Often Asked Questions on PSLE English

Question 1: What should my child focus on when preparing for the PSLE English Exam?

Answer: Compo, Compo, Compo… This is 1 question – 36 marks – 50minutes. When your child goes into the exam hall to sit for Paper 1, two thirds of the battle is won if s/he is prepared. Your child should have a Writing Exercise book where his/her best written works are kept. Your child should not be looking at the exam question with 3 pictures provided and wonder, “What do I want to write about today?” When your child looks at the exam question, the clock is ticking so the 1st thought should be, “I’ve a story that is perfect for the theme and for ONE picture. (40 minutes of writing, 10 minutes to check. Oh and 20 minutes for Situational Writing)

Question 2: How important is Composition again?

Answer: It is very important as practising Compositions will also help your child do well in the Secondary level English exams (Personal Recount Essays from Sec 1 to 4)

Question 3: How can my child improve in his / her Composition?

Answer: Stay tuned… I will be posting Writing Strategies and sample Compositions here in due time.

Question 4: How else can my child prepare for the PSLE?

Answer: Once your child is fairly confident with a variety of composition themes, next up – work on all the Comprehension components: Visual Text (5 marks), Cloze (15 marks), Open Ended (20 marks) Total 40 marks

Question 5: What strategies can my child use to improve in Comprehension?

Answer: Stay tuned… I will be posting sample Comprehension practice questions and strategies.