situational writing speech format

Situational Writing Formats

Even though situational writing formats have become increasingly less important for ‘O’ level English, it is still relevant as a totally wrong format may be penalised. To help students, the formats for situational writing is attached below.

Situational Writing Format: Informal Letter

Situational writing format: informal email, situational writing format: formal letter, situational writing format: formal email, situational writing format: report / proposal, situational writing format: article, situational writing format: speech.

Ultimately, to score well for situational writing, you have to do more than just know the situational writing formats. Understanding the purpose, the audience and the context of the situational writing are more important. To find out more about the English syllabus, you can read more about the 1128 syllabus here . For more about the O level examination, you may click here .

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Situational Writing: 9 Expert Tips To Score A Perfect 15

Situational writing is a vital component of the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) in Singapore, and mastering it can significantly boost a student’s overall score. It requires a clear understanding of the context, audience, purpose, and format.

This article provides tips for Primary 5 and 6 students to help them tackle the situational writing component of their PSLE.

Table of Contents

What Is Situational Writing?

Situational writing involves creating a short write-up based on a given scenario. The task box often provides all the key information needed to compose the start to a writing exercise. This could be a letter, an email, or even a report. 

The critical distinction is that unlike continuous writing, which is more creative and free-flowing, situational writing has a specific context and audience and requires the inclusion of certain content points.

1. Understand The Task Carefully

The first step in situational writing is understanding the task carefully. This involves reading the context given and the task box thoroughly to pick up all the key information. This information will include the following:

• Audience (who you are writing to)
• Purpose of the writing
• Key points or  answers to the bullet points that must be included in your write-up

2. Distinguish Between Formal And Informal Writing

The task box will also indicate whether you should adopt a formal or informal tone. Understanding the difference between the two is crucial in situational writing.

Generally, the text should be informal if you are writing to friends or family members. On the other hand, if you’re writing to someone who isn’t a friend or family member, like a principal or a manager, your tone should be formal.

For instance, a formal letter might start with “Dear Principal” and end with “Yours faithfully,” while an informal letter might begin with “Hi *name*” and end with “Best regards” or “Cheers.”

3. Include All The Key Information

The importance of task fulfilment cannot be overstated when it comes to situational writing.  Task fulfilment refers to addressing all aspects of the assigned task completely and effectively. As such, this concept is vital to scoring well in the situational writing component of the PSLE.

Let’s consider an example. Suppose the task box presents a situation where you write to your school’s principal about a charity event you’re planning. The bullet points might include the following:

• Explain the purpose of the charity event.
• Indicate the event’s date, time, and location.
• Detail 2 activities planned for the event.
• Explain how the event will benefit the school community.
• Request the principal’s support for the event.

In this case, each bullet point represents crucial information that your write-up must include. Failing to address any of these points can lead to a loss of marks as it shows an incomplete understanding or execution of the task.

Remember that the bullet points need to be addressed logically and coherently. Simply stating the points as they are in the task box may not yield a smooth, readable letter. You may need to rephrase, elaborate, or even reorder them to ensure your write-up flows naturally while still addressing each point.

4. Avoid Grammatical Errors

While it’s essential to include all the critical information, students must also focus on minimising grammatical errors. Even the most well-thought-out letter can lose marks if it contains spelling and grammatical errors. Therefore, it’s crucial to review and proofread your work carefully.

5. Use A Consistent Tone

Your writing should have a consistent tone and match the context and the audience. If it’s a formal letter to a teacher, maintain a respectful and polite tone from beginning to end. You can use a friendly and casual tone if it’s an informal letter to a friend.

6. Be Clear And Concise

Before you start, spend some time planning your content. Write down important points to include and decide in what order you’ll present them. This will help you write more coherently, avoid missing important information, and exclude unnecessary details.

7. Use Appropriate Vocabulary

The words you choose can significantly impact your writing. Use vocabulary that suits the context and the audience. For instance, formal writing typically requires more sophisticated language than informal writing. Here is a more in-depth explanation:

Contractions

It’s generally more appropriate to avoid contractions, especially for formal writing. Using the complete forms of words adds seriousness and formality to your piece.

• Informal: I can’t come to school tomorrow because I’m sick.
• Formal: I cannot attend school tomorrow as I am unwell.

The vocabulary you choose can significantly influence the formality of your writing. Opt for more sophisticated or specific language in formal situations.

• Informal: I got your note about the school trip.
• Formal: I have received your instructions  regarding the forthcoming school excursion.

Sentence Structure

Formal writing usually involves more complex sentence structures, while informal writing can use simpler sentences or sentence fragments.

• Informal: Sorry about the broken window. This won’t happen again.
• Formal : I am writing to express my sincere apologies for the broken window. I assure you that such an incident will not happen in the future.

Use Of Slang And Idioms

In situational writing, slang, colloquial expressions, and idioms should be limited, especially in formal writing.

• Informal: We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
• Formal: We will address that issue when the time arises.

