What is your opinion? [O Level 2021]
  • ‘People should always tell the truth.’ Do you think there are any situations in which this might not be the best thing to do? Explain your views. [O Level 2017]
  • ‘Shoppers have too much choice, from chocolate bars to jeans.’ What, in your opinion, are the advantages and disadvantages of having many things to choose from? [O Level 2015]

2.4 Reflective

A reflective essay is a form of writing where the writer examines his thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Writers adopt a contemplative and introspective tone, aiming to provide insights into their personal growth, learning, and self-discovery. The structure of a reflective essay typically involves the presentation of an event or experience, an examination of its significance, and a reflection on what was learned or gained from it.

Reflective writing encourages self-awareness and personal development, allowing both the writer and the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the writer’s inner world. This can be a powerful form of self-expression and a means to convey valuable life lessons.

In writing reflective pieces, always aim for a personal voice. Share experiences with a unique personal touch. Aim not only to recount experiences but to infuse them with personal perspectives, emotions, and insights.

  • ‘There is no place like home.’ How true is this for you? [O Level 2020]
  • Some people like to stand out from the crowd, others just want to be part of it. Which do you prefer and why? [O Level 2018]
  • Which person has the greatest influence on your life at the present time, and why? [O Level 2014]

2.5 Hybrid / Mixed Genre

Hybrid essays, also known as mixed genre, are a creative blend of two different text types within a single composition. They combine elements of personal recount, descriptive, reflective, or expository essay to create a versatile piece of writing. The structure of a hybrid text varies depending on the specific blend of text types used. Depending on the question requirements, students may use storytelling to illustrate concepts or mix personal reflections with informative content. There is freedom to adapt and experiment with the structure and style, and there is no right or wrong as long as the question requirements are fulfilled.

In answering hybrid questions in the exam, it is important to ensure that all parts of the question have been addressed in detail. This, however, does not mean that equal weight needs to be given to both parts. Students just need to ensure there is a somewhat even ratio of both parts so as not to lose marks in content.

  • Describe the things that you do to relax after you have been very busy. Explain why you find them enjoyable. [O Level 2020]
  • Which person has had the most positive impact on your life? Describe this individual’s personality and in what ways he or she has influenced you. [O Level 2019]
  • Which modern invention is essential for you and your family and which one could you and your family live without? Explain your views. [O Level 2018]

3. Conclusion | Types of Composition Essays Tested at O Level / G3 English

It is important to be able to identify the correct text type because different genres have different structures and therefore require different approaches in writing. Just as a carpenter selects different tools for specific tasks, understanding text genres allows you as the writer to choose the right approach to tackle various exam questions.

At Learning Gems, our experienced MOE-trained teachers are well-equipped to guide you towards exam success, be it through our weekly online classes or ad hoc booster workshops . Beyond the exams, we also aim to nurture your ability to wield the power of words in your unique way. Join us on this journey of language mastery and self-expression!

Learning Gems  is a premium tuition centre that provides quality English tuition to PSLE and GCE ‘O’ Level students in Singapore. Our teachers are well-versed with the latest MOE syllabus and have taught at various schools in Singapore. Be it the primary or secondary level, we possess the relevant experience and are fully qualified to help your child.

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Past Years O-Level Essay Questions (English) with Essay Outlines

Past Years O-Level Essay Questions (English) with Essay Outlines

In this blog post, we have compiled the past years’ O-Level English Essay Questions.  However, looking at these questions is not enough for your child’s revision.  Hence, we have included essay outlines to accompany the essay questions from year 2022 to 2018. 

These essay outlines, (almost 2100 words long), are written by the English curriculum team at Writing Samurai and Grade Solution Learning Centre.  When you download the pdf of these essay outlines, you get to learn how to…

  • Breakdown and analyse a question
  • Generate main points and examples
  • How to formulate counter-arguments
  • Come up with ideas for personal recount and reflective essays

Use it as a study resource for your child!

Here’s a video preview of our Past Year’s O-level essay outlines:

So before you go on reading… You might want to download a pdf copy of our Essay Outlines from Year 2018 – 2022! 

