Our Blog
General Articles2017 New PSLE Chinese Language Examination (Applicable for Year 2020)
April 22, 2020 
In the year 2017, MOE made some changes to the PSLE Examination format for Chinese Language. Changes were made to the Listening Comprehension paper, Oral assessment as well as the written paper.
What has changed in the Oral Assessment?
During the oral assessment, students will have to first read a short passage. After which, they will describe the picture that was given to them. Finally, the examiners will ask them a question which is based on the theme related to the picture.
Pre 2017
In the oral assessment starting 2017, the Picture Description and Conversation components have been removed. Students will now have to view a 1-minute video clip and express their views and thoughts on the theme relating to the video.
From 2017
Most educators agree that using videos as test stimulus in oral assessment is a better medium as it provides the students with more authentic context for oral discussion.
Video Conversation 看录像会话
Students will view a video clip that is approximately 1-minute long. Examiners will ask the student 3 guiding questions and based on the student’s responses; the examiners will ask additional questions to engage the student in conversation.
This is in line with MOE’s objective of using Chinese Language as a living, everyday interactive language.
Each Oral video has an overarching theme, students must watch and listen closely to the video and determine the main theme of the video. All 3 guiding questions by the examiners are related to the theme of the video.
Example:
Theme: Being civic minded when in public space – LibraryScene 1: A boy and his friends are in the library. They sat at the table reading their books. Two of his friends were talking and laughing loudly. The boy reminded his friends to mind their behaviour. Scene 2: The boy gathered his belongings and went to the loan counter to get his books checked. There are a handful of students there. The boy joined the queue and quietly waits for his turn. |
Question 1: 请说一说录像中一件值得我们学习的好行为。 Please talk about one behaviour in the video that deserves our praise. Question 2: 除了录像中所看到的，请说一说我们在图书馆里需要注意什么行为？ Other than what we saw in the video, what behaviours must we be mindful of? Question 3: 你觉得学校应该如何教导学生使用图书馆的礼仪？ How should schools educate their students about library etiquette? |
Each time after the students have answered the guiding question, the examiner will ask a leading question based on what the students have just said. This leading question requires the students to expand on a point that they have mentioned when answering the guiding question.
To score well in the new Oral Examination format, students must now be more conversant in the Mother Tongue Language. Do try and create more opportunities for your child and you to use the language, let your child practise more and be confident in using the language.
Start practising today with our oral video study guide! Get your copy here.