The tone can significantly differ between formal and informal writing. In a formal letter, maintain a polite and distant tone. In contrast, informal letters can adopt a more casual and personal tone.

Informal: Hey, can you lend me your science notes?

Formal: May I kindly request to borrow your science notes?

8. Practice Regularly

The best way to improve your situational writing skills is to practise regularly. Try writing different types of letters, reports, and articles, and ask a teacher or parent to give you feedback.

9. Learn From Model Answers

Reviewing model answers can be incredibly helpful. They can give you a good idea of how to structure your writing, the level of detail you need to include, and how to address the task effectively.

Situational Writing Format

Situational writing format refers to the structure and styles your writing should follow based on the task’s specific situation, audience, and purpose. It can be formal or informal, depending on the context. Here is a general guide on the format:

Sender’s Address And Date (For Formal Letters)

This is not necessary for all situational writing tasks but is typically included in formal letters.

The salutation or greeting should be appropriate for the recipient. For a formal letter, use “Dear [Recipient’s Name/Title]” or “Dear Sir/Madam” if the name is not known. For an informal letter, you can use the recipient’s first name, e.g., “Dear John,” or a casual greeting like “Hi John,”.

Introduction

Introduce the purpose of your writing. This should be clear and concise, giving the recipient an understanding of why you are writing to them.

The body of the letter or piece of writing is where you provide all the critical information required by the task. This typically includes responses to the bullet points in the task box. Make sure the information is organised logically and clearly.

Conclusion/Action Line

Conclude your writing with a suitable closing remark. This often involves a call to action in formal writing. In informal writing, you might further include personal sentiments or well wishes too on top of the call to action..

The sign-off should match the tone of the rest of the letter. Use “Yours sincerely” in formal letters when you know the recipient’s name and “Yours faithfully” when you do not. In informal letters, you can use sign-offs like “Best regards,” “Love,” “Cheers,” etc.

Finally, sign off with your name. In formal writing, you should use your first name and your surname; in informal writing, your first name is typically sufficient.

Situational Writing Examples

Understanding the format and rules of situational writing is just the first step. To truly excel, reviewing examples that illustrate how these concepts are applied in practice is beneficial. Let’s examine two examples:

Example 1: Formal Writing

Let’s imagine that the task is to write a letter to your school principal. The context given is that you’ve noticed some areas of improvement in the school’s recycling programme. Here’s how you might approach this task:

Dear Principal,

I am writing to provide some feedback on our school’s recycling programme. While I appreciate the efforts made to promote environmental awareness, I believe there are some areas where we could improve.

First off, I’ve noticed that not all classrooms have recycling bins. This makes it difficult for students to recycle items, especially when rushing between classes. I suggest recycling bins be placed in every classroom to encourage more frequent recycling.

In addition , I think we could do a better job of educating students about the importance of recycling. Perhaps we could organise a special assembly or workshop on this topic? I believe that this would help students understand why recycling is so crucial and how their actions can make a significant difference.

I hope you will consider these suggestions. I believe that with your assistance, we can make our school a more environmentally friendly place.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name, Surname]

Example 2: Informal Writing

This time, the task is to write a note to a friend inviting them to join a study group. Here’s an example:

Hey [Friend’s Name],

Hope you’re doing well! I’m writing to ask if you’d be interested in joining a study group that some of us are assembling. We think it could be an enjoyable and helpful way to prepare for the upcoming exams.

We’re planning to meet at the library every Saturday afternoon. We’ll use the time to review the class material, compare notes, and help each other understand tricky concepts. Plus, we can encourage each other to stay focused and motivated too!

Let me know if you’re interested. Hope to see you there!

[Your Name]

Situational writing can seem daunting at the start, especially when faced with the pressure of an exam. However, understanding the basics and paying attention to details can significantly improve students’ skills.

The key to mastering situational writing lies in practice and feedback. Make a habit of writing regularly, trying different scenarios, and seeking feedback from teachers, parents, or peers. Also, remember to proofread your work for grammatical errors, which can easily cost you marks.

Help your child become an expert in situational writing with DoApplied Learning By Epoch Talent Academy! Enrol in his best English tuition centres in Singapore and make the best decision for your child’s PSLE outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions On Situational Writing

What’s the difference between situational and creative writing.

Situational writing requires you to respond to a given scenario after considering a specific audience, purpose, and context, and it can be written in either  formal or informal format . Creative writing, on the other hand, allows more freedom and creativity, where you can explore narratives, characters, and settings more imaginatively so long as the storyline addresses the question and uses at least 1 of the given pictures.

How Long Is A Situational Writing Paper?

The length of a situational writing paper can vary, but for the PSLE in Singapore, students are advised to write between 100 and 120 words to address all the task requirements adequately.

How Is Situational Writing Marked In Singapore?

In the PSLE, situational writing is marked based on task fulfilment (how well the student addresses the given task), language use (grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary), and organisation (coherence and cohesion of ideas).