Click the blue download button, enter your email, and the pdf file will be delivered to your inbox! (Remember to check spam!) 

best o level english essays

  • Some people enjoy being in a crowded place, while others prefer somewhere quieter with fewer people. Describe your perfect place when you want to relax.
  • “I realised that I was much stronger than I had previously thought.” Write about a time when you felt like this.
  • “Young people spend so much time thinking about the future that they forget to enjoy the present.” How far do you agree?
  • “People today are far too easily persuaded to spend money on things they don’t need.” Do you agree that advertising has made us wasteful? 
  • Describe the sights and sounds of a shopping mall. Remember to describe the people too.
  • “I felt I was on top of the world.” Write about a time when you felt like this.
  • “Young people are making the world a better place.” What is your opinion.
  • “A happy person is a healthy person.” How far do you agree?
  • Describe ways to relax after you have been busy. Explain why it is enjoyable for you.
  • Write about a time when you did something to impress someone and regretted it.
  • Learning how to respond to mistakes is essential for success. What is your opinion?
  • “There is no place like home.” Is it true to you?
  • Which person has the most positive impact on your life? Describe the individual’s personality and in what ways he or she influenced you. 
  • “It was the proudest moment.” Write about a time when you felt like this.
  • Most young people today are obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities. What are your views?
  • “People can only be happy if they feel they are treated fairly.” Do you agree?
  • Describe an event that you looked forward to which turned out to be disappointing. Explain why you were excited about it and why it didn’t live up to your expectations.
  • “I had never seen my friend laugh so much!” Write about a time when this happened.
  • Some people like to stand out from the crowd; others just want to be part of it. Which do you prefer and why?
  • Which modern invention is essential for you and your family and which one could you and your family live without? Explain your views.
  • Describe a place that means a great deal to you. Why is it so important?
  • Write about a time when you caused great disappointment to a person. What did you do about the situation?
  • It is often said that people are too concerned with getting things and spending money. What is your opinion?
  • People should always tell the truth.’ Do you think there are any situations in which this might not be the best thing to do? Explain your views.
  • Describe a childhood toy, or a game you played, which still means a great deal to you. Why is it so important?
  • Do you agree that we can learn from the mistakes of others or do we need to learn from our own experiences?
  • What are your ambitions for the future? Explain how you plan to achieve them, including any possible difficulties.
  • To what extent do you agree with the idea that some teenagers lead an unhealthy lifestyle? Give reasons for your views.
  • Describe the possession that matters most to you and explain why you would never be prepared to part with it.
  • The world would be a very dull place without music’ What are your views?
  • Shoppers have too much choice, from chocolate bars to jeans’ What, in your opinion, are the advantages and disadvantages of having many things to choose from?
  • Do electronic devices, such as tablets or smart phones, help or hinder students in their studies?
  • Describe how you celebrated an important family occasion. Why will this event always remain in your memory?
  • Which features of Singapore and its citizens make it a major tourist attraction for people from all over the world?
  • Which person has the greatest influence on your life at the present time, and why?
  • The best things in life are free’ Write about some of the occasions when you have found this to be true.
  • Parents often believe that it is better to be safe than sorry. Do you consider young people to be too protected?
  • Describe some of your experiences in food courts and hawker centers. How important are these places in your life as a teenager in Singapore?
  • The way we dress reveals who we are’ What are your views?
  • What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Why does it mean so much to you?
  • Write about an incident you still remember from your early childhood. Why do you think it has remained in your mind so clearly?
  • People all over the world are living longer. What are the advantages and disadvantages of their increased life expectancy?
  • Describe an annual event which you enjoy and explain why it is so important to you.
  • The use of motorcars is the greatest threat to the environment’ Do you agree?
  • “It is better never to borrow or lend money” What are your views on this advice?
  • Write about an amusing incident on a day out with your family, which still makes you laugh whenever you remember it.
  • Should boys and girls be given exactly the same type of education?
  • Describe how a religious or national event is celebrated in your country.
  • What important lessons in life are learned away from school?
  • Write about an occasion when it was necessary to tell the truth whatever the consequences.
  • Some people say that the internet does more harm than good. What is your view?
  • Describe the location and the main features of your ideal home and explain why you think it would be an ideal place to live.
  • In the 21st century, how important is it to be able to read, write and speak English in Singapore?
  • I’m bored’ is so often the cry of teenagers today. What could be done about this?
  • Write about an occasion when an attempt to help led to unexpected consequences for the helper.
  • Write about some of your worries and hopes for the future.
  • The delights and frustrations of being a teenager
  • Write about an occasion when you just could not stop laughing at an inappropriate moment.
  • Television, newspapers and the Internet – which of these do young people prefer as a source of information, and why?
  • In your opinion, what kind of voluntary work is worth doing, and why?
  • If you were drawing up a set of school rules for a new school, what would they be? Explain which of these you think are the most important
  • Nowadays, people live longer than ever before. What problems does this present and how can these problems be dealt with?
  • Write about someone who failed to live up to his or her reputation.
  • Write about some of the things in your country you value the most and would miss greatly, if you had to live in another country
  • Write about a time when your late arrival for a particular meeting or event led to serious trouble.
  • What do you think secondary schools can do to ensure the health, well-being and safety of their students?
  • Given the limited land available in Singapore, is it wise to set aside some areas as nature reserves?
  • Do you feel that you need the long school vacation? How do you occupy your time during the December break, when schools are closed?

