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.