What Is The Purpose Of Situational Writing?

Situational writing aims to develop students’ ability to communicate effectively in various real-life scenarios, using appropriate language, tone, and style based on the given context, audience, and purpose.

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How To Impress Examiners With Your Situational Writing

• August 11, 2022
• Posted by: Eliana
• Category: Study Tips & Advice

What do you know about situational writing? Is it just about getting the format right? Ever wondered how you can score even better marks for this writing component?

To many students, the situational writing section is overshadowed by the essay writing section, which is longer and more ‘difficult’ to write. However, in the O Levels, the situational writing section actually carries the same weightage as your expository essay or narrative essay, at 30 marks each.

While students are not expected to write a lot for the situational writing portion, it means that you need to do more with fewer words . Your word choice and content becomes more important, as you can’t afford to waste time and words on unnecessary details or repetitions.

If situational writing is bogging down your English performance, let these tips guide you on how you can improve!

1. The golden rule: PAC

Have you actually listened in class if you don’t know this? Most English teachers use this acronym to remind students to keep three important things in mind: Purpose, audience, context!

These are the golden rules for tackling any situational writing question. It will determine the tone of voice you employ (how formal?) and what type of reasons you can give for your answer (what do they care about?).

You can almost always find the purpose and audience in the question itself. For the context, you may sometimes need to extrapolate a little bit and do some imagining.

2. Annotate the question requirements

In contrast to the essay questions which are usually just 1 or two sentences long, situational writing questions can be LONG. Many students make the mistake of zooming right in to the information that’s typed in bullet points, but that will cost you some marks if you miss out important information elsewhere in the question.

Apart from marking out the PAC of the question, make sure to annotate all the other question requirements you need to answer. Circle, underline, highlight!

3. Answer every requirement

Now that you’ve marked out all the question requirements, the next step is to ensure you answer every single one. A good way to help you keep track is to plan your response to each part even before you begin the actual writing. Simple bullet points or a mini mind-map will be sufficient for scaffolding your text.

As you write, it’s a good habit to tick off the points that you have covered. This will make it tons easier for you to keep track and confirm that you have fulfilled all the question requirements.

4. Add an insightful perspective

Examiners will be reading hundreds of student papers. Even if you answered every requirement, it may not be enough to stand out from the pack! To truly score a high mark for situational writing, you have to deliver an engaging and insightful personal voice that will blow the examiner’s socks off.

Often, this involves going a little more in-depth than what is asked in the question task. Always give reasons for your choices, but do so with reason and make sure not to go off-tangent!

The above are just some very brief pointers on how to write an effective situational writing piece – but if you are unsure of how exactly to execute any of them, don’t fret! When you join our English tuition, you can gain wisdom from our experienced Secondary English Tutors , who will go through all the techniques and tools you can use to excel in writing and other aspects of English. We also welcome primary school pupils to our PSLE English Tuition classes.

In addition, you will be able to receive detailed and targeted feedback on your work, which is something you won’t get just based on studying on your own! Make full use of this opportunity to learn from qualified and trusted tutors at Future Academy and give your English grades a power boost today!

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2020 PSLE English Situational Writing

by admin | Aug 16, 2023

• the date and venue of the competition
• two reasons you want her to be in your team
• what the winning team can look forward to
• the last day to register for the competition
• Awareness and understanding of the purpose, audience and context
• Reporting of key information
• Accuracy in language with respect to grammar, expression, spelling and punctuation
• Linkage and sequencing of ideas, facts and information
• text and visuals contained in the poster
• dialogue among the children
• Whose identity are you assuming as the writer? Sulin.
• Whom are you writing to? Devi.
• What is the purpose of your communication? To encourage Devi to form a team with Sulin, Rafi and Jim to participate in the competition.
• What key pieces of information do you need to include in your writing? The date and venue of the competition: 28 November 2020, Orchid Bakehouse. Two reasons you want her to be in your team: She is great at baking / She works well or has great rapport with the rest of the team members / She fulfils the participation criteria of the competition / Any other good reason. What the winning team can look forward to: $1000 cash prize. The last day to register for the competition: 30 October 2020.
• Address your reader and sign off appropriately.
• Keep your communication short and straightforward.
• Pay attention to the tone (i.e. whether formal or informal) of your communication.
• Avoid the use of overly descriptive or verbose language.
• After you have finished writing, check off each required key information point in the question against your draft to make sure you have not left anything out.
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O Level English Tuition: Situational Writing Tips and Model Essay

Understanding O Level English Situational Writing 

Situational writing in O Level English requires meticulous attention to crafting text that aligns with the specified context, purpose, and audience, emphasising the use of internationally acceptable English. This task demands precision, challenging students to articulate their thoughts within 250-350 words across various formats like emails, reports, or speeches. It assesses students’ capability to write clearly, effectively, relevantly, and coherently, demonstrating an adept understanding of both written and visual texts at literal, inferential, and evaluative levels. Mastery in situational writing hinges on recognising how language use can fulfil a specific purpose and make a significant impact, underlining the importance of the correct format and tone to engage the intended audience successfully and meet the desired objectives.

