The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) English syllabus introduces significant updates, particularly in the new situational writing syllabus 2025.
These changes aim to provide a more comprehensive assessment of students’ language skills, focusing on critical areas such as situational writing, continuous writing, listening comprehension, and oral components.
Understanding these PSLE 2025 English changes is crucial for students, parents, and educators to ensure effective preparation and success in the examination.
This article outlines the key updates, highlights their implications, and provides strategies for mastering the new syllabus for optimal performance in the PSLE 2025 English Paper 1 examination.
Paper 1: Continuous And Situational Writing 2025 Updates
The PSLE 2025 English Examination has introduced significant changes to Paper 1, by changing the requirements for Situational Writing and reducing the weight on Continuous Writing.
Continuous Writing (36 Marks)
Continuous Writing, also known as Composition, remains a crucial part of the PSLE 2025 English Exam, with a revised score weightage of 36 marks (or 18% of the PSLE English grade), according to the Ministry of Education (MOE).
In this component, students are tasked with crafting engaging narratives in continuous prose, requiring a minimum of 150 words on a given topic. The topics will vary, challenging students to demonstrate critical thinking and creativity in their writing.
The writing format places a strong emphasis on creativity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. Students must tell a story and ensure that their writing flows logically from one idea to the next. This involves a clear introduction, a well-developed body, and a coherent conclusion.
The assessment criteria focus on vivid language, varied sentence structures, and proper grammar. Students are also expected to demonstrate a strong understanding of the topic and develop it with appropriate detail and elaboration.
To excel, students need to develop a broader range of expressive skills and narrative techniques. This 2025 English Exam Syllabus update reflects this commitment to improving students’ English language proficiency while preparing them for complex communication tasks.
Composition Situational Writing (14 Marks)
The revised Situational Writing component is allocated 14 marks, a slight adjustment from the previous 15 marks. Students will be presented with a specific situation that requires a written response, such as a formal letter, an email, or proposal
Common scenarios may include writing a letter to the school principal, crafting an email to a friend, or writing to a relative. The prompts are designed to mirror real-life situations, encouraging students to think critically and respond appropriately.
The new format introduces a critical/expository question type, challenging students to engage in more analytical and reflective writing. This addition aligns with the evolving standards of language education, encouraging a broader range of expression in their written work.
Students must address bulleted key content points within the given scenario, offering their ideas and solutions. This requirement assesses their ability to think creatively and apply their knowledge in practical contexts.
Situational Writing now focuses heavily on practical writing skills. Students must demonstrate proficiency in formal and informal correspondence, reports, and proposals. For instance, when writing a formal letter, students must adhere to proper formatting, use appropriate salutations, and maintain a respectful tone.
In contrast, informal correspondence may allow for a more casual and personal style. Regardless of the type, students must ensure their responses are clear, concise, and relevant to the scenario.
New Situational Writing For 2025 Syllabus Example
The pictures below show an incident during a Science Fair in the school hall. Study the pictures carefully.
In this scenario, students are expected to draw inferences rather than simply extract information from the text.
For instance, if asked, “How did Tim react, and why?” a well-reasoned inference could be: “Tim reacted angrily because he was frustrated that Lily’s actions caused him to lose his balance and knock over the beaker.”
This response demonstrates an understanding of the underlying emotions and circumstances, aligning with the new focus on analytical thinking and expressive writing.
To excel in this part of the exam, students should:
- Practice Inferential Thinking: Engaging with various situational writing prompts can help students develop their ability to infer characters’ emotions and actions based on given scenarios.
- Enhance Expressive Writing: Focusing on clear and concise writing that effectively conveys thoughts and emotions is crucial for success in the new format.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly practising situational writing and seeking feedback from teachers or peers can help identify areas for improvement and ensure a stronger performance in this new component.
Conclusion About The New PSLE Syllabus 2025
The PSLE 2025 English syllabus introduces significant changes, particularly in the areas of situational writing and in the oral components
These adjustments in the exam syllabus and score weightage aim to provide a more comprehensive assessment of a student’s language abilities. For students and educators, understanding these changes is crucial for effective preparation and success.
Adapting to the new syllabus and score weightage is not just about achieving good grades; it’s an opportunity for students to develop a robust set of language skills that will serve them well beyond the examination.
At DOApplied Learning by Epoch Talent Academy, we understand the importance of nurturing these skills in young minds.
With the guidance of Teacher Daniel and our Pentagon Values System, our graduates have excelled in English exams and emerged as influential individuals. We believe in developing the right values and skills to help your child confidently navigate these challenges.
Explore our primary and secondary English tuition centres in Singapore to enhance your child’s English proficiency. You can also read our blogs on the difference between advice and advise, practicing vs practising, or common misspelt words in PSLE English Exams.
Our book “PSLE Writing Genius—1 Main Idea, 1000 Compositions!” also offers valuable insights and strategies for the PSLE continuous writing guide, which includes tips, exercises, and vocabulary-building techniques, ensuring your success in your exams.
Schedule a complimentary diagnostic consultation with us to understand any challenges your child may face. Let us help your child achieve excellence in the PSLE 2025 English exam and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions About The New Situational Writing Syllabus 2025
When Will The New Situational Writing Syllabus 2025 Be Implemented?
The syllabus will be implemented from the beginning of the academic year 2025 across all primary schools that follow the national curriculum guidelines.
Who Is Affected By The New Situational Writing Syllabus 2025?
The syllabus will affect students enrolled in primary education who are taking English.
What Are The Assessment Criteria Under The New Situational Writing Syllabus 2025?
The Situational Writing segment awards 14 marks, evaluating how well students respond to the specifics of a scenario and their ability to address key content points creatively.
How Does The New Situational Writing Syllabus 2025 Differ From The Previous Syllabus?
Besides the reduced marks for this for New Situational Writing, the syllabus also introduced a requirement for students to creatively address bulleted key content points, emphasising original thought in responses.
