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Primary 6 PSLE English Semestral Assessment 2 (End of Year) Paper 3
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Questions
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - English Primary 6 PSLE
TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI)
Subject: English
Level: Primary 6 PSLE
Paper: SA2 (Version 3)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Marks: 95
Name: ________________________
Class: Primary 6 _______
Date: ________________________
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
- Do not open this booklet until you are told to do so.
- Follow all instructions carefully.
- Answer all questions.
- Write your answers in this booklet.
BOOKLET A: GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY (28 marks)
Section A: Grammar MCQ (10 marks)
For each question from 1 to 10, four options are given. Choose the correct answer and write its number (1, 2, 3 or 4) in the brackets provided.
1. If the weather __________ fine tomorrow, we will go for a picnic at the Botanic Gardens.
(1) is
(2) was
(3) will be
(4) would be
( )
2. Neither the twins nor their sister __________ interested in joining the chess club.
(1) is
(2) are
(3) was
(4) were
( )
3. The teacher, together with her students, __________ the museum next week.
(1) visit
(2) visits
(3) visited
(4) visiting
( )
4. By the time the ambulance arrived, the paramedics __________ the injured cyclist.
(1) attended to
(2) had attended to
(3) have attended to
(4) were attending to
( )
5. "You must submit your project by Friday," Mr Tan told the class.
Mr Tan told the class that they __________ submit their project by Friday.
(1) must
(2) had to
(3) have to
(4) would have to
( )
6. The novel __________ by the famous author was nominated for several awards.
(1) wrote
(2) written
(3) writing
(4) writes
( )
7. Not only __________ the championship, but he also broke the national record.
(1) he won
(2) did he win
(3) he wins
(4) does he win
( )
8. The manager insisted that the report __________ submitted before the deadline.
(1) is
(2) be
(3) was
(4) were
( )
9. Having __________ his homework, James went out to play football.
(1) complete
(2) completed
(3) completing
(4) completes
( )
10. Scarcely __________ the bell rung when the students rushed out of the classroom.
(1) had
(2) has
(3) did
(4) was
( )
Section B: Vocabulary MCQ (5 marks)
For each question from 11 to 15, four options are given. Choose the correct answer and write its number (1, 2, 3 or 4) in the brackets provided.
11. The detective __________ the suspect's alibi and found several inconsistencies.
(1) scrutinised
(2) glanced
(3) overlooked
(4) ignored
( )
12. Despite his __________ appearance, the old man possessed remarkable strength.
(1) robust
(2) frail
(3) sturdy
(4) vigorous
( )
13. The company's __________ profits this year were due to the successful launch of their new product.
(1) dwindling
(2) stagnant
(3) soaring
(4) declining
( )
14. The speaker's __________ remarks offended many members of the audience.
(1) tactful
(2) diplomatic
(3) insensitive
(4) considerate
( )
15. We need to __________ a solution to this problem before the situation worsens.
(1) devise
(2) avoid
(3) neglect
(4) abandon
( )
Section C: Vocabulary Cloze (5 marks)
Read the passage carefully. Choose the word from the box that best fits each blank. Write the letter (A to J) in the brackets provided. USE EACH WORD ONCE ONLY.
| (A) perseverance | (B) resilient | (C) adversity | (D) determination | | (E) triumph | (F) obstacles | (G) unwavering | (H) courage | | (I) inspire | (J) overcome |
Mdm Lim's life story is one of remarkable (16) __________. Born into poverty, she faced tremendous (17) __________ from a young age. Despite the (18) __________ she encountered, including having to work while studying, her (19) __________ never wavered. She remained (20) __________ in her pursuit of education. Her (21) __________ paid off when she graduated top of her class. Today, she shares her story to (22) __________ others facing similar challenges. Her (23) __________ in the face of hardship demonstrates that with (24) __________ and hard work, one can (25) __________ any difficulty.
(16) ( ) (17) ( ) (18) ( ) (19) ( ) (20) ( )
(21) ( ) (22) ( ) (23) ( ) (24) ( ) (25) ( )
Section D: Grammar Cloze (8 marks)
Read the passage carefully. Fill in each blank with the correct form of the word in brackets. Write your answer in the space provided.
The annual inter-school debate competition (26) __________ (hold) last Saturday. Teams from twenty schools (27) __________ (participate) in the event. The topic for the finals (28) __________ (be) "Social media does more harm than good."
Both teams (29) __________ (present) compelling arguments. The proposition team argued that social media (30) __________ (lead) to addiction and cyberbullying. The opposition team, on the other hand, maintained that it (31) __________ (connect) people across the globe.
After a heated debate, the judges (32) __________ (deliberate) for thirty minutes before announcing the results. The winning team (33) __________ (award) the championship trophy. All participants (34) __________ (congratulate) on their excellent performance.
BOOKLET B: COMPREHENSION (35 marks)
Section E: Visual Text Comprehension (8 marks)
Study the poster below carefully and answer questions 35 to 42.
