PSLE

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

To be implemented from the Year of Examination 2005

CONTENTS

Purpose of Examination 2 Assessment Objectives 3 Examination Format 4

1

PURPOSE OF EXAMINATION The purpose of the English Language Examination is to assess the candidates’ attainment of the Learning Outcomes stated in the English Language Syllabus 2001. The Learning Outcomes form the basis for the assessment objectives listed on page 3.

2

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES Candidates should be able to: In Paper 1 (Writing)

write effectively in internationally acceptable English to communicate ideas for different purposes, audiences and contexts

write legibly, coherently and cohesively select relevant ideas, an appropriate focus and format to write the target text plan and organise relevant information with purpose, audience and context in

mind demonstrate the correct use of grammar, spelling and punctuation, and the

appropriate use of vocabulary in given contexts In Paper 2 (Language Use and Comprehension)

demonstrate the ability to read and understand a range of texts and use language accurately

demonstrate the correct use of grammar, spelling and punctuation, and the appropriate use of vocabulary in given contexts

construct meaning, make predictions, infer and draw conclusions using visuals, text and language features, and contextual clues

follow the development of ideas in a text give reasons to support an opinion based on a given text

In Paper 3 (Listening Comprehension)

listen to a variety of spoken texts and demonstrate understanding of the content at the literal and inferential levels

identify main ideas and recall details infer and draw conclusions follow a set of procedures

In Paper 4 (Oral Communication)

read a passage with good pronunciation and clear articulation use appropriate rhythm and stress to achieve a well-paced, fluent reading of a

passage read with appropriate variation of pitch and tone in order to convey the

information, ideas and feelings in a passage interpret the situation in a given picture use a range of appropriate vocabulary and structures give a personal response express oneself clearly and interact with the examiner

3

4

EXAMINATION FORMAT Candidates will be assessed in the following areas:

PAPER COMPONENT ITEM TYPE

MARKS WEIGHTING DURATION

1

Situational Writing ------------------------- Continuous Writing

OE

OE 55 27.5% 1 hr 10 min

2

Language Use and Comprehension

OE/ MCQ

95 47.5% 1 hr 50 min

3

Listening Comprehension

MCQ 20 10% About 35 min

4 Oral Communication

OE 30 15%

About 11 min (5 min preparation time; about 6 min examination

time)

Total

200 100%

Paper 1 (Writing) Part 1 (Situational Writing): Candidates will be required to meet the demands of a given situational context. Part 2 (Continuous Writing): Candidates will be required to write a composition of at least 150 words on one of two given topics: a piece of narrative writing based on a pictorial stimulus or an account of a given situation. Paper 2 (Language Use and Comprehension) Candidates will be assessed on their ability to use language correctly and to comprehend graphic and textual information. Paper 3 (Listening Comprehension) This paper comprises 20 multiple-choice questions which test candidates’ ability to understand spoken English. The texts may be in the form of news items, announcements, advertisements, instructions, conversations, telephone conversations, speeches and stories. Graphic options will be used for the first four items. Paper 4 (Oral Communication) For Reading Aloud, candidates are assessed on their ability to pronounce and articulate words clearly, as well as their ability to read fluently with appropriate expression and rhythm. For Picture Discussion, candidates are assessed on their ability to interpret the situation in the picture, using correct grammar and appropriate vocabulary. For Conversation, the examiner will engage the candidate in a conversation on a given topic.