Worried about your child's PSLE Oral? Learn the NEW 2025 format & proven strategies to excel in Reading Aloud & Stimulus-Based Conversation.
The PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) oral component is a significant part of the overall assessment. It evaluates a student's ability to communicate effectively in both English and their Mother Tongue Language (MTL). To excel in the oral exam, it's essential to understand the format, practice regularly, and develop effective communication skills.
Source File: Freepik
What is the Oral Format for PSLE?
PSLE oral exam typically consists of two parts: Reading Aloud and Stimulus-Based Conversation.
- Reading Aloud, students will be given a passage they have to read to the examiner. This tests their pronunciation, fluency and comprehension of the text.
- Stimulus-Based Conversation, students will be presented with a visual, such as a picture or a graph, to discuss. The examiner will then ask questions related to the visual. This section tests their ability to think critically, express themselves clearly and participate in a conversation.
How Many Marks is the Oral Exam Worth?
The PSLE English Oral exam is getting even bigger! In 2025, it's worth a whopping 40 marks (up from 30). This shows how much the Ministry of Education (MOE) values good speaking skills in Singaporean students.
What does this mean for your child? It means that practising their oral skills is now more important than ever. Good communication skills are essential for success in school and in life!
Gone are the days when rote memorisation was enough to excel in the PSLE English Oral. The new assessment format places a greater emphasis on students' ability to engage in real-world communication scenarios. This means that students will be evaluated not only on their pronunciation and fluency but also on their ability to think critically, respond appropriately, and express themselves coherently.
Breaking Down the New Assessment Components:
- Reading Aloud (15 marks):
Fluency and Expression: Students will be assessed on their ability to read a passage smoothly and expressively, demonstrating good pronunciation and intonation. - Stimulus-Based Conversation (25 marks):
Critical Thinking and Communication: Students will engage in a conversation based on a given stimulus, such as a picture or a graph. They will be evaluated on their ability to respond appropriately, demonstrate critical thinking, and express themselves clearly and coherently.
The format and scoring of the oral exam may change from year to year. Please visit the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board's PSLE section for the latest updates.
(Source: https://www.seab.gov.sg/home/examinations/psle/)
How to Help Your Child Ace the PSLE Oral?
Source File: Unsplash
Reading Aloud:
- Practice Reading Out Loud: Encourage your child to read aloud regularly, focusing on pronunciation, clarity, and pace. Pay attention to tricky sounds and unfamiliar words.
- Record and Review: Record your child reading and listen back together. This helps them identify areas for improvement, like fluency and intonation.
Practice having your child read the passage aloud during the 10 minutes they have to study it before the exam. Remind them to pay attention to punctuation and pause where they see commas or full stops. Encourage them to take their time and not rush through the reading. This will help them sound confident and clear.
Stimulus-Based Conversation:
- Think Before You Speak: Encourage your child to take a moment to think before answering the examiner's questions. This allows them to formulate a clear and well-structured response.
- Expand on Ideas: Don't settle for one-word answers! Teach your child to elaborate on their thoughts and provide evidence to support their points.
- Active Listening: Part of a good conversation is active listening. Help your child practice paying attention to the examiner's questions and responding thoughtfully.
When discussing the picture, encourage your child to start by saying something general about it, like where it was taken or what’s happening. Then, guide them to focus on the main thing in the picture. This is usually the centre of attention. Ask them to talk about that and explain why they think it’s important. Remind them to use different words and correct grammar. Encourage them to share their thoughts about what’s happening in the picture. This shows they can think critically. Some students find it hard to say enough, while others might talk too much and get off topic.
Bonus Tips:
- Discuss Current Events: Regularly discuss current events and social issues with your child. This helps them expand their vocabulary and build critical thinking skills, essential for the Stimulus-Based Conversation.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Encourage your child to practice conversation skills with friends and family. Role-playing potential questions can also help them feel more confident.
By following these tips and focusing on both reading and conversational skills, your child can feel confident and prepared to excel in the PSLE Oral Exam.
What is the PSLE Oral Date?
The PSLE oral exam dates change every year and are usually announced by the Ministry of Education (MOE) closer to the exam time. For 2024, the oral exams were held on August 13th and 14th. You can find the latest information on the MOE website.
(source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/national-exams-dates#psle)
What are the historical PSLE Oral Topics?
Although the specific topics for the PSLE oral exam can vary, they often focus on current events, social issues, personal experiences, or cultural themes. Our Openschoolbag PSLE oral series can help your child get used to these topics and prepare for the exam.
Where to Find PSLE Oral Books
There are various resources available to help you prepare for the PSLE oral. Openschoolbag’s PSLE 10 Years Series Collection comprises past PSLE oral papers along with answer keys and model answers. Additionally, your school may have recommended resources or provide practice materials.
By following these guidelines and practising regularly, your child can improve their oral communication skills and increase their chances of success in the PSLE oral exam.