<image_placeholder> id: Q35-fig1 type: source_image linked_question: Q35-Q42 description: A colourful poster for "Green Earth Festival 2024" at East Coast Park. Header: "GREEN EARTH FESTIVAL 2024 - Celebrating Sustainability". Date: Saturday, 15 June 2024. Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Venue: East Coast Park, Area D. Main illustration: Families participating in eco-activities. Sections: "Eco-Workshops" (Upcycling Crafts 10am, Composting 1pm, Solar Cooking 3pm), "Green Market" (Local organic produce, Zero-waste products, Sustainable fashion), "Family Activities" (Nature scavenger hunt 11am, Tree planting 2pm, Eco-storytelling 4pm). Footer: "FREE ADMISSION! Bring your own water bottle and reusable bag. Organised by: National Environment Agency. Supported by: NParks, Zero Waste SG. For enquiries: www.greenearthfest.sg" labels: Event title, date, time, venue, workshop schedule, market info, activity schedule, organisers, sponsors, website values: Date: 15 June 2024, Time: 9am-6pm, Venue: East Coast Park Area D, Workshop times: 10am/1pm/3pm, Activity times: 11am/2pm/4pm must_show: Clear layout with all text readable, schedule times visible, organiser logos </image_placeholder>
35. What is the main purpose of the Green Earth Festival?
(1) To sell organic produce
(2) To celebrate sustainability
(3) To plant trees at East Coast Park
(4) To organise a scavenger hunt
( )
36. Which organisation is the main organiser of the festival?
(1) NParks
(2) Zero Waste SG
(3) National Environment Agency
(4) East Coast Park Management
( )
37. If you want to learn how to cook using solar energy, what time should you attend the workshop?
(1) 10:00 AM
(2) 1:00 PM
(3) 3:00 PM
(4) 4:00 PM
( )
38. What are visitors encouraged to bring to the festival?
(1) Their own food and drinks
(2) A water bottle and reusable bag
(3) Gardening tools for tree planting
(4) Craft materials for upcycling
( )
39. Which activity is scheduled at 2:00 PM?
(1) Nature scavenger hunt
(2) Tree planting
(3) Eco-storytelling
(4) Composting workshop
( )
40. The Green Market will feature all of the following EXCEPT:
(1) Local organic produce
(2) Zero-waste products
(3) Sustainable fashion
(4) Second-hand electronics
( )
41. Based on the poster, which statement is TRUE?
(1) The festival ends at 5:00 PM.
(2) Admission to the festival is free.
(3) The festival is held at West Coast Park.
(4) Only adults can participate in the workshops.
( )
42. Where can you find more information about the festival?
(1) Call the National Environment Agency hotline
(2) Visit www.greenearthfest.sg
(3) Email NParks directly
(4) Visit the Zero Waste SG office
( )
Section F: Comprehension Open-Ended (27 marks)
Read the passage carefully and answer questions 43 to 55.
The old lighthouse had stood on the cliff for over a century, its beam a steadfast guardian for ships navigating the treacherous coastline. Elias, the lighthouse keeper, had tended to it for forty years. He knew every creak of the tower, every flicker of the lens, every mood of the sea below.
On this particular night, a storm of unusual ferocity lashed the coast. Wind howled like a wounded animal, and waves crashed against the cliffs with thunderous force. Rain lashed the lantern room windows, blurring the world into a grey smear.
Elias checked the mechanism for the third time that hour. The great Fresnel lens rotated smoothly, casting its powerful beam across the churning water. The light had to keep turning. It was not merely a job; it was a covenant between him and the sea.
Around midnight, a faint signal pierced through the storm's roar — a ship's horn, desperate and close. Elias's heart contracted. The sound came from the direction of the Hidden Rocks, a notorious graveyard for vessels that strayed too near the shore in poor visibility.
He grabbed his binoculars, wiping rain from the lenses with trembling fingers. Through the driving rain, he caught a glimpse of a dark hull, dangerously close to the rocks. The ship had lost its way in the blinding storm.
Without hesitation, Elias activated the foghorn. Its deep, mournful boom resonated across the water, a warning and a guide. He also adjusted the lamp to increase its intensity, though it already burned at maximum.
Minutes stretched into what felt like hours. The ship's horn sounded again, closer this time, but changing direction — turning away from the rocks, following the light. Elias exhaled, his shoulders sagging with relief. The beam had done its duty.
As dawn broke, painting the sky in pale shades of rose and gold, the storm finally relented. The sea, though still rough, no longer clawed at the cliffs with malevolent fury. Elias descended the spiral staircase, his legs weary but his spirit light.
On the beach below, he found debris washed ashore — a life buoy with the name "Meridian" barely legible on its faded surface. The ship had survived. Somewhere out there, families would not receive tragic news today.
Elias returned to his tower, the lighthouse standing tall against the morning light, its beam now unnecessary but still rotating, faithful as ever.
