It would be great if my students read voraciously. Unfortunately, they don’t, and their final-year exam is snapping at their heels. If they can’t acquire good writing skills through osmosis with reading, then I need to ensure that they at least read some exam-oriented prose to tide them over the exam. After all, it’s my responsibility to make sure that they clear this hurdle. I did paste my intros and conclusions onto ChatGPT and adapted some of its suggestions because I wanted to make my writing easily understood (and replicable) by 11-year-olds who find writing tortuous. ChatGPT might have shaved part of my verbosity; I was mindful of crafting succinct conclusions that showcased a lesson learnt by the character. I tried to trim my wordiness!
1. Title: Working Towards a Goal
Picture: A piggy bank
Intro
“Man, those Enhypen tickets cost a bomb!” I groaned, tears welling in my eyes. My favourite band, Enhypen was hosting a concert in Singapore. I simply had to attend it! However, one ticket would cost about two months’ worth of my allowance.
I stared forlornly at my empty piggy bank. My heart sank.
Conclusion
In the end, I rushed home, eager to share this thrilling experience with my parents. I was proud of myself for saving up money for the concert. I learnt that when I want something badly enough, my discipline and determination will help me achieve my goal.
2. Title: Words of Encouragement
Picture: a “You can do it!” sign held by a pair of hands
Intro
“I don’t want to die!” I choked, my legs trembling like jelly. At my Primary 5 camp, I had signed up for the High Elements Course, thinking that it would be fun. However, now that I was stranded in the sky, my heart raced wildly. I dared not leap from one platform to another. What if I fell and the harness failed?
Conclusion
In the end, I crossed over to the finishing point, my heart swelling with pride. I did it! I was grateful to Adam for encouraging me with the “You can do it! sign. I learnt that true friends will be there to lend us a helping hand when we need them most.
3. Title: Taking a Risk
Picture: a boy bowing on stage while the audience claps
Intro
“We need someone to sing for the elderly,” Mrs Chen announced. 5 Resilience roared in excitement, and the atmosphere was electrifying. They had to carry out a Values-in-Action project at All Saints’ Home in a month’s time. To his dismay, Caleb noticed that all his classmates were grinning at him.
“I can’t sing!” he protested. His heart sank.
Conclusion
In the end, the elderly residents, his classmates, and teachers clapped thunderously. Caleb’s heart sang and his spirits soared. From this experience, he learnt that it was important for him to take calculated risks so that he could develop his potential. He resolved to sign up for more singing opportunities in the future.
(Your Values-in-Action experience is also applicable for Title: Planning something successful + Picture: A calendar)
4. Title: Helping Someone in Need
Picture: A message with the words “Thank You”
Intro
“Who can help push Aniq around the school in his wheelchair?” Mr Lee asked, looking keenly at the class, 5 Responsibility.
Aniq’s face turned as red as chillies. To his horror, he had fractured his leg and would need to use a wheelchair for a month. His heart pounded wildly. What if no one wanted to help him?
Conclusion
In the end, Aniq passed Jayden the thank-you letter he had written. He blushed, but set aside his embarrassment to thank Jayden profusely for helping him every day for one month. Aniq learnt to accept help graciously when he was in need and resolved to pay it forward in the future.