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How to write a good Chinese composition for your O-Levels
(Click here to read this article in Chinese)
As Chinese teachers in secondary school, we've noticed that many students still use the writing styles and techniques they learned in primary school, such as the 'Six Ws' method - When (Time), Where (Place), Who (Characters), What (Causes), HoW (Process), and Why (Result). However, why do students still not score well, and even fail, despite writing complete stories using this method?
Here are some suggestions for you:
Firstly, it's important to understand why the writing techniques from primary school are no longer sufficient to score a high score in secondary school.
Let's briefly compare the differences between primary and secondary school compositions:
Skills required to write primary school compositions
Focuses on building basic language skills, like basic sentence structures, simple vocabulary, and foundational narrative abilities. The composition topics in primary school are usually simpler and more direct, emphasising the student's ability to express thoughts in their own words.
Skills required to write secondary school compositions
As language abilities improve, secondary school compositions emphasise more complex sentence structures, richer vocabulary, and deeper levels of thinking. Secondary school students need to demonstrate advanced critical and creative thinking in their writing, as well as learn how to express their views and emotions in more complex and mature ways.
Based on this understanding, we've compiled these tips to help you improve your secondary school compositions:
1. Read and analyse excellent model essays
This means understanding the structure, language, and expression of high-quality narrative essays through reading and analysis. For example, read Zhu Ziqing's "Back View"《背影》and analyse how he expresses deep affection for his father through delicate language and vivid descriptions. Pay attention to how he constructs the story and uses rhetorical devices like metaphors and personification.
2. Strengthen language foundations
This includes mastering Chinese grammar, vocabulary, and sentence patterns. Using a rich vocabulary and correct grammar can make your essays more fluent and vivid. For instance, learn to use various adjectives and adverbs to describe scenes. For example, "the sun was shining brightly" (adjective) and "the sun shone brightly" (adverb) convey different feelings in the same scene.
3. Practice writing mind maps
Use mind maps to organise thoughts and content, then use the ideas from the map to write your composition. For example, before writing about campus life, list points like the school environment, daily activities, and special events on a mind map. Similarly, before writing a narrative about "My Grandfather and I," create a mind map listing points like your grandfather's appearance, personality traits, and interactions with you.
4. Focus on beginnings and endings
Learn to write captivating beginnings and strong endings, which are crucial for attracting readers and leaving a lasting impression. For instance, start a story about a "holiday trip" with an unexpected plot or description to pique the reader's interest, like "It was an unforgettable trip that, though short, changed my worldview."
5. Express emotions
Incorporate personal feelings and views into your writing to make it more attractive and impactful. For example, when writing about family, describe in depth your emotional connections and shared experiences with your family members. Or, in an essay about "losing a pet," delve into your emotional fluctuations, such as sadness and longing, allowing readers to feel the depth of your emotions rather than just staying on the narrative of the events.
6. Develop a habit of regular writing practice and feedback
Improve your writing skills through continuous practice and by obtaining feedback. For instance, write regularly and seek advice from teachers and classmates for constant improvement. You can also record daily stories, both good and bad, for reflection and sentiment.
Through these practices, not only can we improve our writing skills, but we can also better express our thoughts and emotions. Remember, writing is an art that is honed through continuous practice and exploration. Keep going, students!
中学生如何写好一篇记叙文
作为中学的华文老师，我们看到很多同学即便到了中学依然沿用了小学的写作风格和技巧，比如：六何方法 - 时间、地点、人物、事件的起因、经过、结果。但为什么完整的故事写出来之后，同学们依然没有得到高分，甚至很多中学生作文不及格，以下是我们给大家的一点建议：
首先要了解为什么小学的那一套写作技巧，照搬到中学后，已经不够用了。在这里，我们简单地比较一下小学和中学写作文的不同：
小学写作
通常侧重于基础语言技能的建立，如基本句型、简单词汇的使用和基础的叙事能力。小学的作文题目通常比较简单直接，更注重于让学生能够用自己的语言表达思想。
中学写作
随着语言能力的提高，中学的作文更加注重复杂的句式结构、丰富的词汇和更深层次的思考。中学生在写作时需要展现出更高级的批判性思维和创造性思考，同时也要学会如何用更复杂和成熟的方式来表达自己的观点和情感。
所以根据以上，我们给大家总结了一些中学作文的提分技巧，供同学们参考：
1. 多阅读和分析优秀范文
这意味着我们通过阅读并分析高质量的记叙文来理解其结构、语言和表达方式。- 例如，我们可以阅读朱自清的《背影》，分析他如何通过细腻的语言和生动的描写来表达对父亲的深情。注意他是如何构建故事情节，使用比喻和拟人等修辞手法。
2. 强化语言基础
这包括加强对华文语法、词汇和句式的掌握。通过使用丰富的词汇和正确的语法，我们可以使文章更加流畅和生动。- 比如，学习并运用不同的形容词和副词来描述情景。例如，“阳光灿烂”（形容词）和“阳光明媚地照耀”（副词）在描述相同的场景时，给人不同的感觉。
3. 练习写作思维导图
在写作前，使用思维导图帮助组织思路和内容，再按照导图把内容补充完整。例如，在写一篇关于校园生活的文章前，用思维导图列出要点，如学校环境、日常活动和特殊事件。再比如 - 在写一篇关于“我与我的祖父”的记叙文前，先做一个思维导图，列出要点如祖父的外貌、性格特点、与你的互动等，帮助组织文章结构。
4. 重视开头和结尾
学习如何写出引人入胜的开头和有力的结尾，这对吸引读者和留下深刻印象至关重要。例如，用一个意想不到的情节或描述作为故事的开头，让读者兴趣盎然。像一篇关于“假期旅行”的记叙文，可以用“那是一个令人难忘的旅行，虽然很短，但改变了我的世界观”作为开头，吸引读者的兴趣。
5. 情感表达
在文章中融入个人情感和看法，使其更具吸引力和感染力。比如，在写一篇关于亲情的文章时，深入描述你与家人之间的情感联系和共同经历。或者在写一篇关于“失去宠物”的文章时，可以深入描述你的情感波动，如悲伤、怀念，让读者能感受到你的情感深度，而不是仅仅停留在描写事情的过程中。
6. 养成定期写作练习与反馈的好习惯
通过持续的练习和获取反馈来提升写作技巧。例如，定期写作并从老师和同学那里获取建议，以便不断改进。也可以将每天发生的故事记录下来，好的不好的都有一个回顾和感受。
通过这些练习，我们不仅可以提高写作技能，还能更好地表达自己的思想和情感。记住，写作是一种技艺，而技艺是通过不断练习和探索来精进的。加油，同学们！