43. Which two words in the first paragraph suggest that the lighthouse was reliable and constant in its duty? [2m]
44. Write down one word from paragraph 2 that shows the storm was extremely violent. [1m]
45. In paragraph 3, the author writes, "It was not merely a job; it was a covenant between him and the sea." What does the word "covenant" suggest about Elias's attitude towards his work? [2m]
46. Why did Elias check the mechanism "for the third time that hour" (paragraph 3)? [2m]
47. What two actions did Elias take immediately after hearing the ship's horn? [2m]
48. "Minutes stretched into what felt like hours." (paragraph 6) What does this sentence tell you about Elias's state of mind during those minutes? [2m]
49. Based on the passage, state whether each statement is True or False. Put a tick (✓) in the correct column. [3m]
| Statement | True | False |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Elias had been a lighthouse keeper for less than thirty years. | ||
| (b) The ship's horn was heard from the direction of the Hidden Rocks. | ||
| (c) The lighthouse beam was not working at maximum intensity initially. |
50. What does the phrase "the sea, though still rough, no longer clawed at the cliffs with malevolent fury" (paragraph 7) suggest about the storm? [2m]
51. How did Elias feel when he found the life buoy on the beach? Support your answer with evidence from the passage. [2m]
52. The passage describes the lighthouse beam as "faithful as ever" in the last sentence. Explain how this description reflects Elias's character. [2m]
53. Put the following events in the correct sequence as they occurred in the passage. Write 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the boxes provided. [2m]
| Event | Sequence |
|---|---|
| Elias activated the foghorn. | |
| The storm finally relented at dawn. | |
| Elias heard a ship's horn through the storm. | |
| Elias found a life buoy on the beach. |
54. Which of the following best describes the main theme of the passage? [1m]
(1) The dangers of working in a lighthouse
(2) The power of nature over man
(3) Dedication and responsibility in saving lives
(4) The history of lighthouse technology
( )
55. Do you think Elias is a hero? Give a reason for your answer based on the passage. [2m]
BOOKLET C: WRITING (32 marks)
Section G: Situational Writing (15 marks)
Study the following information carefully.
<image_placeholder> id: Q56-fig1 type: source_image linked_question: Q56 description: A flyer for "Community Library Renovation Project". Title: "Help Us Build a Better Library!" Content: "Our community library at 45 Tampines Street 32 will undergo renovation from 1 July to 31 August 2024. During this period, the library will be closed. We need your support! Ways to help: (1) Donate books in good condition (drop-off at Community Centre), (2) Volunteer to sort and pack books (weekends in June), (3) Spread the word to neighbours and friends. Temporary library services available at Tampines Community Centre (Level 2) from 1 July. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. For enquiries: email [email protected] or call 6789 1234. Organised by: Tampines Community Club Library Committee." labels: Project title, library address, renovation dates, closure notice, ways to help (3 bullet points), temporary location and hours, contact info, organiser values: Renovation: 1 July - 31 Aug 2024, Temp location: Tampines CC Level 2, Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Contact: [email protected], 6789 1234 must_show: Clear flyer layout with all text readable, contact details visible </image_placeholder>
56. Your friend, Alex, loves reading but does not know about the library renovation. Write an email to Alex to tell him about the renovation and encourage him to help.
You must include the following information in your email:
- When the renovation will take place and what will happen to the library during this period
- Where the temporary library services will be available
- Two ways Alex can help with the project
- How Alex can get more information
Write your email in the space below. Remember to write in complete sentences and use the appropriate tone for an email to a friend.
Section H: Continuous Writing (17 marks)
57. Write a composition of at least 150 words about an unexpected discovery.
The pictures below are provided to help you think about this topic. Your composition should be based on one or more of these pictures.
<image_placeholder> id: Q57-fig1 type: figure linked_question: Q57 description: Three small square pictures arranged horizontally. Picture 1: An old wooden box with a rusted lock, half-buried in soil. Picture 2: A dusty attic with sunlight streaming through a small window, illuminating floating dust motes. Picture 3: A child's hand holding a faded photograph of a family standing in front of a house that no longer exists. labels: Picture 1: Old wooden box with rusted lock in soil. Picture 2: Dusty attic with sunlight. Picture 3: Faded family photograph held by child's hand. values: N/A must_show: Three distinct images with clear details as described </image_placeholder>
Points to consider:
- What was discovered?
- How was it discovered?
- Why was it unexpected?
- What happened after the discovery?
You may use the points in any order and include other relevant points.
END OF PAPER
Answers
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - English Primary 6 PSLE (Answer Key)
Subject: English
Level: Primary 6 PSLE
Paper: SA2 (Version 3)
Total Marks: 95
BOOKLET A: GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY (28 marks)
Section A: Grammar MCQ (10 marks)
1. (1) is
Explanation: This is a first conditional sentence (real possibility in the future). The structure is "If + present simple, will + base verb". "If the weather is fine tomorrow, we will go..."
Common mistake: Using "will be" in the if-clause.
2. (1) is
Explanation: With "Neither... nor...", the verb agrees with the noun closest to it (proximity rule). "Sister" is singular, so the verb is singular "is".
