Every afternoon, I would walk past a small block of flats on my way home from school. Sitting on a bench near the playground was an elderly woman whom everyone called Grandma Lee. Although I often saw her, I never spoke to her because I thought we had nothing in common.

One day, I noticed a cardboard box beside the bench. Curious, I peered inside and found several old books and photo albums. As I looked through them, Grandma Lee smiled and began telling me stories about her childhood.

To my surprise, her stories were fascinating. She shared tales of life in Singapore many years ago, when there were no smartphones or shopping malls. I found myself listening attentively and laughing at her amusing experiences.

Over the next few weeks, I visited her regularly after school. We talked about many things, from school life to her favourite hobbies. However, some of my friends teased me.

"Why do you spend so much time with an old lady?" they asked.

I ignored their remarks because I genuinely enjoyed her company. She was kind, wise and always willing to listen.

One day, Grandma Lee fell ill and was unable to leave her home. I visited her with some groceries and a handmade card. Tears filled her eyes as she thanked me.

That was when I realised how much our friendship meant to both of us. It was unexpected because of our age difference, but it taught me that true friendship is not determined by age. It is built on kindness, respect and genuine care.

Word Count: 249

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How to Plan and Write This Composition

Step 1: Understand the Pictures

Picture 1: Open Box

• Represents a discovery.

• Could contain books, photos or items that start the friendship.

Picture 2: Boy Helping an Elderly Woman

• Suggests kindness and interaction between different generations.

• The friendship develops through helping one another.

Picture 3: Children Laughing

• Friends may not understand the unusual friendship.

• Highlights why the friendship is unexpected.

Step 2: Answer the Two Key Questions

Why was the friendship unexpected?

Possible reasons:

• Large age difference.

• Different backgrounds.

• They were strangers at first.

• Other people did not understand the friendship.

What happened in the end?

Possible endings:

• They became close friends.

• They helped each other.

• The friendship taught an important lesson.

Step 3: Use This A1 Structure

Introduction

• Introduce the elderly woman and the narrator.

Build-Up

• Discover something interesting (box of books/photos).

• Start a conversation.

Development

• Friendship grows over time.

• Others question the friendship.

Climax

• Elderly woman needs help.

• Narrator supports her.

Resolution

• Friendship becomes stronger.

Conclusion

• Reflect on the lesson learnt.

Step 4: Show Emotions

Instead of: I liked talking to her.

Write: I looked forward to our conversations every day.

Instead of: I was surprised.

Write: To my astonishment, her stories captivated me.

Instead of: I was happy.

Write: A warm feeling spread through my heart.

Step 5: Include Dialogue

Examples:

• "Would you like to see these old photographs?" Grandma Lee asked.

• "Your stories are amazing!" I exclaimed.

• "Thank you for visiting me," she said softly.

Dialogue makes the story more engaging and realistic.

Vocabulary for an A1 Composition

Simple Word=Better Word

old=elderly

nice=kind-hearted

surprised=astonished

friendship=bond

helped=assisted

happy=delighted

Useful phrases:

• an unlikely friendship

• a warm smile spread across her face

• looked forward to our conversations

• age was merely a number

• a friendship built on mutual respect

Why This Composition Can Score A1

✅ Clearly explains why the friendship was unexpected
✅ Uses all three pictures meaningfully
✅ Strong character development
✅ Includes dialogue and emotions
✅ Rich vocabulary and vivid descriptions
✅ Ends with a meaningful lesson

Quick Planning Formula

Chance Meeting → Conversation → Friendship Grows → Challenge/Test → Stronger Friendship → Lesson Learnt

This structure works very well for PSLE compositions about an unexpected friendship because it shows how relationships can develop in surprising yet meaningful ways.