The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) designs the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) English Paper. The exam includes four sections, one of which is the Listening Comprehension test. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the format of the SEAB MOE English listening comprehension test based on the MOE syllabus outline and time allocation.
Listening Comprehension: An Overview
The Listening Comprehension test is Paper 3 of the PSLE English Language examination. It assesses students’ ability to understand spoken English in various forms, such as news items, announcements, advertisements, instructions, explanations, conversations, speeches, and stories. The ability to listen and comprehend spoken language is a critical part of language proficiency and is duly emphasised in the exam.
Format of the Listening Comprehension Test
The Listening Comprehension test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. The format is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to comprehend spoken English in various contexts and apply their understanding to answer the questions.
At the start of the test, graphic representations are used for the first seven items. This is to aid understanding and provide context to the spoken text. Following that, the subsequent items take on different formats such as narratives, dialogues, or monologues on a range of topics.
Each text is read twice. After the first reading, a pause is given for candidates to read the questions and anticipate the answers before the text is read for the second time. After the second reading, candidates are given time to select and mark their answers.
Time Allocation for the Listening Comprehension Test
The Listening Comprehension test is approximately 35 minutes long. The duration includes the time taken to read each text twice and the pause for candidates to read the questions and select their answers. Candidates must manage their time effectively to ensure they comprehend the spoken text and answer all the questions within this timeframe.
Preparing for the Listening Comprehension Test
To perform well in the Listening Comprehension test, candidates should engage in active listening during the test and focus on understanding the key points of the spoken text. Practicing listening skills regularly can help improve comprehension. Listening to English news, audiobooks, podcasts, and watching English shows or movies can also help students become more familiar with different accents, tones, and vocabulary used in various contexts.
In conclusion, the SEAB MOE English Listening Comprehension test forms a significant part of the PSLE English exam. Understanding its format and developing strong listening skills can help candidates perform well in this paper.