3. (2) visits
Explanation: The subject is "The teacher" (singular). The phrase "together with her students" is a prepositional phrase and does not affect subject-verb agreement. Singular subject takes singular verb "visits".
4. (2) had attended to
Explanation: Past perfect tense ("had attended") is used to show an action completed before another past action ("the ambulance arrived"). "By the time" signals this sequence.
5. (2) had to
Explanation: In reported speech, "must" (obligation) changes to "had to". The reporting verb "told" is in the past tense.
6. (2) written
Explanation: This is a reduced relative clause (passive voice). "The novel [which was] written by the famous author..." The novel receives the action of writing.
7. (2) did he win
Explanation: Inversion occurs when "Not only" starts a sentence. The auxiliary verb "did" comes before the subject "he". Past tense "did he win" matches "broke" in the second clause.
8. (2) be
Explanation: Subjunctive mood after verbs of insistence/demand (insist that, demand that, recommend that). Structure: "insist that + subject + base form of verb (be)".
9. (2) completed
Explanation: "Having + past participle" forms a perfect participle clause showing an action completed before the main clause action. "Having completed his homework..."
10. (1) had
Explanation: Inversion with "Scarcely... when..." requires past perfect "had" before the subject. "Scarcely had the bell rung when..."
Section B: Vocabulary MCQ (5 marks)
11. (1) scrutinised
Explanation: "Scrutinised" means to examine closely and carefully. A detective would scrutinise an alibi for inconsistencies. "Glanced" (quick look), "overlooked" (missed), and "ignored" are opposites.
12. (2) frail
Explanation: "Despite" signals a contrast. "Frail" (weak/delicate) contrasts with "remarkable strength". "Robust", "sturdy", and "vigorous" all mean strong, which would not create a contrast.
13. (3) soaring
Explanation: "Soaring" means rising rapidly. This fits the context of profits increasing due to a successful product launch. The other options indicate decreasing or unchanged profits.
14. (3) insensitive
Explanation: "Offended" indicates the remarks were hurtful or lacking sensitivity. "Insensitive" means showing no awareness of others' feelings. The other options are positive traits.
15. (1) devise
Explanation: "Devise" means to plan or invent a procedure/system. We "devise a solution". The other options mean to not deal with the problem.
Section C: Vocabulary Cloze (5 marks)
16. (E) triumph
Explanation: "Life story is one of remarkable triumph" - a great victory or achievement. Fits the context of overcoming poverty.
17. (C) adversity
Explanation: "Faced tremendous adversity" - difficulties/misfortune. Collocates with "faced" and fits "born into poverty".
18. (F) obstacles
Explanation: "Obstacles she encountered" - things that block progress. "Including having to work while studying" gives examples of obstacles.
19. (D) determination
Explanation: "Her determination never wavered" - firmness of purpose. "Wavered" collocates with determination/resolve.
20. (G) unwavering
Explanation: "Remained unwavering in her pursuit" - steady, not changing. Adjective describing her attitude.
21. (A) perseverance
Explanation: "Her perseverance paid off" - continued effort despite difficulty. "Paid off" collocates with perseverance/hard work.
22. (I) inspire
Explanation: "Shares her story to inspire others" - to fill with motivation. Purpose of sharing story.
23. (B) resilient
Explanation: "Her resilient in the face of hardship" - wait, this needs a noun. Actually "resilience" would be the noun. But the word bank has "resilient" (adj). Let me re-read: "Her (23) __________ in the face of hardship demonstrates..." This needs a noun. The word bank has "resilient" (adj). Hmm, but "courage" (H) is a noun. "Her courage in the face of hardship" fits perfectly. "Resilient" is an adjective and cannot fit after "Her". So (23) = (H) courage.
24. (D) determination - wait, (D) already used at (19). Let me check word bank again: (A) perseverance, (B) resilient, (C) adversity, (D) determination, (E) triumph, (F) obstacles, (G) unwavering, (H) courage, (I) inspire, (J) overcome.
Used so far: (16) E, (17) C, (18) F, (19) D, (20) G, (21) A, (22) I, (23) H. Remaining: (B) resilient, (J) overcome.
24. Needs a noun after "with". "With (24) __________ and hard work". "Resilient" is adj. "Overcome" is verb. Neither fits perfectly. But "perseverance" already used. Wait - "determination" used at 19. Let me reconsider the word bank usage.
Actually, looking at the sentence: "with (24) __________ and hard work, one can (25) __________ any difficulty." (25) needs a verb: "overcome" fits perfectly. "one can overcome any difficulty." (24) needs a noun: but only "resilient" (adj) left. This is a problem with the word bank design. In a real exam, the word bank would have "resilience" not "resilient". But given the constraint, perhaps the intended answer for (24) is "perseverance" but it's used at (21). Or "determination" at (19).
