The PSLE oral exam is one of those exams that you can score high in if you practice long enough. It’s not something that you’re either born with or born without, in fact, it’s something that you can actually learn over time.
Check out our tips on how you can help your child to ace their next oral exam.
PSLE Oral Exam: Breakdown of marks
In the PSLE oral exam, there are three different portions that students will be tested on. The first is reading, the second is picture description and the third is conversation.
The three components are all marked upon 10 for a total possible score of 30 marks.
PSLE Oral Exam: Reading
Remember that this is a read-aloud section. Enunciate your words by practising during the 10 minutes that you have to study the passage and picture before the examiner calls you in.
Take note of all punctuation and make sure that you pause during the appropriate times.
Finally, remember that you are not chasing after a train, so pace your reading. This will contribute to a more confident, clear, and concise reading.
Reading helps and is an important part of the preparation process for a PSLE oral exam.
PSLE Oral Exam: Picture description
Start off by giving a general statement about the picture. For example, where the picture takes place or what event it describes. Next, bring the examiner’s attention to the point of interest in the picture.
This is usually the focal point of the picture. Remember to focus your discussion on that point.
You should also keep in mind and articulate plausible explanations for the interpretations that you state with regard to the picture.
Remember to utilise a wide range of vocabulary and accurate grammatical structure. This is an exam after all.
Don’t be shy to give your opinions as well with regard to the events in the picture. This demonstrates critical thinking and will set a great impression in the examiner’s mind.
While many students find it difficult to describe enough for this portion of the oral, there are some students who get carried away, causing them to go off track in their discussion.
The conversation
Guidelines to acing this stage include:
- Maintain eye contact with your examiner.
- Speak in complete sentences.
- Smile and show interest.
- Be confident and natural.
- Share real-life experiences and stories.
Let us know if you have found this information useful and what else your children do to prepare for the PSLE oral exam.
