17 July 2026 | Media Replies 2026

PSLE ENGLISH PAPER DESIGNED TO BE FAIR AND APPROPRIATE FOR PRIMARY 6 PUPILS

We thank Tan Chiew Heah for her views about the design of the PSLE English Language examination (“Too little time given to write a proper composition for PSLE English paper”, July 9).

The design of the PSLE English Language examination is fully aligned with the standards and requirements of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Primary English Language syllabus, which emphasises developing our pupils’ ability to communicate effectively and use language appropriately for different purposes, audiences and contexts.

For the PSLE English Language Paper 1, pupils have one hour and 10 minutes to complete the paper. The allocated time covers the two tasks, Situational Writing and Continuous Writing. Pupils have the flexibility to work across them as needed, managing their own time throughout the paper. For Continuous Writing, pupils write a composition of at least 150 words on a given topic. The guideline on the word count aims to help pupils pace themselves across both tasks within the time given.

The time duration for the paper has been carefully calibrated to be appropriate for Primary 6 pupils, taking into account the corresponding age of the pupils, the scope of the task, and the skills being assessed. Pupils are credited for relevant and well-developed responses that address the topic, and there is room for them to demonstrate originality and personal voice in their writing.

The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board and MOE will continue to review the assessment formats regularly to ensure that they remain fair, accessible and meaningful for pupils.

Yue Lip Sin
Chief Executive, Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board