21 July 2025 | Media Replies 2025

Robust Process to Ensure PSLE Chinese Language Exams are Accessible to Students

We would like to thank Ms Chen Han for her feedback (“Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) Chinese Language comprehension questions are beyond students' cognitive level”, 14 July 2025).

The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board has a robust process in place to ensure examinations assess students fairly and accurately, and is made accessible to all candidates. The choice of passages and questions follows the standards and requirements of the Ministry of Education’s Chinese Language syllabus, which places emphasis on developing students' 21st Century Competencies (respect, responsibility, resilience, integrity, care, and harmony), along with relevant language knowledge and skills.

The passage in the 2024 PSLE Chinese Language Paper 2 is a fable about a baby kangaroo and its family, that explores the themes of communication, understanding, mutual love and respect. The questions are designed to be aligned with learning objectives and requirements of reading comprehension outlined in the primary school Chinese Language syllabus, and is within the grasp of a Primary 6 student.

Regarding the specific comprehension question that Ms Chen referred to in her letter - "What kind of child is the baby kangaroo? How do you know?" - students are only required to understand the information provided in the passage and respond from their perspective about the baby Kangaroo’s character traits , using information from the passage to support their answer.  Any reasonable answer would be credited.

Mr Yue Lip Sin
Chief Executive, Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board