2025 PSLE English Model Composition - Suggested Answer

Write a composition of at least 150 words about being thankful.

“Why is that uncle standing when there is a seat here?” my younger sister asked as we stepped into the MRT train. I followed her gaze and noticed the brightly coloured sign above the blue seats. It read, Priority Seating for the Elderly, Pregnant and Disabled. The sight of the sign instantly transported me to a memory of a rainy afternoon when I was younger. I recalled how my grandmother once struggled to balance herself on a crowded bus while passengers pretended not to notice her. That memory made me uneasy as I watched the elderly uncle in front of us gripping the pole tightly, his hands trembling slightly. Just as I was about to act, something unexpected happened that changed the entire situation.

The train lurched forward suddenly, and the strong scent of damp umbrellas mixed with the faint smell of fried noodles clinging to school uniforms filled the carriage. The rattling of the metal tracks and the piercing chime of the station announcement created a noisy backdrop. The elderly uncle swayed dangerously as the train gained speed, his eyes darting nervously as he tightened his grip on the cold steel pole. I could feel the sharp contrast between the icy blast of the air-conditioning and the sticky warmth of the crowd pressing in around me. My heart pounded as my eyes darted between the empty priority seat and the uncle who clearly needed it. A dilemma clawed at me — should I speak up and risk offending the young man sprawled across the seat with his headphones on, or should I remain silent and pretend not to see, just like everyone else? The seconds stretched painfully, each one amplifying my guilt and hesitation.

Summoning every ounce of courage, I tapped the young man gently on his shoulder. My voice quivered as I asked, “Could you please give up the seat for the uncle?” To my surprise, instead of reacting angrily, the young man blinked in confusion before quickly standing up. He removed his headphones and mumbled, “Sorry, I did not notice.” The uncle lowered himself carefully onto the seat, his weary face lighting up with relief. He looked at me with kind eyes and whispered a soft “Thank you.” The twist came when the young man, instead of sulking, smiled and said, “Thank you for reminding me. I should be more aware.” His words struck me deeply, for it was not only the uncle who benefited but also the young man who learned a lesson that day. My chest swelled with quiet pride as the tension in the carriage dissolved into calm.

This experience taught me the value of being thankful in both giving and receiving. The uncle was thankful for the seat, the young man was thankful for the reminder, and I was thankful for the courage to act. As the saying goes, a kind deed is never wasted. I learnt that being considerate and brave can change not only another person’s day but also one’s own character. In future, I will carry this lesson with me, speaking up whenever I see someone in need, no matter how uncomfortable it feels. From this experience, I learnt the moral value of compassion. It reminded me that true strength lies in kindness, and that is something I will treasure for the rest of my life.