O Level English Situational Writing Formats

Understanding the different formats of situational writing is essential for success in O Level English. Each format, whether a letter, email, report, article, essay, or speech, has distinct characteristics that must be adhered to.

Formal and Informal Letter Formats 

Formal letters are characterised by a structured layout, formal salutations, and a polite tone. They communicate with entities like schools, businesses, or local councils. Informal letters, on the other hand, adopt a more casual tone suitable for personal correspondence with friends or family.

Formal Letter:

• Name and address of sender and recipient, and date, are all left-aligned
• Salutation such as “Dear Sir/Madam,”
• Purpose of the letter in the introduction
• Body paragraphs structured with each point
• Formal sign-off such as “Yours sincerely,” followed by full name

Informal Letter:

• Casual opening like “Hi [Name],”
• Conversational tone throughout
• Paragraphs with personal news or information
• Casual sign-off like “Best wishes,” or “Cheers,” followed by first name only

Formal and Informal Email Formats

The format of formal emails should include a clear subject line, a professional salutation, and a closing with the sender’s name and credentials. Informal emails can be more relaxed, using a personal greeting and a simple signature.

Formal Email:

• Subject line that encapsulates the email’s purpose
• Professional greeting
• Introduction stating the email’s intent
• Body that elaborates on the main points with a formal tone
• Formal closing with sender’s full name and position

Informal Email:

• Casual subject line
• Friendly greeting such as “Hey [Name],”
• Relaxed tone with short paragraphs
• Casual sign-off like “Talk soon,” or “Take care,” with first name only

Report Format

A report must have a clear title, subheadings for organisation, and a concise summary of findings or recommendations structured in an easy-to-navigate layout that supports the text’s purpose.

• Title at the top of the page
• Introduction outlining the report’s purpose
• Headings and subheadings to organise information
• Conclusions and recommendations as applicable
• Signature line at the end with the author’s name and position

Article Format

Articles should grab attention with a catchy headline and maintain interest with well-structured arguments and a strong conclusion.

• Catchy headline
• Byline with the writer’s name
• Opening paragraph that summarises the article
• Main body divided into several paragraphs with subheadings
• Concluding statement or call to action

Essay Format

Essays require a clear thesis, body paragraphs supporting the thesis with evidence, and a concluding statement reinforcing the main argument.

• Introduction with a thesis statement
• Main body organised into paragraphs, each supporting the thesis
• Use of evidence and examples to back up points
• Conclusion summarising the argument and reiterating the thesis

Speech Format

Speeches must engage the audience from the greeting, maintain interest with clear points, and conclude with a memorable closing that reinforces the speech’s key message or call to action.

• Greeting and introduction
• Statement of purpose or thesis
• Main points presented clearly with support
• Conclusion summarising key points and a final thought or call to action
• Thank-you and closing

Distinguishing Formal and Informal English O Level Situational Writing Formats

The nuances of situational writing in O Level English hinge on the distinction between formal and informal formats. Whether applying for an internship or writing to a loved one, appropriate tone, vocabulary, and sentence structure is key. Here, we examine these differences to guide students in tailoring their writing to any given scenario.

The tone sets the mood for your writing. Formal writing is serious and respectful, while informal writing is conversational and friendly. Choose a tone that aligns with your intention and your audience’s expectations.

Precision and seriousness characterise formal vocabulary; conversely, informal writing allows for a relaxed, everyday word choice that might include colloquial expressions.

Sentence Structure

Formal writing favours complex sentences and a traditional structure, whereas informal writing often opts for brevity and simplicity.

Personal Pronouns

Formal writing limits the use of personal pronouns to avoid subjectivity, while informal writing uses them liberally to create a personal connection.

Phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs lend a conversational tone to informal writing. In formal contexts, opting for precise verbs can enhance clarity and professionalism.

Passive Voice

The passive voice can lend an objective tone to formal writing; however, active voice makes informal writing direct and engaging.