Let me re-assign more logically: (16) triumph (17) adversity (18) obstacles (19) determination (20) unwavering (21) perseverance (22) inspire (23) courage (24) [problem - only resilient left] (25) overcome
Given this is a generated paper, I'll note the issue and provide the most logical answers. For (24), "resilient" is the only word left but it's an adjective. In a real PSLE paper, this wouldn't happen. I'll mark (24) as (B) resilient with a note, and (25) as (J) overcome.
Corrected Answers:
16. (E) triumph
17. (C) adversity
18. (F) obstacles
19. (D) determination
20. (G) unwavering
21. (A) perseverance
22. (I) inspire
23. (H) courage
24. (B) resilient [Note: Word bank error - should be "resilience". "Resilient" is an adjective. In context, "with resilience and hard work" is correct.]
25. (J) overcome
Section D: Grammar Cloze (8 marks)
26. was held
Explanation: Passive voice, past tense. The competition received the action. "The competition was held..."
27. participated
Explanation: Active voice, past tense. "Teams... participated in the event." Plural subject "Teams".
28. was
Explanation: Singular subject "The topic" (singular), past tense. "The topic... was..."
29. presented
Explanation: Active voice, past tense. "Both teams presented..." Plural subject "Both teams".
30. led
Explanation: Past tense in reported speech / that-clause. "argued that social media led to..." Sequence of tenses: past reporting verb "argued" → past tense in clause.
31. connected
Explanation: Same as above. "maintained that it connected..." Past tense.
32. deliberated
Explanation: Active voice, past tense. "The judges deliberated..." Plural subject.
33. was awarded
Explanation: Passive voice, past tense. "The winning team was awarded..." Singular subject "team".
34. were congratulated
Explanation: Passive voice, past tense. "All participants were congratulated..." Plural subject "participants".
BOOKLET B: COMPREHENSION (35 marks)
Section E: Visual Text Comprehension (8 marks)
35. (2) To celebrate sustainability
Evidence: Poster header: "GREEN EARTH FESTIVAL 2024 - Celebrating Sustainability"
36. (3) National Environment Agency
Evidence: Footer: "Organised by: National Environment Agency"
37. (3) 3:00 PM
Evidence: Eco-Workshops section: "Solar Cooking 3pm"
38. (2) A water bottle and reusable bag
Evidence: Footer: "Bring your own water bottle and reusable bag."
39. (2) Tree planting
Evidence: Family Activities: "Tree planting 2pm"
40. (4) Second-hand electronics
Evidence: Green Market lists: "Local organic produce, Zero-waste products, Sustainable fashion". Electronics not mentioned.
41. (2) Admission to the festival is free.
Evidence: Footer: "FREE ADMISSION!"
42. (2) Visit www.greenearthfest.sg
Evidence: Footer: "For enquiries: www.greenearthfest.sg"
Section F: Comprehension Open-Ended (27 marks)
43. "steadfast guardian" (2m)
Explanation: "Steadfast" means unwavering/constant. "Guardian" implies reliable protection. Both words together show reliability and constancy.
Marking: 1m for each correct word/phrase. Accept "steadfast" and "guardian" separately or as phrase.
44. ferocity / howled / thunderous / blurring / lashed (any one, 1m)
Explanation: These words convey extreme violence/intensity of the storm. "Ferocity" directly means savage fierceness.
45. It suggests that Elias viewed his work as a solemn, binding promise or sacred duty, not just employment. (2m)
Explanation: A "covenant" is a formal, binding agreement, often with moral/religious weight. It shows deep commitment and sense of obligation beyond a job contract.
Marking: 1m for "solemn promise/binding agreement/sacred duty", 1m for "not just a job/beyond employment".
46. The storm was extremely fierce (unusual ferocity) and the light had to keep turning to guide ships safely; he wanted to ensure the mechanism was working perfectly. (2m)
Explanation: Paragraph 2 describes the storm's ferocity. Paragraph 3 states "The light had to keep turning." Checking repeatedly shows his vigilance and the high stakes.
Marking: 1m for storm severity/stakes, 1m for ensuring mechanism worked/light kept turning.
47. (1) He grabbed his binoculars to look for the ship. (2) He activated the foghorn. (2m)
Explanation: Paragraph 5: "He grabbed his binoculars..." Paragraph 6: "Without hesitation, Elias activated the foghorn."
Marking: 1m each action.
48. He was extremely anxious / tense / worried during the wait, making time feel much longer than it actually was. (2m)
Explanation: This is a subjective time dilation effect caused by high stress/anxiety. He feared for the ship's safety.
Marking: 1m for identifying anxiety/worry/tension, 1m for explaining time perception.
49. (a) False — "had tended to it for forty years" (paragraph 1)
(b) True — "The sound came from the direction of the Hidden Rocks" (paragraph 4)
(c) False — "though it already burned at maximum" (paragraph 6)
Marking: 1m each correct tick. (3m total)
50. The storm had lost its vicious intensity and was no longer attacking the cliffs with deliberate destructiveness; it was calming down. (2m)
Explanation: Personification: "clawed" and "malevolent fury" suggest intentional, evil attack. "No longer" shows this has stopped. The storm is abating.
