Preparing for the PSLE exams can be daunting. Besides getting enough practice in all components, these tips may help students excel in the exams.
Reading Comprehension
Before attempting questions for the open-ended comprehension or cloze tasks, read through the passage. Track the ideas, events and actions across the passage.
Using 5W1H questions, identify the main point in each paragraph and the sequence of events. Underline words you are unsure of and use surrounding clues to determine the meaning. For example, pay attention to when a word is a verb (often with suffixes like -ed or -ing), an adverb (often with the suffix like -ly) or an adjective (with suffixes like -ous, -ent, -ful, -less).
Use the CUB Hi or circle-underline-brackets-highlight technique to break down the demands of an open-ended comprehension question.
Composition
To prepare for the continuous writing section, build up a wide word bank of show-not-tell phrases for different feelings characters may have in stories. Vocabulary word banks can also be arranged according to themes (e.g., mishaps or celebrations).
Practice makes perfect. Pick effective writing skills through a good quality creative writing class – be it online or in-person, whether in the northeast or west of the island. Young writers benefit from consistent practice with plot planning for different topics and picture prompts, together with timely, personalized feedback.
Examining good models of writing, including pieces produced by their peers, will reinforce good techniques. These include descriptions using the five senses, idioms, fitting similes or metaphors, and context-specific vocabulary. It is important that students develop the habit of checking and editing their work too.
Bit by bit
The earlier students begin their revision plan, the better. It is important to regularly recap concepts or lesson notes. It is very beneficial to go through marked and returned work carefully to learn from but avoid repeating mistakes. Actor and former pro-wrestler Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson puts it well, “Success isn’t overnight. It’s when every day you get a little better than the day before. It all adds up!”
Also Read: Educational Benefits of Article Rewriting for Students