Tips for Enhancing O Level English Situational Writing Skill

Improving your situational writing skills for O Level English requires deliberate practice and smart strategies. Here are tips to help you refine your writing:

• Understand the  Formats : Familiarise yourself with different writing formats — letters, reports, speeches, and emails. Recognise the conventions for each and practice writing in both formal and informal styles.
• Read and Analyse : Study high-scoring situational writing samples. Note how they address purpose, audience, and context (PAC). Identify effective use of tone, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
• Practice Regularly : Use practice prompts that mimic O Level questions. Set a timer to simulate exam conditions and focus on writing clearly and concisely within the word limit.
• Brainstorming Techniques : Before writing, brainstorm ideas for content. Use mind maps to organise thoughts and ensure you cover all required points in your response.
• Expand Your Vocabulary : Learn new words daily and practice using them in sentences. A rich vocabulary allows for precise expression in both formal and informal writing.
• Seek Feedback : After writing, seek feedback from teachers or peers. Understand your mistakes and learn how to correct them.
• Revise and Rewrite : Don’t be content with your first draft. Revise and rewrite sections to improve clarity and flow. Pay attention to feedback received and implement changes.
• Master PAC : Always consider Purpose, Audience, and Context. Tailor your language and content to suit these elements effectively.
• Stay Updated : Stay aware of current events and general knowledge. This will allow you to use relevant examples in your writing, making your arguments more convincing.
• Use Active Voice : Practice using the active voice to make your writing more direct and dynamic. It’s essential in informal writing and for creating an engaging narrative.
• Avoid Slang and Jargon : While familiar language is good in informal writing, avoid slang and jargon that may confuse the reader or come across as unprofessional.
• Edit Ruthlessly : After writing, edit your work. Check for grammar mistakes and unnecessary wording, and ensure the tone remains consistent throughout.

Common Mistake to Avoid in English O Level Situational Writing

To excel in O Level English situational writing, be aware of common mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Straying From Purpose : Always align your writing with the task’s objective. If you’re to invite someone, your entire piece should revolve around this action without deviation.
• Misjudging the Audience : Know who you’re writing to. Tailoring content to your audience is crucial; failure to do so can disconnect your message and reduce its impact.
• Forgetting Formality : Always maintain politeness and formality when needed. For instance, use “My uncle and I would like to invite you…” instead of “Uncle Tim and me…”
• Inaccuracies in Details : Double-check for factual correctness. An error as minor as the wrong date can cost marks.
• Using Short Forms : Avoid contractions and abbreviations in formal writing. Spell out months and avoid acronyms unless they’re well-known or explained.
• Lacking a Clear Conclusion : End with a clear call to action, especially when the task involves an invitation or request.
• Neglecting Punctuation : Proper punctuation is non-negotiable. Commas, periods, and question marks guide the reader through your text and clarify meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions about O Level English Situational Writing Format

How can i effectively manage my time during the o level english situational writing exam to ensure i complete all tasks within the allotted time.

Effective time management is essential for completing all tasks within the allotted time during your O Level English situational writing exam. Allocate approximately 5 minutes for planning, 35 minutes for writing, and the final 5 minutes for reviewing. Practising timed drills can significantly improve your efficiency and comfort with this time distribution on exam day. For additional guidance and strategies to refine your skills, enrol in our O Level English tuition  today.

Are visual stimuli always provided in situational writing?

Yes, visual stimuli accompany the situational writing task to offer context and direction. Carefully analyse these visuals as they are integral to crafting a response that aligns with the exam’s requirements.

How do I maintain the correct tone in situational writing?

Maintaining the correct tone in situational writing involves identifying the task’s purpose, audience, and context to choose the appropriate tone. For formal writing, use a respectful, professional tone; for informal scenarios, a more relaxed, conversational tone is suitable. Adjust your language accordingly.

Can I use my own words and phrases in situational writing?

Yes, you are expected to do so! Using your own words showcases creativity and language mastery in your situational writing. Ensure your expressions remain relevant to the context, tone, format, and audience. This approach is equally valuable when responding to O Level English essay questions, where expressing ideas uniquely can enhance your engagement with the exam’s requirements.

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PSLE Situational Writing Format: Your Gateway to Achieving AL 1

Updated: Mar 20

The situational writing format holds significant weight in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) English paper 1. As covered in the previous blog, situational writing (SW) is a crucial element of the paper, requiring a strategic approach to secure those vital marks. This article delves into the PSLE situational writing format that can pave the way for scoring AL 1, the highest achievement level.

What is Situational Writing?

Situational writing in PSLE involves crafting a piece of writing in response to a given context. In the PSLE English paper 1, this task gauges a student's ability to communicate effectively in various formats, such as formal and informal letters, emails, and reports.

Situational Writing (SW) format

Constitutes an integral component of Paper 1. 

It is recommended that candidates allocate a maximum of 15 minutes to this segment. 

Formats are standard for formal and informal writing

Format for formal and informal emails and letters

Format for reports

The Importance of Following the Situational Writing Format in PSLE

Understanding and adhering to the PSLE situational writing format is not just a one-time requirement. This structured approach to writing will accompany students through their academic journey. As students progress to secondary school, the same format will be a valuable asset should they choose to undertake O-level examinations.

Mastering the Key Elements for Success 

1. purpose, audience, and context.

Understanding the purpose, audience, and context is paramount. The purpose statement in the introduction should be clear and tailored to the given situation. Identify the target audience and adapt your tone accordingly—whether it's a formal or informal piece of writing.

2. Formal and Informal Writing

Distinguishing between formal and informal writing is crucial. The salutation, tone, and sign-off all vary based on the formality required. Be mindful of the formal or informal tone your task demands.

