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Primary 6 PSLE English Semestral Assessment 2 (End of Year) Paper 2
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Questions
TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI) - English Primary 6 PSLE
SA2 Practice Paper - Version 2 of 5
Subject: English Language
Level: Primary 6
Paper: SA2 Practice
Duration: 50 minutes
Total Marks: 50 marks
Name: _________________________________ Class: _______________ Date: _______________
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
- Write your name, class, and date in the spaces provided above.
- Answer all questions.
- Write your answers clearly in the spaces provided.
- Marks are indicated in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.
- The total number of marks for this paper is 50.
Section A: Grammar MCQ (Questions 1-10)
[20 marks]
Instructions: Choose the correct answer and write its letter (A, B, C, or D) in the bracket provided.
1. Neither the students nor the teacher __________ satisfied with the results of the experiment.
A. were
B. was
C. are
D. have been
[2 marks]
Answer: ( )
2. If I __________ you, I would not have made such a hasty decision without consulting my parents first.
A. am
B. were
C. had been
D. have been
[2 marks]
Answer: ( )
3. The documentary, __________ featured endangered wildlife in Southeast Asia, __________ viewed by over a million people since its release last month.
A. which; has been
B. that; was
C. which; was
D. that; has been
[2 marks]
Answer: ( )
4. By the time we __________ at the concert hall, the performers __________ their opening number.
A. arrived; had completed
B. had arrived; completed
C. arrived; have completed
D. had arrived; had completed
[2 marks]
Answer: ( )
5. The manager insisted that every employee __________ attendance at the mandatory safety briefing, even those on leave.
A. must maintain
B. maintains
C. maintained
D. maintain
[2 marks]
Answer: ( )
6. Not only __________ the ancient temple survive the earthquake, but it also __________ remarkably well-preserved artefacts within its chambers.
A. did; contained
B. does; contains
C. did; contain
D. does; contained
[2 marks]
Answer: ( )
7. The delegates suggested that the conference __________ postponed until all representatives __________ present.
A. is; are
B. be; were
C. was; were
D. be; are
[2 marks]
Answer: ( )
8. Seldom __________ a more dedicated group of volunteers __________ so much for their community in such a short time.
A. had; achieved
B. have; achieved
C. had; achieve
D. have; achieve
[2 marks]
Answer: ( )
9. The architect claimed that the building __________ to withstand earthquakes __________ by next spring.
A. designed; will be completed
B. designed; would be completed
C. designing; would be completed
D. was designed; will have been completed
[2 marks]
Answer: ( )
10. Hardly __________ the settlement when the explorers realised they __________ miscalculated their supplies.
A. had they reached; had
B. did they reach; have
C. had they reached; have
D. did they reach; had
[2 marks]
Answer: ( )
Section B: Grammar Cloze (Questions 11-16)
[12 marks]
Instructions: Read the passage below. Fill in each blank with the correct form of the word in brackets, or the correct word/phrase from your own understanding.
The extraordinary migration of the monarch butterfly has fascinated scientists for decades. Every autumn, millions of these delicate insects (11) __________ (begin) an arduous journey of up to 4,800 kilometres from Canada and the United States to their wintering grounds in Mexico. What (12) __________ (make) this feat particularly remarkable is that none of the butterflies has ever made the journey before; the route (13) __________ (pass) down through genetic inheritance rather than learned experience.
Recent studies, however, (14) __________ (suggest) that climate change (15) __________ (threaten) to disrupt this ancient pattern. Temperature fluctuations and altered wind patterns mean that the butterflies (16) __________ (struggle) to maintain their precise navigation in recent years, with populations declining by approximately 80 percent since the 1990s.
11. _________________________________ [2 marks]
12. _________________________________ [2 marks]
13. _________________________________ [2 marks]
14. _________________________________ [2 marks]
15. _________________________________ [2 marks]
16. _________________________________ [2 marks]
Section C: Grammar Transformation & Error Correction (Questions 17-18)
[10 marks]
Instructions: Follow the instructions for each question. Write your answers in the spaces provided.