Marking: 1m for storm calming/less intense, 1m for explaining personification (no longer malicious/attacking).
51. He felt relieved / glad / light-hearted. Evidence: "his spirit light" (paragraph 7) and "The ship had survived. Somewhere out there, families would not receive tragic news today." (paragraph 7) (2m)
Marking: 1m for feeling (relieved/glad), 1m for evidence.
52. Just as the lighthouse beam is constant, reliable, and faithful in its duty regardless of conditions, Elias is steadfast, dedicated, and unwavering in his responsibility as keeper. (2m)
Explanation: The description creates a parallel between the beam's mechanical faithfulness and Elias's human faithfulness. Both persist without fail.
Marking: 1m for beam's qualities (constant/reliable), 1m for linking to Elias's character (steadfast/dedicated).
53.
| Event | Sequence |
|---|---|
| Elias activated the foghorn. | 2 |
| The storm finally relented at dawn. | 3 |
| Elias heard a ship's horn through the storm. | 1 |
| Elias found a life buoy on the beach. | 4 |
Marking: 1m for each correct pair (2m total). All 4 correct = 2m. 2-3 correct = 1m.
54. (3) Dedication and responsibility in saving lives
Explanation: The passage focuses on Elias's 40-year commitment, his vigilance during the storm, and the successful outcome of his duty. Not about dangers (1), nature's power (2), or technology (4).
55. Yes, he is a hero. He risked his own safety/comfort to stay at his post during a ferocious storm and his actions (activating foghorn, maintaining the light) directly saved the ship and its crew from crashing on the Hidden Rocks. (2m)
OR No, he was just doing his job/duty. He saw it as a "covenant" and simply fulfilled his responsibility as a lighthouse keeper. (2m)
Marking: 1m for clear stance (Yes/No), 1m for reason based on passage (dedication/actions saved lives / just doing duty). Both views accepted with valid evidence.
BOOKLET C: WRITING (32 marks)
Section G: Situational Writing (15 marks)
Marking Guidelines (Holistic - Task Fulfilment 6m, Language 9m)
Task Fulfilment (6 marks):
- All 4 content points included clearly: 5-6m
- 3 content points included: 3-4m
- 2 content points included: 2m
- 1 content point included: 1m
Content Points Required:
- Renovation period (1 July to 31 August 2024) and library closure during this period.
- Temporary library at Tampines Community Centre (Level 2).
- Two ways to help (e.g., donate books, volunteer to sort/pack, spread the word).
- How to get more information (email: library@tamp
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TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - English Primary 6 PSLE (SA2 Version 3) - ANSWER KEY
Subject: English
Level: Primary 6 PSLE
Paper: SA2 (Version 3)
Total Marks: 95
BOOKLET A: GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY (28 marks)
Section A: Grammar MCQ (10 marks)
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | (1) is | First conditional: "If + present simple, will + infinitive" |
| 2 | (1) is | "Neither...nor" follows proximity rule - verb agrees with nearest subject ("sister" - singular) |
| 3 | (2) visits | Subject is "The teacher" (singular); "together with her students" is a prepositional phrase, not part of subject |
| 4 | (2) had attended to | Past perfect for action completed before another past action ("By the time...arrived") |
| 5 | (2) had to | Reported speech: "must" → "had to" (backshifting) |
| 6 | (2) written | Reduced relative clause: "The novel [which was] written by..." - past participle for passive |
| 7 | (2) did he win | Inversion after "Not only" at start of sentence: auxiliary "did" + subject + bare infinitive |
| 8 | (2) be | Subjunctive mood after "insisted that" - base form of verb |
| 9 | (2) completed | "Having + past participle" for perfect participle (active) |
| 10 | (1) had | Inversion after "Scarcely" - past perfect auxiliary "had" + subject + past participle ("had the bell rung") |
Section B: Vocabulary MCQ (5 marks)
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | (1) scrutinised | Means "examined closely" - fits context of detective checking alibi for inconsistencies |
| 12 | (2) frail | Means "weak/delicate" - contrasts with "remarkable strength" (Despite...) |
| 13 | (3) soaring | Means "rising rapidly" - fits context of successful product launch increasing profits |
| 14 | (3) insensitive | Means "lacking tact" - fits context of remarks that "offended many" |
| 15 | (1) devise | Means "plan/invent" - fits context of creating a solution to a problem |
Section C: Vocabulary Cloze (5 marks)
| Qn | Answer | Word | Context Clue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | (A) | perseverance | "life story is one of remarkable..." - noun describing her story |
| 17 | (C) | adversity | "faced tremendous...from a young age" - hardship/difficulty |
| 18 | (F) | obstacles | "including having to work while studying" - things that block progress |
| 19 | (D) | determination | "her...never wavered" - firmness of purpose |
| 20 | (G) | unwavering | "She remained...in her pursuit" - adjective meaning steady/resolute |
| 21 | (A) | perseverance | "Her...paid off when she graduated" - persistence rewarded |
| 22 | (I) | inspire | "to...others facing similar challenges" - verb: motivate/encourage |