See more related articles and information on Writing Samurai:

  • How to Write Argumentative Essays For Secondary School
  • Top Tips on How to Write Discursive Essays
  • Benefits of Secondary English Tuition
  • Past O-Level Essays and Questions For Secondary English
  • Exam Smart Tips For Language Editing
  • Top Exam Tips for Secondary English

Before you leave this page… You might want to download a pdf copy of our Essay Outlines from Year 2018 – 2022! 

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IMAGES

  1. O-Level English Essays 1

    best o level english essays

  2. GCE O-Level English 50 Model Essays

    best o level english essays

  3. Skip to main content

    best o level english essays

  4. O-LEVEL ENGLISH ESSAYS VOL 2 by Betty Kirkpatrick

    best o level english essays

  5. O-Level English Essays 1

    best o level english essays

  6. Learner sample O-Level English Essays 2

    best o level english essays

VIDEO

  1. O Level English Language Paper 1: Speech Writing (Part 1)

  2. O-level #Lecture- Topic- FUNCTION (*args/**kwargs) #Python class NIELIT#Paper M3 #BCA #MCA

  3. 7 easy tips to handle GCE O/L Literature -Paper 1

  4. how i write first class essays as a politics student

  5. English Secondary 1/2

  6. O/L English Literature

COMMENTS

  1. 6 types of composition essays for O-level English + writing tips

    Personal recount essay. Descriptive essay. Reflective essay. Discursive essay. Argumentative essay. 1. Narrative Essay. As the name suggests, the goal of the narrative essay is to narrate a fictional story. However, that doesn't mean you can't sprinkle in some personal experiences to spice up your writing.

  2. PDF O-level English Essays O-level

    thinking and writing skills; • language building in the form of Language Help boxes that expand on the difficult terms to teach varied vocabulary usage; • a glossary of difficult words with contextual example sentences. This book offers guidance to students on how essays should be organised and structured. O-LEVEL ENGLISH ESSAYS Other ...

  3. Preparing For Your O-Level English: A Comprehensive Guide

    Hence, it is definitely essential to prioritise mastering O Level English as you prepare for your second national examination! Today, let's go through three essential tips on how to overcome common challenges faced when you are preparing for—and later sitting for—your O Level English papers. 1. Be Familiar with the O Level English Syllabus.

  4. Essay Types at the O Level

    An expository essay is one that explores and considers in depth the different aspects and perspectives to a particular topic or subject matter. We typically see two types of expository essays appearing in the O Level examination: argumentative and discursive essays. 5.

  5. English Compositions: Best Writing Guide for O-Level

    The first step is to organise your facts in point form. All you need would be 4 points in writing an expository or reflective essay. You will need 3 pros and 1-2 rebuttals for an argumentative essay. Once you have defined what you want to say in English Composition, the rest is easy.

  6. Perfect Descriptive Writing

    Descriptive writing is just like painting a picture (with words). In this video, you will learn how to write an amazing descriptive essay (especially if you ...

  7. 10 English Essay Writing Tips for O-Levels Students

    Writing wrong quotations can lead to marks deduction, so it is better to leave them if you are not well revised. The same is the case with dates and other important events. When in doubt, avoid using numbers and definitive statements. 6. Make a conclusive summary: End your essay with a summary that sums everything up.

  8. 10 Effective Tips for Writing O Level English Composition

    Just follow the points I have set up for you and you will never go wrong in your O Level English composition. Ready? #1 Choose The Right Topic. #2 Focus On The Keywords. #3 Use A Strategy For The Template. #4 Build Your Content. #5 Sharpen Your Rebuttal. #6 Use Exciting Words. #7 Be Insightful.

  9. Example of a Great Essay

    An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates. In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills. Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence ...