17. Rewrite the following sentences beginning with the words given. Do not change the meaning.
(a) "You must not touch the exhibits under any circumstances," the museum guide warned us.
The museum guide warned _______________________________________________________
[2 marks]
(b) It is probable that the scientists will announce their findings before the conference ends.
The scientists _________________________________________________________________
[2 marks]
(c) Someone stole my bicycle while I was in the library.
I ____________________________________________________________________________
[2 marks]
18. The passage below contains five grammatical errors. Identify and correct each error. Write the incorrect word and the correction in the table provided.
The children was excited when they heard the news. They has been waiting for this moment since months, and now their patience was finally rewarded. Neither of the boys were absent that day; in fact, the entire class have gathered to celebrate. The teacher, along with her assistants, were preparing a special presentation. By the time the guest speaker arrived, the students had already took their seats.
| Error No. | Incorrect Word | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 | ||
| 4 | ||
| 5 |
[5 × 1 = 5 marks]
Section D: Combining & Constructing Sentences (Questions 19-20)
[8 marks]
Instructions: Combine or construct sentences according to the instructions. Show grammatical accuracy and variety.
19. Combine the following sentences into one coherent sentence, using a relative clause and a suitable conjunction. Do not change the meaning.
The expedition was abandoned. The weather conditions deteriorated rapidly. The team members lacked adequate polar equipment. [3 marks]
20. Using the words given, construct grammatically correct sentences that demonstrate the different grammatical functions of the word "since."
(a) (temporal meaning – point in time) [1 mark]
(b) (causal meaning – reason) [1 mark]
(c) Combine both meanings into one grammatically correct sentence. [3 marks]
END OF PAPER
[Total: 50 marks]
Answers
TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI) - English Primary 6 PSLE
SA2 Practice Paper - Version 2 of 5: ANSWER KEY
Total Marks: 50
Section A: Grammar MCQ
| Question | Answer | Marking Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | [2 marks] |
| 2 | C | [2 marks] |
| 3 | A | [2 marks] |
| 4 | A | [2 marks] |
| 5 | D | [2 marks] |
| 6 | A | [2 marks] |
| 7 | B | [2 marks] |
| 8 | B | [2 marks] |
| 9 | B | [2 marks] |
| 10 | A | [2 marks] |
Section A Subtotal: 20 marks
1. Answer: B (was)
Working and Explanation:
-
Key Grammar Concept: Subject-verb agreement with "neither...nor" (correlative conjunction).
-
Rule: With correlative conjunctions, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it (proximity rule).
-
Here, the nearer subject is "the teacher" (singular), so we need a singular verb: was.
-
Common mistake: Choosing "were" (A) because students focus on "students" (plural), which is farther from the verb.
-
Why not other options:
- A "were" = plural, doesn't match "teacher"
- C "are" = plural present tense, wrong on both counts
- D "have been" = plural perfect tense, incorrect
2. Answer: C (had been)
Working and Explanation:
-
Key Grammar Concept: Third conditional (unreal past condition).
-
Structure: If + had + past participle → would/could/might + have + past participle
-
The main clause "would not have made" indicates this is a third conditional (impossible past situation).
-
Therefore, the "if" clause needs had been (past perfect).
-
Why not other options:
- A "am" = present (zero/first conditional structure)
- B "were" = past subjunctive (second conditional for present/future unreal)
- D "have been" = present perfect (wrong tense sequence)
3. Answer: A (which; has been)
Working and Explanation:
-
Key Grammar Concept: Non-defining relative clause + present perfect tense with "since."
-
"Which" vs "that": In non-defining relative clauses (with commas), we must use "which," not "that." This eliminates B and D.
-
Tense choice: "Since its release last month" requires the present perfect ("has been viewed"), not simple past ("was viewed"). This eliminates C.
-
Present perfect connects past action to present relevance (the viewing continues to matter now).
4. Answer: A (arrived; had completed)
Working and Explanation:
-
Key Grammar Concept: Past perfect for earlier completed action in past timeframe.
-
Sequence: The performers completed their number before we arrived.
