Science PSLE Exam Format : Effective Tips and Strategies

The 2025 PSLE Science format includes one written paper with two booklets: Booklet A (Multiple Choice) and Booklet B (Open-ended questions). Booklet A has 28 multiple-choice questions, while Booklet B has approximately 12-13 open-ended questions. The total time for the paper is 1 hour 45 minutes. 

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Format of Paper

The examination consists of one written paper comprising two booklets: Booklet A and Booklet B.

Table 1: Examination Structure

Booklet	Item Type	Number of Questions	Marks per Question	Total Marks
A	Multiple-choice	28	2	56
B	Open-ended	12–13	2–5	44

Booklet A (Multiple Choice)

• Number of questions: 28

• Marks per question: 2 marks each

• Total marks: 56

• Focus: Evaluates understanding of essential scientific concepts, definitions, and basic applications. 

Booklet B (Open-ended)

• Number of questions: 12-13 

• Marks per question: 2, 3, 4, or 5 marks, depending on the question 

• Total marks: 44 

• Focus: Tests scientific reasoning, use of scientific vocabulary, and the ability to interpret data and apply knowledge to real-world situations. 

⏰ Time Management for Booklets A & B

• Booklet A (MCQ): Allocate ~1 min/question. Mark challenging ones and review later.

• Booklet B (Open-ended): Spend 5–7 mins on 2–3 mark questions; 10+ mins for 5-mark questions. Always show working steps—partial marks apply!

Key changes in 2025:

1. Inquiry-based tasks: Some questions will involve scientific scenarios requiring students to form hypotheses or interpret results.

2. Data interpretation: Anticipate questions involving graphs, charts, and experimental results.

3. Real-world application: Questions will address current environmental issues, such as climate change and recycling. 

How to get ready for your exam?

• Master key topics:

  Focus on understanding the properties of matter, human body systems, ecosystems, forces and energy, and the Earth and beyond.

• Practice inquiry-based tasks:

  Engage in activities that require forming hypotheses and interpreting data. 

• Relate concepts to real-world scenarios:

  Connect scientific concepts to everyday situations and current events. 

• Use visual tools:

  Employ mind maps, flow charts, and flashcards to aid understanding and retention of information. 

• Practice answering open-ended questions:

  Utilize the CER Framework (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning) to structure answers and include relevant scientific terms.

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🔬 What’s New in 2025?

The revised format emphasizes scientific inquiry and real-world problem-solving. Students must now:

1. Analyze Scenarios: Tackle experiment-based questions (e.g., designing a fair test on seed germination or interpreting enzyme reaction graphs).

2. Critically Evaluate Data: Extract trends from graphs/tables, identify variables, and justify conclusions (e.g., "Why did the plant grow taller in Setup A?").

3. Apply Knowledge Contextually: Link concepts to current issues like sustainability, energy conservation, or local ecosystems (e.g., "How does deforestation affect this food web?").

Why It Matters: These changes mirror the Ministry of Education’s focus on nurturing critical thinkers, not just fact recallers.

🎯 Expert Tips to Dominate the Paper

1. Master Inquiry Skills

• At Home: Turn kitchen experiments into learning! Example:

  • "Does salt dissolve faster in hot or cold water? Predict, test, and explain."

  • "Track shadow lengths at noon vs. sunset—what causes changes?"

    Pro Tip: Use the CER Framework (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning) to structure answers.

    
    

2. Decode Data Like a Scientist

• Practice labeling graph axes, identifying independent/dependent variables, and spotting anomalies.

• Exam Hack: Underline command words (e.g., "describe," "explain," "identify") to tailor responses.

  
  

3. Connect Concepts to Real Life

• Discuss news topics (e.g., "How does plastic pollution impact marine food chains?").

• Use local examples: Analyze Singapore’s rainwater harvesting system when studying the water cycle.

  
  

4. Strengthen "Why" Thinking

• Move beyond definitions:

  • Weak: "Transpiration is water loss from leaves."

  • Strong: "Transpiration cools plants because evaporating water absorbs heat—similar to human sweating."

    
    

5. Visualize Systems

• Create flowcharts for processes (e.g., energy conversion in a circuit).

• Use comparative tables (e.g. photosynthesis vs. respiration).

  
  

Final Note: The 2025 paper rewards curiosity. Encourage your child to question everyday phenomena—it’s the best preparation!