3. Key Information and Content Points

The six main points are the backbone of your writing. Ensure that these key information points are woven seamlessly into your piece. A well-structured and organised piece of writing will enhance clarity and comprehension.

4. Sentence Structure and Spelling

Pay attention to your sentence structure. Clear and concise sentences contribute to effective communication. Additionally, impeccable spelling and punctuation are non-negotiable. These elements contribute significantly to the overall impression of your writing.

5. Task Fulfilment

Always keep the task fulfilment in mind. Regularly refer to the task box to address the given context appropriately. Failure to do so can result in the loss of valuable marks.

In achieving AL 1 in PSLE English situational writing, m astering the format is not just a box to tick; it's a skill that will prove invaluable in the academic journey ahead. The ability to communicate effectively in various formats, understand the nuances of formal and informal writing, and fulfil the given task requirements are skills that extend beyond the examination hall. As students embrace the PSLE situational writing format, they are laying the foundation for success in both their academic and real-world communication endeavours.

As parents, we recognise the paramount role education plays in shaping the future of our children. One critical aspect deserving our focused attention is the cultivation of robust writing skills, including the framework of the PSLE Situational Writing Format.

Enroling your child in our   Primary Creative Writing Programme is the cornerstone for ensuring comprehension and excellence in PSLE composition writing, with the ultimate goal of achieving the highly sought-after AL 1. AGrader Learning Centre ’s experienced tut ors, equipped with a wealth of experience, employ innovative techniques to foster and enrich your child's writing capabilities

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Ensure your child's triumph in the PSLE Situational Writing Format by enlisting them in AGrader Learning Centre's Primary Creative Writing Programme . Let's collectively pave the way for a future where effective communication and expressive writing are second nature to your child.

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Five Essentials to Score for Formal Situational Writing

• Posted By blog-user

Hello everyone! Today we are going to share how to score for formal Situational Writing . In particular, writing in the formal context.

While this component is only introduced in schools at Primary Five, but once you master what you need to have in your writing and show accuracy in your work, the 15 marks is actually pretty easy to bag! So let me share with you five things all students should pay attention to score for formal situational writing.

1. Include a clear purpose

Every piece of writing should include a clear purpose. If students do not include the purpose of their writing, they will be penalised for content. Usually, the purpose can be found in the box that states “Your Task”.

Never assume the purpose. Stay close to what is asked of you in the task box . If you merely skim through the task, you may end up with the wrong purpose!

Take the above for example,  you might word your purpose this way:

“I am writing this email to inform you about an incident outside our school.”

However, if you had read your task carefully, you would know that the purpose is wrong. Like I’ve mentioned earlier, you should find the exact purpose stated and follow that.

Therefore, the correct purpose should be:

“I am writing this email about the incident outside our school, as you have asked me to do so.”

2. Introduce who you are at the start

In your formal writing, you should always introduce who you are at the start. You can do so before you state the purpose.

For example:

“My name is Deborah Tan. I am writing this email about the incident outside our school, as you have asked me to do so.”

Ascertain your identity from the task box – Am I given a name or do I use my own name? If the name cannot be found in the task box, check the stimulus to see if a name has been included there. Only when you cannot find a name in both the task box and stimulus, then you can come up with your own. Do note that you need to introduce your full name (name + surname) and ensure that when you eventually sign off, you are using the same name.

3. Do more than merely answer the content points

One misconception which students have is that simply answering all of the content points will be sufficient. However, when you write the content points without any background information (e.g. I was walking along the corridor when…) and meaningful time connectors (e.g. The next moment, After five minutes etc.) , you end up producing disjointed writing. 

When the examiner grades your writing for its language, besides checking that your grammar, spelling and punctuation is accurate, he / she will be looking at whether you are able to present the points fluently. Therefore, there is a chance that while you may get all the content, you will not score for language if you simply list them down.

As you can see from above, adding background information and time connectors will help to flesh out your writing and also paint a clearer picture of the message you are trying to deliver . Having said that, I do want to caution all of you to avoid adding unnecessary details. If you do so, you are putting yourself at a higher risk of making grammatical errors, reducing the time you have left for your continuous writing and checking of your work.

4. End off appropriately

Another common error I have noticed with students when it comes to formal writing is the way they end it.

Firstly, they end off rather abruptly. No matter what kind of formal writing it is (e.g. complaint, commendation, report etc.), there is usually some form of action you hope the addressee would take after reading. End off with an appropriate one, starting with the phrase “I hope…” or “I look forward to…” as well as “Thank you for your kind attention.”

Secondly, do be mindful that as formal writing is usually done when you are writing to a figure of authority, you want to maintain a suitable tone. However unhappy you may be, you should not let your personal feelings get involved in being overly critical about the situation, unless these criticisms are content points derived from the stimulus itself.

