PSLE 2025 English Oral - Part 2 🚀Master the Art of Stimulus-Based Conversation Guide to PSLE Oral Success!
- Walter Education
- Aug 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Table of Content
Overview of the New PSLE 2025 Oral Format
The 2024 Primary 5 cohort will be the first to experience the revised PSLE 2025 English Oral exam, which features significant updates—particularly in the Stimulus-Based Conversation (SBC) component. Alongside a higher weightage, the format of the visual stimulus and questioning style has also been refined.
Key Changes to the Stimulus-Based Conversation
1. Updated Visual Stimulus
The "poster" is now replaced with a dynamic, real-life image depicting people engaged in an activity.
Examples from recent P5 SA2 exams:
A family decorating their home
A community book exchange
Students participating in recycling
For the PSLE English Oral Stimulus-Based Conversation, the examiner typically asks 3 main questions (sometimes with slight variations). Here’s the official breakdown and what to expect:
📌 Number of Questions:
Question 1: Picture Analysis
"What do you see in the picture?"
Tests observation skills and simple inferences.
Question 2: Personal Experience
"Have you ever done something similar? Tell me about it."
Assesses ability to relate and share experiences.
Question 3: Opinion/General Knowledge
"Do you think [activity in picture] is important? Why?"
Evaluates critical thinking and expression of ideas.
Note:
Examiners may ask follow-up questions (e.g., "Can you explain further?") if responses are too brief.
Total time: About 5 minutes for the entire conversation.
🎯 Pro Tips to Ace It:
Structure Matters:
Use the ARE method (Answer → Reason → Example) for Q2–Q3.
Example: Yes, science experiments are important (A) because they make learning fun and practical (R). Once, I built a volcano model, and it helped me understand reactions better (E).
Avoid One-Word Answers:
❌ "Yes." → ✅ "Yes, because…"
Link to Real Life:
For Q3, connect to current issues (e.g., "Filtering water is vital for countries with water shortages").
⚠️ Common Misconceptions:
Myth 1: More questions = harder exam.
Truth: The number is fixed (usually 3), but follow-ups depend on your child’s responses.
Myth 2: Only fluent speakers score well.
Truth: Clarity and relevance matter more than perfect grammar.
📊 Sample Timeline (5-Minute Conversation):
Picture Analysis (1 min) → Describe + infer.
Personal Experience (2 mins) → Tell a short story.
Opinion/General Knowledge (2 mins) → Give reasons + examples.
Stimulus Based Conversation Example
Picture this:
Your child walks into the PSLE English Oral exam, glances at the picture on the screen—two students conducting a science experiment—and freezes. "What do I say? How do I structure my answers?"
Sound familiar?
The Stimulus-Based Conversation segment can be a game-changer for your child’s oral exam score—but only if they know how to analyze, elaborate, and express their ideas confidently. Unlike reading aloud, this section tests critical thinking, vocabulary, and real-world communication skills.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ The 3 Key Types of Questions (and how to tackle each)
✅ Classic Student Mistakes (with cringe-worthy vs. stellar examples)
Whether your child tends to give one-word answers or rambles nervously, we’ll turn their oral struggles into strengths. Let’s dive in!
🔍Question 1: Analyzing the Picture
Q1. What can you see in the picture, and what does it tell you about the students’ actions?
➡️Weak Response (Low marks):
Two girls. They are doing something with water.
Why it’s weak: No details, no inference about their actions or teamwork.
They are playing with water and not learning. (Assumes negativity)
Why it’s weak: Misinterprets the scene; lacks observation skills.
➡️Strong Response :
The picture shows two primary school girls collaborating on a science experiment. They are observing the filtration process closely, with one girl possibly recording results while the other adjusts the equipment . Their focused expressions and body language suggest active learning and teamwork. This highlights how hands-on experiments encourage critical thinking and shared problem-solving.
Why it’s a better response:
Describes specific actions (pouring, observing).
Infers teamwork and learning .
Uses science vocabulary (filtering, experiment).
Examiner: What are the girls doing in this picture?
✅ They are analyzing the results of their water filtration experiment. One girl might be comparing the filtered water to the original sample, while the other checks the filter setup. Their teamwork shows how scientists collaborate to draw conclusions!
Examiner: Why is observation important in experiments?
✅ Observation helps us notice details (e.g., how fast water filters) and identify errors (e.g., leaks). For example, these girls could be hypothesizing why some water is still dirty—just like real researchers!
🔍Question 2: Sharing Personal Experiences
Q2. Have you ever participated in a science experiment or outdoor activity with your teacher or classmates? How did it make you feel?
➡️Weak Response (Low marks):
Yes. It was fun.
Why it’s weak: Too short, no elaboration.
No, I never did any experiment. (Ends conversation abruptly)
Why it’s weak: No attempt to expand or relate.
➡️Strong Response :
Yes! Last year, my class did a similar water-filtering experiment. My teacher demonstrated first, then let us work in groups. I felt excited because it was hands-on, and I learned how clean water is made. Collaborating with classmates made the experience even more enjoyable.
Why it’s strong: Specific details + emotional reflection.
🔍Question 3: Expressing Opinions
Q3. Do you think hands-on science experiments, like the one in the picture, are beneficial for students? Why or why not?
➡️Weak Response (Low marks):
Yes, because they are good.
Why it’s weak: No justification.
No, because experiments are boring. (No reasoning)
Why it’s weak: Opinion lacks support.
➡️Strong Response (High marks):
Absolutely! Hands-on experiments help students understand concepts better than just reading textbooks. For example, filtering water teaches us about purification in a memorable way. It also builds teamwork and problem-solving skills. Plus, it makes learning more fun and engaging!
Why it’s strong: Clear stance with logical reasoning and examples.
➡️Key Tips for Students:
Describe + Infer (For Picture Question) – Don’t just list objects; explain what they suggest.
Elaborate (For Experiences) – Use past activities, even if not exact (e.g., "I did a different experiment, but...").
Justify Opinions – Always give reasons ("because...") and examples.