-
Earlier action = past perfect continuous/completed: had completed
-
Later action = simple past: arrived
-
Why not other options:
- B reverses the sequence incorrectly
- C uses present perfect "have completed" with past "arrived" — inconsistent
- D uses past perfect for both actions, implying same time, which is illogical
5. Answer: D (maintain)
Working and Explanation:
-
Key Grammar Concept: Subjunctive mood after "insist" (mandative subjunctive).
-
Rule: After verbs expressing demand, suggestion, or insistence (insist, suggest, demand, recommend), we use the base form (subjunctive), regardless of subject.
-
Structure: insist + that + subject + base form (no -s, no to, no modal)
-
Hence: "every employee maintain" (not maintains, not must maintain).
-
Why not other options:
- A "must maintain" = redundant; "insist" already carries the force of obligation
- B "maintains" = indicative mood, grammatically treated as statement of fact rather than command
- C "maintained" = past tense, doesn't fit present subjunctive structure
6. Answer: A (did; contained)
Working and Explanation:
-
Key Grammar Concept: Inversion with "not only...but also" + past tense sequence.
-
Rule: "Not only" at the beginning triggers subject-auxiliary inversion: "Not only did the temple survive..."
-
Since this describes a past event (archaeological/historical), we need past tense throughout.
-
"But it also contained" — simple past, parallel to "did survive."
-
Why not other options:
- B and D mix present tense with logical past context
- C lacks the auxiliary "did" for inversion ("Not only the temple survive" is ungrammatical)
7. Answer: B (be; were)
Working and Explanation:
-
Key Grammar Concept: Subjunctive mood in formal suggestion + subjunctive/indicative in subordinate clause.
-
First blank: "suggested that the conference be postponed" — mandative subjunctive (base form) after "suggest."
-
Second blank: "all representatives were present" — past subjunctive or indicative past in formal register; "were" is used for hypothetical/uncertain condition despite "all" being plural (subjunctive "were" traditionally preferred, though "was" increasingly accepted).
-
However, since this is formal/written register and follows "suggested," were maintains consistency with the subjunctive atmosphere.
-
Why not other options:
- A "is; are" = indicative present, too factual for a suggestion context
- C "was; were" = "suggested that the conference was" treats the suggestion as fact, wrong
- D "be; are" = mixes subjunctive with present indicative; inconsistent formality
8. Answer: B (have; achieved)
Working and Explanation:
-
Key Grammar Concept: Inversion with "seldom" + present perfect for past-to-present relevance.
-
Rule: Negative adverbs at sentence start ("seldom," "rarely," "never," "hardly") trigger subject-auxiliary inversion.
-
"Seldom have a more dedicated group... achieved so much"
-
Present perfect because the achievement's relevance extends to now (we can still see/appreciate their work).
-
Why not other options:
- A "had; achieved" = past perfect, but no later past reference point is established
- C "had; achieve" = wrong: after auxiliary, we need past participle, not base form
- D "have; achieve" = same error: "have" requires past participle "achieved"
9. Answer: B (designed; would be completed)
Working and Explanation:
-
Key Grammar Concept: Past participle as reduced relative clause + reported future-in-the-past.
-
First blank: "The building designed to withstand" = reduced form of "which was designed" (passive past participle functionally adjectival).
-
Second blank: Reported speech transformation. Original thought: "will be completed by next spring" → in past reporting: "would be completed by next spring" (future-in-the-past).
-
Why not other options:
- A "designed; will be completed" = second part fails to shift tense in reported context
- C "designing; would be completed" = active present participle wrongly suggests building does the designing
- D "was designed; will have been completed" = too wordy; "was designed" makes relative clause instead of reduced form; future perfect overcomplicates
10. Answer: A (had they reached; had)
Working and Explanation:
-
Key Grammar Concept: Inversion with "hardly...when" + past perfect sequence.
-
Rule: "Hardly/Scarcely + had + subject + past participle + when + past simple"
-
"Hardly had they reached the settlement when the explorers realised they had miscalculated"
-
Past perfect for both: (1) reaching happened before realising; (2) miscalculating happened before realising (and arguably before/during reaching).