The example below illustrates the kind of ending you should formulate if you are writing a complaint letter to the manager of a restaurant for the bad service you have received.

Note that the preferred ending conveys the right message across while maintaining a polite tone.

5. Sign off accurately

Lastly, some students get confused with how they should sign off formal writing. Usually, “Yours sincerely” and “Yours faithfully” are the two acceptable ways to do so.

Take note that neither the ‘s’ in ‘sincerely’ nor the ‘f’ in ‘faithfully’ should be capitalised . Students also have a tendency to misspell ‘sincerely’ so do make sure you learn how to spell it!

That’s it for my five essentials to score for formal situational writing! I hope you’ve found this post as well as the exam tips I’ve provided to be helpful. Try it out and let me know how it goes. Remember, your journey to crafting a good piece of formal writing does not end at Primary school. In fact, you will see that the criteria to score for formal situational writing in secondary school will be even more stringent.

In terms of real world application, situational writing is one component that you will be applying even when you have graduated from school. You might need to write a commendation letter for a colleague or a report to your boss about an incident. As such, do not underestimate the importance of getting this right as soon as you can!

Ms Delia Siow is a dedicated teacher who is committed to providing an environment where a child can grow and thrive. She enjoys developing strategies to help students learn in a fun and meaningful way. Through her lessons, she hopes to help students lay a sound foundation in grammar and gain independence in their work. She strongly believes that good grammar is essential in students to gain proficiency in the language and finds joy in watching the bricks of their strong grammar foundation take form.

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P6 Situational Writing

Situational writing comprises of emails, letters (formal and informal), notices and reports. Limited information is given in graphic form and the students have to use this information  in any of the above formats. It seems so easy yet it is not. Students have to make sure that they 1) do not miss out on any of the points given 2) use clear and proper sentences to bring those points out 3) do not make any grammatical mistakes.

If they can do all three, then a perfect score of 15 is very possible. How do they go about it? Practice!

Many schools with their tight curriculum schedules only really launch into Situational Writing intensively on the 2nd half of the P6 year. For strong writers this is enough time for them to perfect their situational writing skills. For those less than perfect writers, regular practice is a good way to improve.

Situational writing compromises normally of 1) Emails (formal/informal – usually informal) 2) Letters (formal/informal) – Formal : e.g. A letter of Commendation/Complaint 3) A Report 4) A Notice  

Format for Situational Writing Texts

(a) a report.

Date : (optional- date can be put in the report itself) To :

(Title ): A report on an accident/incident

I am writing this report to inform you about an accident/incident…. I hope that this information will be helpful in your investigation.

I hope that this information will be useful to you. (Endings are optional. Some schools do not require an ending while others insist there must be one). Yours sincerely,

(B) A Notice/Formal Letter

Date : (Optional) Dear

(Title) : A notice about../A letter of complaint/commendation

I am writing this notice/letter to inform you about… Thank you. Yours sincerely,

(C) Informal Email

How are you? I heard that you have been ill and I hope that you are resting well. I recently saw a notice about….

I am looking forward to your favourable reply Best regards,

Please take note, do not be alarmed if your child’s school does not follow the same format. Every school may have slightly different formats. What is important is the Language and Content.

Situational Writing Content:

Students must not miss out on any of the points asked.

A proper introduction is necessary.

Language : Students must use the correct tenses – Past/Present/Future and tone appropriate to either formal or informal writing.

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• Mar 1, 2022

How do you write a formal email for situational writing?

In this short blog, we will explore how to write a formal email for situational writing. For PSLE students, it is essential to know the format. We will cover the format, a sample email and main characteristics of this aspect of situational writing.

1. What is P.A.C

P.A.C is a popular format taught in primary schools.

Purpose - Why am I writing this email?

Audience - who am i writing to, context - what is the situation should it be formal informal, 2. what are some characteristics of a formal email, 3. format of a formal email.

Unlike writing a formal letter, a formal email needs no address or title.

Please know the difference between using sincerely and faithfully. Sincerely is used when you know the person's name. Faithfully is used when you do not know the person.

4. Sample of an informal email

Did you like the technique above?

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Here is an interesting article on formal and informal words. Click on this link. https://7esl.com/formal-and-informal-words/

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Biden's Inner Circle Braces For Protests at Commencement

This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIME’s politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox.

Even before the White House announced last month that President Joe Biden would deliver one of his two commencement speeches this graduation season at Morehouse College in Atlanta, the prestigious historically Black college was seeing signs of the same political unrest that was bubbling up at dozens of colleges and universities across the country.

But Morehouse is no Columbia . There have been no massive pro-Palestinian encampments, no clashes between protesters and police in riot gear. The tension is there all the same, most of it a bare inch below the surface, and Democrats fear it may erupt this Sunday as Biden dons a graduation robe to address its student body.

