Understanding the weightage of PSLE English Comprehension Paper 2 is an integral part of preparing for the PSLE examinations and strategizing effectively. In the context of the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) in Singapore, set by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB), comprehension is a critical component of the English language assessment.
This is the whole weightage, (Check for latest at MOE SEAB website)
| Paper | Component | Item Type | No. of Items | Marks | Weighting | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Writing) | Situational Writing | OE (Open-ended) | 1 | 15 | 27.5% | 1 h 10 min |
| Continuous Writing | OE (Open-ended) | 1 | 40 | |||
| 2 (Language Use and Comprehension) | Booklet A: Grammar | MCQ (Multiple-choice) | 10 | 10 | 47.5% | 1 h 50 min |
| Vocabulary | MCQ (Multiple-choice) | 5 | 5 | |||
| Vocabulary Cloze | MCQ (Multiple-choice) | 5 | 5 | |||
| Visual Text Comprehension | MCQ (Multiple-choice) | 8 | 8 | |||
| Booklet B: Grammar Cloze | OE (Open-ended) | 10 | 10 | |||
| Editing for Spelling and Grammar | OE (Open-ended) | 12 | 12 | |||
| Comprehension Cloze | OE (Open-ended) | 15 | 15 | |||
| Synthesis / Transformation | OE (Open-ended) | 10 | 10 | |||
| Comprehension OE | OE (Open-ended) | 20 | 20 | |||
| 3 (Listening Comprehension) | Listening Comprehension | MCQ (Multiple-choice) | 20 | 20 | 10% | About 35 min |
| 4 (Oral Communication) | Reading Aloud | OE (Open-ended) | 1 passage | 10 | 15% | About 10 min (5 min preparation time; about 5 min examination time) |
| Stimulus-based Conversation | OE (Open-ended) | 1 visual stimulus | 20 |
Legend: MCQ: Multiple-choice questions OE: Open-ended questions Total Marks: 200 Total Weighting: 100%
The PSLE English Paper 2, which comprises the English Comprehension segment, carries a substantial weightage. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, it contributes about 47.5% of the total score for the English paper. This highlights the importance of this section in the overall English score, underlining the need for students to perform well in it.
The significant weightage is reflective of the MOE and SEAB’s emphasis on reading comprehension skills as a cornerstone of English proficiency. Comprehension exercises assess a student’s ability to understand and interpret various forms of texts accurately. The ability to infer meaning, extract key points, and understand the context are some of the core skills evaluated in this paper. The range of comprehension questions further test the student’s grasp of vocabulary, sentence structures, and their ability to articulate responses in an organised, coherent manner.
Given its weightage, students must dedicate ample time and effort towards mastering the different types of comprehension exercises, ranging from MCQs to open-ended questions. Not only is this beneficial for their examination scores, but these skills are also vital for their future academic pursuits and even in their daily lives.
However, it’s essential not to overlook the other components of the English paper – namely, the Continuous Writing, Situational Writing, and Oral Communication. Each component tests a different set of language skills and contributes to a holistic assessment of the student’s English proficiency. Hence, a balanced approach that includes all aspects of the English paper is crucial for overall success in the PSLE English examination.
The PSLE English Comprehension Paper 2, given its significant weightage, demands serious attention and focused preparation. It is essential to hone in on key reading comprehension skills and familiarise oneself with the various question types. Parents and educators can support this by providing plenty of practice opportunities, offering targeted feedback, and creating a supportive environment that nurtures the love for reading and learning.