Composition writing

- Composition writing in primary schools is a means of self expression and communication.

- The writing of a story is a response rather than an isolated activity. Composition writing is assessed primarily for its content, its imagination, use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure.

- In this way, pupils learn the mechanics of writing but not at the cost of enthusiasm and enjoyment.

- This section is designed to expose you to various ways of being creative.

- You are not therefore encouraged to copy or master any composition. The sample compositions used are designed to guide you on how to set out your composition effectively.

- The sample compositions therefore seek to arouse your interest and make you think sensibly and organize the flow of your events in order to come up with perfectly written compositions.Read them carefully and thoroughly.

In order for you to improve in composition writing, you are expected to carry out a lot of your own story book, articles and magazine reading.

• You should practice the speaking of English and regular composition writing.
• Make notes before writing your story. A story should have an introduction, body and an ending.
• Since a story is usually about a person or people, introduce the most important person(s) in your story immediately.
• Show clearly where your story is taking place .
• Show the conflict or subject of disagreement between the people in the story. For example, if a landlord comes to collect rent from a tenant who is unwilling to pay, the rent is a subject of conflict between the two. A good story should have some subject of conflict.

• Make your opening statement as interesting as possible.

For example:

a) She came out of the bathroom to find her day old baby missing. (Notice that the baby will be the source of conflict.)

b) When the thieves gathered to share the money, they found the box empty. (Notice that the money will be the source of conflict.) Begin your story in the first sentence.

• Include direct speech where appropriate because dialogue moves the story forward, draws the reader closer to the action, and gives the reader the feeling of being there.
• Resolve the conflict in your story as you conclude.
• Let your story flow in a realistic way.