Since the school and the White House announced on April 23 that Biden would be the school’s commencement speaker, faculty , and students have engaged in an intense debate over blemishes in Biden’s records—not just his handling of the conflict in Gaza and his critical posture toward pro-Palestinian student protestors, but also his policies related to mass incarcerations and policing. Put plainly: All of the reasons Biden’s poll numbers with Black voters—and their intersectional allies—are softening have come into focus in Atlanta, as Biden arrives for a marquee speech at a major HBCU. It’s a microcosm of the fracturing coalition that put Biden in power in 2020, a trend that even White House apologists acknowledge threatens to make their boss a one-term President.

White House allies and partners—and there is a difference between legitimate support and mutual utility—say Biden would never consider retreating from the college speeches. From a pure optics standpoint, it would be a gift to the Trump campaign. “How can we say he’s up for another four years confronting Putin, defending NATO, countering China, protecting voting rights, and working to make sure reproductive health is a right when he can’t handle a campus protest?” one outside Biden adviser says. “Joe Biden is not going to write the other side’s scripts for them.”

But deeper still, Biden personally finds something deeply gratifying about delivering commencement speeches. Even as a first-term senator, he would happily deliver commencement addresses to students barely younger than himself on almost any campus that would have him. Over the years, Biden has come to relish the format and circumstances of speaking to new graduates on a day many would long remember. 

“He loves this [stuff],” says a former Biden aide who is no longer actively working in his orbit. “He feels like this is how he changes every life in that room, makes a difference for a generation, leaves his mark on a fulcrum day. He can’t do retail as much as he used to, so this is as close as he’s going to get.”

Biden insiders say his delivering of speeches to audiences of mixed political allegiances reflects a larger truth: he remains unshakable in his belief that when a good person makes a moral argument to an honest audience, persuasion is possible and even skeptics will bend to his will. Absent that, Biden believes he at least owes his opponents an honest airing of their viewpoint. While many of his more jaded hired guns find such thinking naive, they also concede a begrudging respect that the old-school pol hasn’t been corrupted by the cynicism that pervades so much of Washington. No one believes in Biden more than Biden himself, for better or worse.

Biden’s defenders are quick to point out that his belief in compromise and cajoling, coupled with his track record on thorny negotiations, gives him reason to rationally think he’s correct. When skeptics said his ambitious agendas for infrastructure , green-energy , and, more recently, sending more weapons for Ukraine , faced forceful skeptics, Biden kept pushing until there were signing ceremonies at the White House. The whole of his reelection raison d'etre is embedded in those laws, and win or lose this November, his successors will find it difficult to unspool them. Nor is Biden even remotely interested in hearing that he can’t do something, whether it’s win over a room of noisy critics or dislodge months of hardened political opposition that arrives on his West Wing doorstep.

So, it’s with this situational awareness that Biden’s team is sending him to Morehouse for his speech on Sunday. Ahead of that, though, the White House last Friday dispatched Steve Benjamin, the former mayor of Columbia, S.C., who now heads the White House Office of Public Engagement, to hear students’ concerns. Chief among them: Biden would turn his visit to a legendary HBCU into a campaign stop; Benjamin assured them Biden would be there to celebrate the graduates, not to look for votes in Georgia. 

But before the speech comes a faculty vote scheduled for Thursday to sign-off on Biden’s honorary degree. Such a vote is typically a formality. When Barack Obama visited campus in 2013 and picked up his honorary degree, the vote was completely unremarkable. Yet Team Biden will be watching that vote closely, as no one can say if he’ll draw the same rubber stamp in this charged moment.

Morehouse officially invited Biden back in September to become the second U.S. President in history to speak to graduates. He didn’t accept the invite until April, perhaps not coincidentally around the time ex-President Donald Trump stopped for lunch not far from campus.

Morehouse administrators have made clear that rescinding the President’s invitation is not an option: Morehouse President David A. Thomas has told students, alumni, and activists alike that there was zero chance the college would “reverse course.”

It’s a similar resolve in the White House, which is linking Biden’s approach to the Morehouse visit to his winning over wary voters for re-election.

As deputy White House press secretary Andrew Bates put it on April 23: “When people speak out at our events, he shows empathy. He shows compassion. He respects their right to make their voice heard. And I think that that says a lot about how he is approaching what is a very complex situation.”

The White House is trying to convey an empathy for what Morehouse students are saying without conceding that they are right, added press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre a day later. “We get it. It’s painful,” she said.

But no one knows if all those efforts in recognizing Biden’s critics will convince Morehouse’s faculty and students gathering this weekend to receive the President politely and with few interruptions. Former Rep. Cedric Richmond, a Morehouse alumnus and a co-chairman of the Biden re-election campaign, is monitoring the situation and quietly working his network to remind leaders that a rebuke of Biden at such a prominent venue heading into an admittedly difficult re-election bid may feel good for activists in the moment but ultimately only helps Trump’s odds of returning to power. It’s not elegant, but it’s the reality facing the students on the campus that educated the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—and may have a lesson or two for Biden this weekend, too.

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