-
Why not other options:
- B/C "did they reach" / "have" = wrong structure: "hardly...when" requires "hardly had...when"
- D "did they reach; had" = first part wrong (need "had" for "hardly"), though second part correct
Section B: Grammar Cloze
| Question | Answer | Marking Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | begin | [2 marks] - Present tense for habitual/natural fact |
| 12 | makes | [2 marks] - Present tense; "what" = singular subject |
| 13 | is passed | [2 marks] - Present passive; ongoing reality |
| 14 | have suggested / suggest | [2 marks] - Present perfect or simple present acceptable |
| 15 | is threatening / threatens | [2 marks] - Present continuous or simple present |
| 16 | have been struggling / are struggling | [2 marks] - Present perfect continuous or present continuous with "in recent years" |
Section B Subtotal: 12 marks
11. begin
Explanation: Simple present tense for timeless, habitual, or scientifically established fact. The monarch migration is a regular, recurring phenomenon. Present tense conveys this general truth. "Begins" would also be acceptable but less natural with plural subject "millions."
Marking: Accept "begin" for 2 marks. "Began" loses 1 mark (tense shift to past without context). "Have begun" loses 1 mark (unnecessary perfect).
12. makes
Explanation: "What" functions as singular pronoun here (equivalent to "the thing that"). Therefore singular verb makes. This is an embedded question as subject. Common error: "make" (treating "what" as plural).
Marking: 2 marks for "makes." 1 mark for "make" (subject-verb agreement error). 0 for tense errors like "made" or "is making."
13. is passed
Explanation: Present passive voice. The route is passed down (not "passes down" — that would suggest the route itself actively does something). This emphasizes the passive reception of genetic information. "Has been passed" also acceptable but slightly changes emphasis to present result.
Marking: 2 marks for "is passed" or "has been passed." 1 mark for "passes" (active voice loses the genetic/inherited connotation). 1 mark for "was passed" (unnecessary tense shift).
14. have suggested / suggest
Explanation: Present perfect emphasizes recent research with present relevance; simple present also acceptable for established scientific reporting. Both are standard in scientific discourse.
Marking: Full marks either form. "Had suggested" loses 1 mark (past perfect without subsequent past reference). "Suggested" alone acceptable but less vivid.
15. is threatening / threatens
Explanation: Present continuous "is threatening" captures ongoing, developing process — very apt for climate change. Simple present "threatens" states the fact more categorically. Both grammatically sound.
Marking: Full marks either form. "threatened" loses 1 mark (past tense disconnects from present reality). "has been threatening" acceptable but slightly less natural.
16. have been struggling / are struggling
Explanation: Present perfect continuous emphasizes struggle continuing from past to present, matching "in recent years." Present continuous "are struggling" focuses on current situation. Both valid.
Marking: Full marks for either. "struggled" loses 1 mark (past tense without time anchor; "in recent years" demands present connection). "were struggling" loses 2 marks (past tense incompatible with "in recent years" as used here).
Section C: Grammar Transformation & Error Correction
Section C Subtotal: 10 marks
17.(a) [2 marks]
Model Answer:
The museum guide warned us that we must not touch the exhibits under any circumstances.
OR: The museum guide warned us not to touch the exhibits under any circumstances.
Marking Breakdown:
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct reporting verb structure ("warned us that/ us not to") | 1 |
| Correct negative prohibition maintained ("must not" / "not to") | 1 |
Teaching Note: "Warn" can followed by object + "that"-clause or object + "not to" infinitive. The prohibition must remain negative. Common error: "warned us didn't touch" (illogical structure) or weakening to "advised" (changes meaning).
17.(b) [2 marks]
Model Answer:
The scientists will probably announce their findings before the conference ends.
OR: The scientists are likely to announce their findings before the conference ends.
Marking Breakdown:
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct transformation of "It is probable that" to subject+verb structure | 1 |
| Retaining "probably" or equivalent ("likely," "expected to") with correct syntax | 1 |
Teaching Note: "It is probable that X will..." transforms to "X will probably..." or "X is likely to..." Students often produce "The scientists probably will..." (awkward but acceptable) or "The scientists are probable to..." (wrong adjective form).
