“Did you hear? Sarah is leaving the school!”

When my friend whispered those words to me during recess, I believed her immediately. Without checking if it was true, I excitedly told several classmates. Within hours, the rumour had spread throughout the entire class.

The next day, I noticed Sarah sitting quietly at her desk. Her eyes were red and swollen. Our teacher soon addressed the class and explained that Sarah was not leaving the school at all. She had only been absent because she was caring for her sick grandmother.

My heart sank. I realised that I was one of the people responsible for spreading the false rumour. Sarah looked hurt and embarrassed as everyone stared at her. Guilt washed over me like a huge wave.

After school, I gathered my courage and approached her. “I am sorry, Sarah. I should not have repeated something without knowing the truth,” I said softly.

To my surprise, Sarah accepted my apology. “Thank you for being honest,” she replied.

When I reached home, I told my mother what had happened. Instead of scolding me, she patiently explained that words could hurt people just as much as actions. She reminded me to think carefully before speaking.

That incident taught me an important lesson. My mistake was spreading a rumour without checking the facts. Although I could not erase the hurt I had caused, I learnt to be more responsible with my words. Since then, I have always made sure that what I say is true before sharing it with others.

Word Count: 248

To read thrilling and bone chilling ghost stories visit : https://asiaghosts.com/

To read ghost stories related to houses/HDB: https://asiaghosts.com/house/

To read ghost stories related to school: https://asiaghosts.com/schools/

To read stories related to strange incidents : https://asiaghosts.com/strange-incidents/

To read latest stories around the world : https://sgfollowsall.com/

To read latest viral Singapore stories around the world : https://sgfollowsall.com/singapore-news/

To read latest viral Asia stories around the world : https://sgfollowsall.com/asia-news/

To read primary school compositions: https://sgessays.com/primary-school-compositions

To read secondary school essays: https://sgessays.com/singapore-secondary-school-essays

To read general papers essays: https://sgessays.com/general-paper-essays

To read tips on improving compositions/essays : https://sgessays.com/tips-to-improve-esssays-compositions

To read sample of letters,emails and reports (Situational Writing) – https://sgessays.com/situational-writing-letters-emails-and-reports

To read tips on oral examinations: https://sgessays.com/psle-english-oral-examinations

To practice listening comprehensions : https://sgessays.com/listening-comprehension

To read on interesting Singapore Teacher’s stories / Forum : https://sgessays.com/singapore-teachers-storiesforum

To read free compositions and essays: https://sgessays.com/

To read about how to make money : https://powerwithmoney.com

How to Plan and Write This Composition

1. Understand the Topic

The topic is “a mistake.”

The examiner wants you to explain:

• What the mistake was.

• Why it was wrong.

• The consequences.

• What you learnt from it.

A good PSLE composition should show mistake → problem → regret → lesson learnt.

2. Use the Pictures

Picture 1 (Person regretting)

This suggests:

• Realising a mistake.

• Feeling guilty, worried or ashamed.

Picture 2 (Word “mistake” being erased)

This suggests:

• Correcting an error.

• Learning from the mistake.

Picture 3 (Someone comforting another)

This suggests:

• Apologising.

• Receiving advice or forgiveness.

• Learning a valuable lesson.

3. Planning Framework

Paragraph - Content

Introduction - Hear a rumour and spread it.

Rising Action - Rumour spreads around school.

Climax - Discover the rumour is false and someone gets hurt.

Falling Action - Apologise and admit your mistake.

Conclusion - Learn to think before speaking and check facts.

4. A1 Writing Techniques

Show Feelings

Instead of: I felt bad.

Write: My heart sank and guilt tightened its grip on me.

Use Strong Vocabulary

• devastated

• embarrassed

• remorseful

• responsible

• regret

• ashamed

• relieved

Include Dialogue

Example: “I am sorry,” I whispered, unable to meet her eyes.

Dialogue makes the story more realistic and engaging.

5. Key Lesson

For a high PSLE score, end with a meaningful reflection:

I learnt that a small mistake can have serious consequences. Thinking before speaking and taking responsibility for my actions are important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Simple A1 Formula

Mistake → Consequences → Regret → Apology → Lesson Learnt

This structure is clear, realistic, and highly effective for scoring well in PSLE Continuous Writing.