| 23 | (B) | resilient | "Her...in the face of hardship" - adjective: able to recover quickly |
| 24 | (D) | determination | "with...and hard work" - noun parallel to "hard work" |
| 25 | (J) | overcome | "can...any difficulty" - verb: succeed in dealing with |
Section D: Grammar Cloze (8 marks)
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | was held | Passive voice, past tense: "competition was held" |
| 27 | participated | Active voice, past tense: "Teams...participated" |
| 28 | was | Singular subject "topic" + past tense |
| 29 | presented | Active voice, past tense: "Both teams presented" |
| 30 | leads / led | Present tense for general truth ("argued that social media leads") OR past tense for reported speech ("argued that social media led") - both accepted |
| 31 | connects / connected | Present tense for general truth OR past tense for reported speech - both accepted |
| 32 | deliberated | Active voice, past tense: "judges deliberated" |
| 33 | was awarded | Passive voice, past tense: "team was awarded" |
| 34 | were congratulated | Passive voice, past tense: "participants were congratulated" |
BOOKLET B: COMPREHENSION (35 marks)
Section E: Visual Text Comprehension (8 marks)
| Qn | Answer | Evidence from Poster |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | (2) | Header: "GREEN EARTH FESTIVAL 2024 - Celebrating Sustainability" |
| 36 | (3) | Footer: "Organised by: National Environment Agency" |
| 37 | (3) | Eco-Workshops: "Solar Cooking 3pm" |
| 38 | (2) | Footer: "Bring your own water bottle and reusable bag" |
| 39 | (2) | Family Activities: "Tree planting 2pm" |
| 40 | (4) | Green Market lists: "Local organic produce, Zero-waste products, Sustainable fashion" - no mention of second-hand electronics |
| 41 | (2) | Footer: "FREE ADMISSION!" |
| 42 | (2) | Footer: "For enquiries: www.greenearthfest.sg" |
Section F: Comprehension Open-Ended (27 marks)
43. "steadfast" and "guardian" (or "steadfast guardian") [2m]
Both words must be given for 2 marks. 1 mark for one correct word.
44. ferocity / howled / thunderous / blurring / lashed (any one) [1m]
Accept any word from paragraph 2 showing extreme violence of storm.
45. The word "covenant" suggests that Elias views his work as a solemn, binding promise / sacred duty / serious commitment between him and the sea, not just ordinary employment. It shows he feels a deep moral obligation / personal responsibility to keep the light burning. [2m]
1 mark for "solemn promise/binding agreement/sacred duty", 1 mark for "not just a job/deep responsibility".
46. The storm was extremely fierce ("unusual ferocity") and the light had to keep turning to guide ships safely. Elias checked repeatedly because lives depended on the lighthouse functioning perfectly / he wanted to ensure the mechanism would not fail during the critical storm. [2m]
1 mark for storm severity/importance of light, 1 mark for lives at stake/fear of failure.
47. (1) He activated the foghorn. (2) He adjusted the lamp to increase its intensity. [2m]
1 mark each. Must mention both actions.
48. It shows Elias was extremely anxious / tense / worried / on edge while waiting to see if the ship would turn away from the rocks. Time seemed to pass very slowly because of his high stress / fear for the ship's safety. [2m]
1 mark for anxious/worried state, 1 mark for time dragging due to tension.
49.
| Statement | True | False |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Elias had been a lighthouse keeper for less than thirty years. | ✓ | |
| (b) The ship's horn was heard from the direction of the Hidden Rocks. | ✓ | |
| (c) The lighthouse beam was not working at maximum intensity initially. | ✓ |
Explanations: (a) Text says "forty years". (b) Text: "The sound came from the direction of the Hidden Rocks". (c) Text: "though it already burned at maximum" - it WAS at maximum initially.
50. It suggests the storm had lost its viciousness / was no longer malicious or intentionally destructive / had subsided significantly / was no longer attacking the cliffs with the same violent anger. The word "malevolent" (meaning wishing evil) is no longer applicable. [2m]
1 mark for storm subsiding/less violent, 1 mark for "malevolent fury" no longer present / personification ended.
51. Elias felt relieved / glad / thankful (that the ship had survived). Evidence: "The ship had survived. Somewhere out there, families would not receive tragic news today." / "his spirit light" when descending. [2m]
1 mark for correct emotion, 1 mark for textual evidence.
52. The beam is described as "faithful as ever" — constant, reliable, never failing. This reflects Elias's character because he has been equally faithful, dedicated, and reliable in his 40 years of duty / he mirrors the lighthouse's steadfastness through his unwavering commitment to keeping the light going, even in the worst storm. [2m]
1 mark for beam's faithfulness = constant/reliable, 1 mark for link to Elias's dedication/character.
53.
| Event | Sequence |
|---|---|
| Elias activated the foghorn. | 2 |
| The storm finally relented at dawn. | 3 |
| Elias heard a ship's horn through the storm. | 1 |
| Elias found a life buoy on the beach. | 4 |
All 4 correct = 2m; 2-3 correct = 1m; 0-1 correct = 0m.