17.(c) [2 marks]
Model Answer:
I had my bicycle stolen while I was in the library.
OR: My bicycle was stolen while I was in the library.
Marking Breakdown:
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct causative structure or passive transformation | 1 |
| Maintaining temporal clause "while I was in the library" | 1 |
Teaching Note: "Have something done" (causative/passive experience) is the elegant transformation. Simple passive also acceptable. Common error: "I was stolen my bicycle" (wrong object placement in passive).
18. Error Correction [5 marks: 1 mark each correct identification and correction]
| Error No. | Incorrect Word | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | was | were | Subject "children" is plural; verb must agree |
| 2 | has | had | Past perfect needed for "since months" (duration before past moment); also plural subject |
| 3 | since | for | "Since" requires specific point in time; "for" used with duration "months" |
| 4 | have | had | Past perfect needed — gathering completed before some past reference (the celebration) |
| 5 | took | had taken / had already taken | Past perfect needed: taking seats completed before speaker arrived; also agreement with "had already" |
Common Error Alert: Many students miss error 3 ("since/for") because they use "since months" colloquially. This is a standard PSLE trap testing temporal preposition distinction.
Section D: Combining & Constructing Sentences
Section D Subtotal: 8 marks
19. [3 marks]
Model Answer:
The expedition was abandoned because the weather conditions deteriorated rapidly and the team members, who lacked adequate polar equipment, could not survive the extreme conditions.
OR:
Because the weather conditions, which had deteriorated rapidly, posed too great a danger for team members who lacked adequate polar equipment, the expedition was abandoned.
Marking Breakdown:
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Includes a relative clause correctly formed ("who lacked" or "which had deteriorated") | 1 |
| Uses a suitable conjunction showing correct logical relationship (because, since, as) | 1 |
| Maintains original meaning with grammatically coherent, fluent sentence | 1 |
Teaching Notes: Award full marks for any grammatically sound combination preserving all original information. Deduct 1 mark if relative clause is malformed (e.g., "who lack" without antecedent). Deduct 1 mark if meaning distorted (e.g., equipment caused abandonment). Encourage variety: participial phrases ("Lacking equipment...") acceptable bonus but not required.
20(a) [1 mark]
Model Answer:
I have lived in Singapore since 2015.
OR: Since last Tuesday, the weather has been terrible.
Marking: Must show starting point in time (when something began). Temporal "since" always points backward to a specific moment.
20(b) [1 mark]
Model Answer:
Since you are unwell, you should stay home today.
OR: I stayed home, since I needed to finish my project.
Marking: Must show causal/reason relationship (= "because," "given that"). Note: causal "since" is typically clause-initial or mid-sentence, slightly more formal than "because."
20(c) [3 marks]
Model Answer:
Since I moved here in 2015, I have loved this neighbourhood, since the people are so friendly.
OR: Since you have been studying hard since morning, you deserve a break.
Marking Breakdown:
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Temporal "since" correctly identifying start point | 1 |
| Causal "since" correctly giving reason | 1 |
| Single grammatically correct sentence incorporating both without ambiguity | 1 |
Teaching Note: The challenge is avoiding ambiguity. Context usually clarifies, but placement helps: temporal "since" typically with perfect tenses and identifiable time reference; causal "since" with clause of reason. Full marks only if both functions are clearly distinguishable in context.
TOTAL MARKS: 50
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| A: Grammar MCQ | 20 |
| B: Grammar Cloze | 12 |
| C: Transformation & Error Correction | 10 |
| D: Combining & Constructing | 8 |
| TOTAL | 50 |
Estimated Time Breakdown (Internal):
| Section | Questions | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|
| A: MCQ | 10 | 12 minutes |
| B: Cloze | 6 | 10 minutes |
| C: Transformation | 3 parts | 12 minutes |
| D: Construction | 2 questions | 11 minutes |
| Review | — | 5 minutes |
| TOTAL | — | 50 minutes |