The Ultimate Guide to Writing Better Compositions in Secondary School

Writing a good composition is an essential skill for secondary school students. Whether it’s for an English exam, a school assignment, or a creative writing competition, being able to write creatively and correctly is a valuable skill that will benefit you throughout your life. However, many students struggle with composition writing because they don’t know where to start, how to organize their ideas, or how to make their writing interesting.

If you want to improve your composition writing skills, this ultimate guide will show you how to write better essays and stories for secondary school. From understanding the structure to practicing creative writing techniques, here’s everything you need to know.

Why Is Composition Writing Important?

Before learning how to write better, it’s useful to understand why composition writing matters:

1. Improves Communication Skills

Writing compositions teaches you how to organize your thoughts and express ideas clearly, which are critical skills in life and school.

2. Boosts Academic Performance

Good writing can improve your grades not just in English but in subjects like History, Geography, and Literature, where clear writing is essential.

3. Prepares You for Exams

Many secondary school English exams require essays such as argumentative, descriptive, or narrative. Practicing composition writing helps you perform better under exam conditions.

4. Develops Creativity and Critical Thinking

Writing compositions allows you to explore ideas, think creatively, and build strong arguments. It helps you become a better thinker and communicator.

Understand the Types of Compositions

Different schools and exams may ask for various types of compositions. Here are the main types you should know:

1. Narrative Writing (Story Writing)

• Focuses on telling a story
• Includes a plot with a beginning, middle, and end
• Features characters, setting, conflict, and resolution

2. Descriptive Writing

• Focuses on describing a person, place, or event in detail
• Uses sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch)
• Aims to paint a vivid picture for the reader

3. Expository Writing

• Explains facts or ideas in a clear, straightforward way
• Often used for reports or factual essays

4. Argumentative Writing

• Presents an opinion on a topic and supports it with reasons and evidence
• Requires logical reasoning and persuasive language

How to Plan a Composition Effectively

Many students jump straight into writing without planning, which often leads to disorganized essays. Here’s how to plan your composition for better results:

1. Understand the Question

Before you start writing, read the question carefully. Identify:

• The type of composition (narrative, descriptive, argumentative, etc.)
• The theme or topic
• Any specific requirements (e.g., word count, perspective)

2. Brainstorm Ideas

Spend 5–10 minutes writing down ideas. Use techniques like:

• Mind Mapping – Write the main idea in the center and branch out supporting ideas.
• Listing – Make a list of possible points, events, or descriptions to include.

3. Create an Outline

An outline helps you organize your ideas before writing. For example:

Narrative Outline:

• Introduction – Set the scene and introduce characters
• Rising Action – Build tension or describe the problem
• Climax – The most exciting moment or turning point
• Falling Action – What happens after the climax
• Conclusion – How the story ends

Argumentative Outline:

• Introduction – Introduce the topic and state your opinion
• Body Paragraphs – Give reasons, examples, and evidence
• Counterargument – Address the opposing view
• Conclusion – Summarize points and restate your opinion

Writing the Composition: Step by Step

Once your plan is ready, it’s time to write. Follow these steps for a polished composition:

1. Write a Strong Introduction

Your introduction should:

• Grab the reader’s attention
• Introduce the main theme or topic
• Set the tone for the rest of the essay

Example of a narrative hook:

“It was a cold, rainy night when I first realized something wasn’t right.”

Example of an argumentative hook:

“Some people believe that social media is destroying communication skills. But is this true?”

2. Build Well-Organized Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph should focus on one main idea. Use this structure:

• Topic Sentence – Introduce the main point of the paragraph
• Supporting Details – Give examples, descriptions, or explanations
• Linking Sentence – Connect to the next paragraph smoothly

For narrative writing, focus on events and character development. For argumentative writing, use facts, statistics, and examples to support your points.

3. Use Descriptive Language

Make your writing come alive with sensory details and vivid descriptions:

• Use adjectives and adverbs (but don’t overdo it)
• Use similes and metaphors to create imagery
• Show, don’t just tell
  • Instead of: “He was scared.”
  • Try: “His hands trembled, and his heart raced like a drum.”

4. Write a Memorable Conclusion

End your composition by:

• Summarizing the main points
• Leaving the reader with a final thought
• In stories, provide a satisfying or thought-provoking ending
• In arguments, restate your opinion confidently

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Overcomplicated Words

Big words don’t always make writing better. Use words you’re comfortable with to ensure clarity.

2. Ignoring Grammar and Punctuation

Poor grammar and careless mistakes can ruin a good essay. Always check for:

• Subject-verb agreement
• Proper tenses
• Correct punctuation and sentence structure

3. Going Off-Topic

Stay focused on the essay question. Stick to the main theme throughout.

4. Lack of Paragraphing

Long blocks of text are hard to read. Use paragraphs to break down your ideas.

Tips to Improve Your Composition Skills

1. Read Regularly

Reading good books, articles, and essays exposes you to new vocabulary and writing styles. Read as many different genres as you can, including newspaper articles, non-fiction, and fiction.

2. Write Often

Practice makes perfect. Set a goal to write one composition per week. Over time, you’ll see improvement.

3. Learn New Vocabulary

Keep a vocabulary notebook. Write down new words, their meanings, and example sentences.

4. Review and Edit

After writing, always review your work. Look for:

• Grammar mistakes
• Spelling errors
• Sentences that can be clearer or more interesting

If possible, ask a teacher, parent, or friend to give you feedback.

Conclusion: Practice Makes Progress

Writing better compositions takes time, patience, and practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first drafts aren’t perfect. The more you write, the better you’ll become.

Remember, great writers are not born—they are made through consistent effort. Follow this guide, keep practicing, and soon you’ll find yourself writing better, clearer, and more creative compositions in secondary school.