The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is undergoing significant updates in 2025, with changes that affect various components of the English paper. These changes aim to encourage critical thinking, improve communication, and enhance students' inferential skills. The most notable adjustment is the increased emphasis on the Oral Communication section, reflecting the growing importance of spoken English skills in both academic and real-world contexts. In this article, we will explore the changes to the PSLE English format and offer practical tips on how to prepare for the PSLE.
Table of Contents:
Overview of the Changes in the PSLE English Format
The new format introduces modifications to all four papers of the PSLE English examination. Here’s a breakdown of the changes to the weightage of each paper:
Let’s delve into each paper's changes and what they mean for students preparing for the PSLE.
Paper 1: Situational Writing and Continuous Writing
In the updated PSLE English format, Paper 1 will see a slight reduction in marks:
Situational Writing: Reduced from 15 marks to 14 marks, and now requires students to provide their own ideas in one of the content points. This change encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge to new contexts.
Continuous Writing: The marks are reduced from 40 marks to 36 marks, but the expectations remain high. Students need to show strong narrative skills, creativity, and effective use of the English language.
Paper 2: Written Paper
Paper 2 also undergoes changes to some components:
Visual Text Comprehension: Reduced from 8 marks to 5 marks, with new question types that require making inferences based on the given visual. Students will need to interpret visuals and deduce implied meanings, developing deeper analytical skills.
Editing: Reduced from 12 marks to 10 marks, continuing to assess students' ability to correct grammatical and spelling mistakes.
Paper 3: Listening Comprehension
The Listening Comprehension section remains unchanged, maintaining its weightage of 20 marks.
Paper 4: Oral Communication
The most significant changes are seen in Paper 4, with the increased weightage from 30 marks to 40 marks. This adjustment emphasises the importance of oral skills and effective communication. Key changes include:
Reading Aloud: The marks are increased from 10 marks to 15 marks. Students will be given a preamble outlining the text’s purpose, audience, and context. They are expected to read with expression and demonstrate comprehension by understanding the tone and intention of the passage.
Stimulus-Based Conversation: The marks are raised from 20 marks to 25 marks, with a significant shift in the format. Instead of a drawing, students will engage in a conversation based on a real-life picture. The new PSLE English oral format requires students to discuss relevant topics by drawing on personal experiences and general knowledge.
Implications of the Changes for Students
The adjustments to the PSLE English oral exam and other papers are designed to cultivate real-world skills. The new emphasis on critical thinking, inference, and communication skills prepares students to be more analytical and articulate. The increase in the oral component’s weighting also means students must become confident speakers who can express their thoughts clearly and persuasively.
How to Prepare for the PSLE English Oral Exam
The changes to the PSLE English oral format bring a new focus to the preparation strategies needed for success. Here are some effective ways to help students excel:
1. Practise Critical Thinking and Idea Generation
With Situational Writing now requiring original ideas, students should engage in brainstorming exercises and explore multiple perspectives on real-world scenarios. Encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills will help them think critically and respond effectively to different writing tasks.
2. Develop Inference Skills
Since the Visual Text Comprehension section demands making inferences, students should practise reading between the lines and identifying implied messages. Engaging in activities that require deducing reasoning behind visual elements can improve their ability to answer open-ended questions confidently.
3. Oral Practice is Key
The increased emphasis on oral skills means students should focus on speaking clearly, confidently, and thoughtfully. Here are some practical tips to boost their performance in the PSLE English oral new format:
Regular Reading Aloud: Practising reading aloud helps students develop better pronunciation, intonation, and expression. Using texts that provide context, such as news articles or story passages, can improve their ability to effectively convey the tone and meaning.
Engaging in Stimulus-Based Discussions: Encourage your child to discuss pictures, current events, or everyday experiences. For the stimulus-based conversation section, students should relate real-life events to the topic at hand, expressing their views with supporting examples from their lives.
Techniques for the Reading Aloud and Stimulus-Based Conversation Sections
To excel in Part 1 Reading and the stimulus-based conversation section, students need to be well-prepared to demonstrate their oral communication skills.
Reading Aloud Tips:
Understand the Context: Before reading, take note of the purpose, audience, and context stated in the preamble. This understanding helps students adopt the appropriate tone and expression.
Practise Varied Texts: Reading different types of texts—narratives, dialogues, and informational passages—can help students adapt to various reading styles and contexts.
Stimulus-Based Conversation Tips:
Draw from Personal Experiences: When answering questions, students should connect the discussion with their own experiences. This personal touch adds depth to their responses.
Provide Elaborated Answers: Avoid one-word or short answers. Instead, elaborate on points by giving examples, sharing opinions, and explaining reasoning.
Preparing for Other Components of the PSLE English Format
While the oral examination is a significant focus, students should not neglect other areas:
Situational Writing
Students need to practise crafting clear, concise, and purposeful responses. This section tests practical writing skills, so encourage students to think about different real-world scenarios and how they would respond.
Continuous Writing
Even though the marks for continuous writing are reduced, it remains a crucial part of the exam. Students should continue practising writing compositions with well-structured plots, expressive language, and creativity.
Encourage Your Child to Stay Positive and Motivated
Changes to the PSLE English format may seem daunting, but with the right preparation, students can thrive under the new system. Here are some ways to encourage your child:
Set a Routine for Regular Practice: Consistency is key in mastering new skills. Set aside time for oral practice, writing exercises, and answering questions related to the syllabus.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small achievements to motivate continued improvement. Whether it’s reading a passage fluently or scoring well on a practice paper, acknowledging progress boosts confidence.
Emphasise the Real-World Application of English Skills: Remind students that the skills they are developing—critical thinking, clear communication, and idea generation—will benefit them beyond the PSLE and throughout their lives.
The PSLE English format changes for 2025 reflect a shift towards preparing students for real-world demands. With adjustments across all papers, particularly the oral component, students must adapt to new requirements that prioritise oral skills, critical thinking, and practical language use. By following the strategies outlined in this article, parents and teachers can support students in their journey to success and ensure they are ready to excel in the PSLE English oral exam and beyond.
AGrader's Primary English Programme is designed for Primary 4 children to achieve outstanding results in English. Every weekly lesson is curated and meticulously planned to align with the latest MOE syllabus, ensuring that students are always learning ahead of school. The program's high-quality, in-house worksheets further support each lesson, providing comprehensive guidance for P1 to P6/PSLE levels. In addition to regular classes, AGrader students enjoy exclusive access to the EverLoop Modules—an invaluable resource for extra after-class learning that reinforces key concepts and enhances mastery, all at no extra cost.
Give your child the advantage they deserve in mastering English. Enrol in AGrader's Primary English Programme today and watch them thrive with the best support, right from the start!
Join Our AGrader Community Today! (Free for all AGrader & Non-AGrader students)
Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to gain access to more study tips, free downloads, and much more for all subjects.
WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/agwachannel
Telegram channel: https://bit.ly/agtelchannel
Comments