Current PSLE Syllabus outlined by SEAB MOE website Jan 2015 onwards

PSLE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Implemented from the Year of Examination 2015

PURPOSE OF EXAMINATION

The purpose of the examination is to assess the candidates’ attainment in English Language based on the Learning Outcomes stated in the English Language Syllabus 2010: Primary & Secondary (Express / Normal [Academic]). The Learning Outcomes form the basis for the assessment objectives listed on page 3.

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES

In this English Language examination, candidates will be assessed on their ability to:

In Paper 1 (Writing)

1. AO1  write to suit purpose, audience and context in a way that is clear and effective
2. AO2  use appropriate register and tone in a variety of texts
3. AO3  generate and select relevant ideas, organising and expressing them in a coherentand cohesive manner
4. AO4  use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
5. AO5  use a variety of vocabulary appropriately, with clarity and precision

In Paper 2 (Language Use and Comprehension)

1. AO1  demonstrate comprehension of a range of texts at the literal and inferential levels
2. AO2  show understanding of implied meaning, and make judgement and evaluation, byreading and/or viewing closely and critically
3. AO3  show understanding of how contextual use of lexical and grammatical itemsshapes meaning
4. AO4  demonstrate the correct use of grammar, spelling and punctuation, and theappropriate use of vocabulary in given contexts

In Paper 3 (Listening Comprehension)

1. AO1  demonstrate understanding of the content of a variety of spoken texts at the literal and inferential levels
2. AO2  identify key messages, main ideas and details in a variety of spoken texts
3. AO3  infer and draw conclusions by listening critically

In Paper 4 (Oral Communication)

1. AO1  read with good pronunciation, clear articulation and appropriate intonation in order to convey the information, ideas and feelings in a passage
2. AO2  produce a well-paced, fluent reading of a passage
3. AO3  express their personal opinions, ideas and experiences clearly and effectively inconversing with the examiner
4. AO4  speak fluently and with grammatical accuracy, using a range of appropriatevocabulary and structures

EXAMINATION FORMAT

Candidates will be assessed in the following areas:

Legend:

MCQ Multiple-choice questions OE Open-ended questions

Paper 1 (Writing)

Part 1 (Situational Writing): Candidates will be required to write a short functional piece (e.g. letter, email, report) to suit the purpose, audience and context of a given situation.

Part 2 (Continuous Writing): Candidates will be required to write a composition of at least 150 words in continuous prose on a given topic. Three pictures will be provided on the topic offering different angles of interpretation. Candidates may also come up with their own interpretation of the topic.

Paper 2 (Language Use and Comprehension)

Candidates will be assessed on their ability to use language correctly and to comprehend visual and textual information.

Paper 3 (Listening Comprehension)

This paper comprises 20 multiple-choice questions which test candidates’ ability to understand spoken English. The texts may be in the form of news items, announcements, advertisements, instructions, explanations, conversations, speeches and stories. Graphic representations will be used for the first seven items. Each text will be read twice. Time will be given for candidates to read the questions before the first reading of each text.

Paper 4 (Oral Communication)

For Reading Aloud, candidates are assessed on their ability to pronounce and articulate words clearly, as well as their ability to read fluently with appropriate expression and rhythm. For Stimulus-based Conversation, candidates are assessed on their ability to give a personal response to a visual stimulus and engage in a conversation on a relevant topic.