  10. O Level English Expository Essay: Mastering the PEEL Format

    4. Conclusion | O Level English Expository Essay. In summary, the PEEL format equips students with a structured framework to effectively organise their ideas and present them with clarity and flow. Ultimately, incorporating the PEEL format empowers students to craft well-structured essays that engage readers, showcase their depth of knowledge ...

  11. 9 Tips for English Summary Writing (O Levels)

    Avoid using connectors that take up multiple words like "in addition", "as a result", "on the other hand" etc. Using the right conjunctions or connectors can increase your language score . 9. Check Your Work! After writing your summary, count the number of words and make sure you haven't exceeded the word count.

  12. How To Write A Perfect Summary For O Level English Language

    The Summary Writing Question for O Level English. Section 1: Reading for Ideas. Before we begin, let us review the summary writing question. In Paper 2, the Reading Paper, you are required to write a summary of a nonfiction text in 150 - 180 words. This question has two parts: Question 1 (a) Notes and Question 1 (b) Summary.

  13. Cambridge O Level English Language (1123)

    Syllabus overview. Cambridge O Level English Language is designed for learners who speak English at home or at school, at near first language level. The course enables learners to: develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when writing. use a wide range of vocabulary, and the correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.

  14. O/L English Essays Pdfs

    Study both previous and Model O/L English essays topics. Get ready for exams. An Essay on Corona Virus/ Covid 19. Essay on Environmental pollution. Let's keep the public properties without harming them. .Write an article to a newspaper on "The advantage and disadvantages of internet. The pros and cons of online education.

  15. Types of Composition Essays Tested at O Level / G3 English

    1. Introduction | Types of Composition Essays Tested at O Level / G3 English . Unlike the PSLE where students are exposed primarily to writing stories, the O Level / G3 English syllabus at secondary school expects students to be proficient in various text types or text genres. Text types refer to different styles of presenting information, classified based on the intent or purpose of the ...

  16. Past Years O-Level Essay Questions (English) with Essay Outlines

    In this blog post, we have compiled the past years' O-Level English Essay Questions. However, looking at these questions is not enough for your child's revision. Hence, we have included essay outlines to accompany the essay questions from year 2022 to 2018. These essay outlines, (almost 2100 words long), are written by the English curriculum […]

  17. O-Level English Essays 2

     About The Book/Series O-Level English Essays provides a wide range of essays on various topics that showcase how skillful writers organize and structure essays. Key Features: • 50 expository essays in each book • Glossaries of difficult words with example sentences • Questions that stimulate thinking and develop writing skills

  18. [O Levels] English Essays : r/SGExams

    A few have come forward asking for my essays, so I'll be linking two of them here. The first essay's my prelim essay, for which I scored a 29, while the second one's an essay I wrote for practice, so it's ungraded. They aren't the best, but the first essay might serve as a good gauge for what to expect as it was also written under exam conditions.

  19. O-Level English Essays

    Browse the best children's books, series, authors and specially curated booklists. Books; Series; Book Lists; Authors; View All Books & Authors . Lexile Introduction; ... O-Level English Essays provides a wide range of essays on various topics that showcase how skillful writers organize and structure essays. Writing | 3 books.

  20. O-level Past Years Essay Questions

    In our 'O' Level English Enrichment Programme, we ensure that our graduating students are ready to ace the English Language examination. It is a race against time to prepare for the 'O' Levels, hence our programme focuses on teaching and reinforcing our students' essay writing skills, comprehension answer precision, summary writing and oral examination techniques.

  21. Descriptive Essay Examples │ A Level, GCSE and O Level

    Welcome to our oasis of descriptive essay topics and expert guidance in the realm of descriptive writing. Whether you are an A Level, O Level, or IGCSE student, our platform has meticulously curated a collection of 100+ best descriptive essay topics, specifically designed to spark your creativity and captivate your readers.

  22. [o levels] asking for sample english essays which students ...

    O Levels. hi i'm about to take o levels soon and from what i read all over reddit, the best way is to write essays and let my teacher mark. yet, i can never hit 21/30 mark for continuous writing. if lucky, i can hit twenty. most of the time its just nineteen. thus i am here to politely request for students who have written narrative/personal ...

  23. Welcome to the Purdue Online Writing Lab

    The Purdue On-Campus Writing Lab and Purdue Online Writing Lab assist clients in their development as writers—no matter what their skill level—with on-campus consultations, online participation, and community engagement. The Purdue Writing Lab serves the Purdue, West Lafayette, campus and coordinates with local literacy initiatives.