54. (3) Dedication and responsibility in saving lives [1m]
55. Yes, Elias is a hero. He risked his own safety / stayed at his post during a ferocious storm to keep the light and foghorn working, which directly saved the ship "Meridian" and its crew from crashing on the Hidden Rocks. / His dedication and quick actions (activating foghorn, increasing light intensity) prevented a tragedy and saved lives. [2m]
1 mark for "Yes", 1 mark for reason based on text (dedication/actions saving ship/crew).
BOOKLET C: WRITING (32 marks)
Section G: Situational Writing (15 marks)
56. Sample Answer (Formal Email):
To: [email protected]
Subject: Volunteering for Community Library Renovation ProjectDear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my interest in volunteering for the Community Library Renovation Project after reading the flyer titled "Help Us Build a Better Library!"
I would like to volunteer to sort and pack books on weekends in June as mentioned in the flyer. I am available on Saturday and Sunday mornings throughout June. I enjoy organising books and believe I can contribute effectively to this task.
Additionally, I would like to donate some books in good condition. I have several children's storybooks and educational books that my siblings have outgrown. Could you please confirm if I should drop them off at the Tampines Community Centre as stated?
I will also spread the word to my neighbours and friends about the renovation and the temporary library services at Tampines Community Centre (Level 2) from 1 July.
Please let me know if there are any specific requirements for volunteers or if I need to sign up formally. I can be reached at 6789 1234 (as per the flyer) or via this email.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve the community.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
Primary 6 Student
Marking Guide (15 marks):
- Task Fulfilment (6 marks): All 3 ways to help addressed (volunteer sort/pack, donate books, spread word) + correct details (dates, location, contact)
- Language & Organisation (9 marks): Correct email format (To, Subject, Salutation, Sign-off), formal tone, clear paragraphs, accurate grammar/vocabulary, polite requests
Section H: Continuous Writing (17 marks)
57. Sample Composition: "A Difficult Decision"
The weight of the acceptance letter in my hand felt heavier than the gold medal around my neck. I stared at the two envelopes on my desk — one from the prestigious Sports Academy offering a full scholarship for swimming, the other from the School of Science and Technology inviting me to their Gifted Education Programme. I could only choose one. The deadline was tomorrow.
Swimming had been my life since I was five. The chlorine-scented air, the rhythmic splash of water, the burn in my muscles during the final lap — I knew every nuance. Coach Lim had invested six years in me. "You have Olympic potential, Wei Ming," he had said just last month. "This scholarship is your pathway." My teammates cheered when they heard. My parents beamed with pride at every competition. Giving up swimming felt like amputating a limb.
But science... science was the quiet fire in my mind. I remembered the thrill of my first successful experiment in Primary 3 — a simple volcano eruption that sparked endless questions. Why? How? What if? In the school lab, I lost track of time. The GEP offered advanced research mentorship, access to university labs, a community of curious minds. My science teacher, Mrs. Tan, had written in my recommendation: "A rare analytical mind that asks questions beyond the syllabus."
The night before the deadline, I sat by the pool after training, watching the lane ropes ripple. Coach Lim approached, towel over his shoulder. "Decided yet?"
"I don't know, Coach. I feel like I'm betraying everyone if I leave. But if I stay, I'll always wonder..."
He sat beside me. "Wei Ming, I've coached champions. I've also coached kids who quit because their hearts weren't in it. The medals don't matter if you're not here." He tapped his chest. "That scholarship? It's for you. Not for me. Not for your parents. If your 'here' is in a lab, then that's where your gold medal is."
His words unknotted something in my chest. I realised I had been swimming for others — for Coach's dream, for my parents' pride, for the team's expectations. But the late nights reading physics journals, the messy notebooks filled with hypotheses — those were mine.
The next morning, I placed the Sports Academy letter back in its envelope, unopened. I sealed the SST acceptance with trembling fingers. When I handed it to the admin officer, a strange calm settled over me.
Months later, standing in a university lab analysing water samples for microplastics, I felt that same rush — the thrill of discovery, the purpose. Coach Lim visited once, peering over my shoulder at the microscope. "Different pool," he smiled. "Same fire."
I had not betrayed swimming. I had simply found where my current truly flowed.
Composition Marking Guide (17 marks):
- Content & Relevance (6 marks): Clear difficult decision (swimming scholarship vs GEP), well-developed conflict, meaningful resolution
- Language & Vocabulary (6 marks): Varied sentence structures, precise vocabulary (amputating a limb, unknotted something, analytical mind), effective imagery (chlorine-scented, ripple, microscope)
- Organisation & Coherence (5 marks): Logical flow (introduction → flashback/conflict → climax → resolution → reflection), good paragraphing, cohesive devices
Alternative acceptable topics: Choosing between two CCAs, deciding whether to report a friend's cheating, choosing which parent to live with after divorce, deciding to give up a leadership role for studies, etc.
END OF ANSWER KEY