FORMAT OF THE UPSR - ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER

Paper 1- 50 minutes
5 sections: 40 objective questions - 40 marks
Section A - This section is based on vocabulary. The vocabulary is either at the
word, phrase or sentence level. The 10 multiple-choice questions will be stimuli
based with or without graphics.
Section B - This section is based on social and language expression. It is aimed at
testing a pupils use of:
* correct social expressions with visual clues as a guide
* appropriate vocabulary based on given situations
* parts if speech based on visual and textual clues.
The questions in this section are based on pictures which show common, everyday
social situations. A candidate is required to study each picture carefully and
determine the exact situation. Then, choose the appropriate response that fits the
situation.
Section C - The questions in this section will be based on grammatical items. Six
questions in this section will test the candidates knowledge and understanding of
grammar. Two questions will be based on spelling and another two on punctuation.
Some of the questions in this section will be stimuli based with graphics.
Section D - This section will be based on text completion. A cloze passage, which is
wholly picture dependent, is given. There will be five blanks and this will test a
candidates use of parts of speech (grammar) including visual and textual clues.
Candidate must look at the picture carefully and then choose the answer from the
given options.
Section E - This section is based on Reading and Comprehension. It comprises of
10 multiple choice questions based on 2 passages: a non-linear passage and a
linear passage.
The 10 comprehension questions are measured by a variety of reading skills
namely:
* Main Idea
* Specific Information
* Cause & Effect Relationships
* Drawing Conclusion
* Predicting Outcomes
* Sequencing
* Vocabulary
* Inference

Paper 2: 1 hour and 15 minutes

3 Sections: 3 subjective questions - 40 marks
Section A - Section a will be on sentence construction based on the given words
and graphics. In this question, candidates will be given a composite picture with
helping words based on the pictures. Candidates may use the given words, but they
may also choose not to use all the words. In this question, candidates are required
to write 5 sentences based on the picture given.
Section B - This is an information transfer question. It requires pupils to read and
understand information pertaining to three items based on the various topics or
Area of Learning in the syllabus. The transfer will be at word or phrase level into a
grid (A) and at sentence level while making a preference (B).
Section C - This question is a note expansion. In this question, candidates are
required to study carefully three or four pictures based on a similar theme. Then,
candidates are to use the given words/phrases to make good sentences for each
picture.