'Difficult' PSLE-level Chinese Oral Passage Leaves Netizens Puzzled

If there’s one thing about Singaporeans, it’s that we love a good challenge. 

A Chinese oral passage has been making its rounds on the internet as of late, presenting the perfect opportunity to do so.

Taking to a Facebook post (19 Aug), Joseph Kwa shared of what seems like a photocopy of a PSLE-level Chinese oral passage from an assessment book. 

Kwa stated that he attempted the “Primary 6 oral exam” and that his Chinese is “西北好” (translates to sibei good in Hokkien, or very good in English). 

All was implied sarcastically of course, as Kwa said he found the passage incredibly difficult. And in particular, a saying by renowned scientist Benjamin Franklin: 今日事今日毕 (never put off until tomorrow what you can do today).

Here is a clearer view of the passage, if you (or your child) would like to attempt to read aloud:

A Facebook user, Eugune Lim, has also kindly included the English translation in the comments to help readers understand the context of the story:

The passage essentially centres on Benjamin Franklin and his maxim, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”

The difficulty of PSLE-level Chinese Oral Passage: A Mix of Sentiments

Kwa’s post has since gone viral with over 1,500 shares as of the time of writing.

Many flocked to the comments section to tag their family and friends in a bid to test their proficiency in Mandarin—and in the name of good fun. 

Image source: Facebook screengrab

It proved to be tricky for many, with some struggling to even get past the first three words from the passage.

Image source: Facebook screengrab

Others managed to breeze through it, however.

Image source: Facebook screengrab

The assessment also brought about chuckles, as it enabled Facebook users such as Sufenia, to affirm that her Chinese “isn’t so bad after all”.