23 August 2024 | Media Replies 2024

We thank Ms Jenny Tan for her views in her letter (“Different PSLE oral exam topics may affect how well pupils do” (August 19).

There are robust processes in place to ensure that the accessibility of topics tested for the PSLE English and Mother Tongue Language oral examinations is comparable across different days.

The panel involved in the development of the PSLE consists of experienced educators and curriculum specialists from the Ministry of Education, as well as assessment specialists from the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board. They are familiar with the examination syllabuses and the teaching and learning in schools.

The oral exam topics, such as outdoor activities, healthy diet, reading and showing care for the elderly, take into consideration the general experiences of primary school pupils. 

Should pupils require support during the conversations, the oral examiners will provide additional prompts.

We would like to assure that pupils are not required to have deep knowledge of the topics assessed. They are assessed on their overall ability to converse with the oral examiners using appropriate vocabulary, sentence structures and expression.

Yue Lip Sin
Chief Executive
Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board