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Primary 6 PSLE English Semestral Assessment 2 (End of Year) Paper 5
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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 5)
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 & 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 older sister ________ interested in joining the school choir last year.
(1) is
(2) are
(3) was
(4) were
[_____]
3. "Please submit your project by Friday," the teacher told the class.
The teacher told the class ___.
(1) to submit their project by Friday
(2) that they submit their project by Friday
(3) to submit our project by Friday
(4) that we submitted our project by Friday
[]
4. Having ________ his homework, Jason went out to play football with his friends.
(1) complete
(2) completed
(3) completes
(4) completing
[_____]
5. The old mansion, ________ stood at the end of the street for over a century, was finally demolished yesterday.
(1) which
(2) who
(3) whom
(4) whose
[_____]
6. Not only ________ the championship, but he also broke the national record.
(1) did he win
(2) he won
(3) he wins
(4) does he win
[_____]
7. The detective insisted that the suspect ________ the truth during the interrogation.
(1) tell
(2) tells
(3) told
(4) telling
[_____]
8. By the time the ambulance arrived, the paramedics ________ the injured cyclist for twenty minutes.
(1) have been treating
(2) had been treating
(3) were treating
(4) treated
[_____]
9. ________ the heavy downpour, the outdoor concert proceeded as scheduled.
(1) Although
(2) Despite
(3) Because
(4) Since
[_____]
10. Rarely ________ such a magnificent display of fireworks in Singapore.
(1) we see
(2) we saw
(3) do we see
(4) did we see
[_____]
Section B: Vocabulary MCQ (10 marks)
For each question from 11 to 20, four options are given. Choose the correct answer and write its number (1, 2, 3 or 4) in the brackets provided.
11. The archaeologist ________ brushed away the dust to reveal the ancient inscription on the stone tablet.
(1) meticulously
(2) haphazardly
(3) vigorously
(4) reluctantly
[_____]
12. The new policy was met with ________ from the staff, who felt their concerns had been ignored.
(1) enthusiasm
(2) indifference
(3) resentment
(4) gratitude
[_____]
13. Despite his young age, the pianist played with remarkable ________ and technical precision.
(1) mediocrity
(2) proficiency
(3) clumsiness
(4) hesitation
[_____]
14. The company's ________ growth over the past decade has made it a market leader in the industry.
(1) stagnant
(2) exponential
(3) negligible
(4) declining
[_____]
15. The witness's testimony was ________ as it contradicted the evidence presented in court.
(1) credible
(2) dubious
(3) conclusive
(4) irrefutable
[_____]
16. The author's writing style is ________ — simple yet profound, conveying deep emotions with few words.
(1) verbose
(2) convoluted
(3) succinct
(4) ambiguous
[_____]
17. The environmentalist ________ the government to take immediate action against illegal logging.
(1) implored
(2) dismissed
(3) neglected
(4) underestimated
[_____]
18. The old photograph ________ memories of her childhood spent in the countryside.
(1) evoked
(2) provoked
(3) revoked
(4) invoked
[_____]
19. The negotiations reached a ________ when neither side was willing to compromise on their demands.
(1) breakthrough
(2) stalemate
(3) consensus
(4) resolution
[_____]
20. The scientist's groundbreaking discovery was ________ by the international community.
(1) condemned
(2) overlooked
(3) acclaimed
(4) disputed
[_____]
Section C: Grammar Cloze (8 marks)
There are 8 blanks, numbered 21 to 28, in the passage below. From the list of words given, choose the most suitable word for each blank. Write its letter (A to L) in the blank. Use each word ONCE only.
| (A) who | (B) which | (C) whose | (D) whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| (E) where | (F) when | (G) that | (H) what |
| (I) whoever | (J) whatever | (K) wherever | (L) whenever |
Passage:
The ancient library (21) ________ stood at the heart of the city had survived wars, fires, and the passage of time. Its towering shelves, (22) ________ reached up to the vaulted ceiling, held manuscripts (23) ________ dated back to the twelfth century. Scholars from distant lands (24) ________ sought knowledge would travel for months to study here.
The head librarian, (25) ________ dedication was legendary, knew the location of every single volume. She (26) ________ had devoted her life to preserving these treasures, often said, "Books are bridges (27) ________ connect minds across centuries."
Visitors (28) ________ entered the reading room were immediately struck by the profound silence, broken only by the soft turning of pages.
Section D: Vocabulary Cloze (8 marks)
There are 8 blanks, numbered 29 to 36, in the passage below. From the list of words given, choose the most suitable word for each blank. Write its letter (A to L) in the blank. Use each word ONCE only.
| (A) perseverance | (B) resilience | (C) determination | (D) tenacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| (E) fortitude | (F) grit | (G) steadfastness | (H) resolve |
| (I) endurance | (J) persistence | (K) commitment | (L) dedication |
Passage:
Mountaineering demands more than physical strength; it requires mental (29) ________ to overcome exhaustion and fear. Climbers who reach the summit share a common trait: unwavering (30) ________ in the face of adversity. The biting wind and freezing temperatures test their (31) ________ to the limit.
Every step upward is a battle against doubt. Yet, those with true (32) ________ refuse to turn back. Their (33) ________ is fuelled by a deep (34) ________ to their goal. It is this (35) ________ that separates those who succeed from those who retreat. Ultimately, the mountain rewards only those with the greatest (36) ________.
BOOKLET B: COMPREHENSION (32 marks)
Section E: Visual Text Comprehension (8 marks)
Study the poster below carefully and answer questions 37 to 44.
<image_placeholder> id: Q37-fig1 type: source_image linked_question: Q37-Q44 description: A colourful poster for "Green Guardians Eco-Carnival 2025" organised by the National Environment Agency. The poster has the following sections: Header with event name and tagline "Small Actions, Big Impact". Date: 15-16 November 2025 (Saturday & Sunday). Time: 10am - 6pm. Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Eco Lake Lawn. Free Admission. Main Activities: (1) Upcycling Workshops - Turn trash into treasure! Sessions at 11am, 2pm, 4pm. Register on-site. (2) Eco-Trail Challenge - Complete 5 stations to win a plantable seed pencil. Starts every hour. (3) Green Marketplace - Sustainable products from local vendors. (4) Talks by Environmentalists - Dr. Lim Wei Ling (11:30am), Mr. Rajesh Kumar (3:30pm). Registration required via QR code. Footer: "Bring your own water bottle and reusable bag!" Organiser logo: NEA. Partner logos: NParks, Zero Waste SG, Green Nudge. labels: Event name, tagline, date, time, venue, admission, activities with details, speakers, registration info, footer message, organiser and partner logos values: Date: 15-16 Nov 2025; Time: 10am-6pm; Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Eco Lake Lawn; Workshop times: 11am, 2pm, 4pm; Talk times: 11:30am, 3:30pm must_show: All text clearly legible, QR code visible, activity icons, colourful eco-friendly design </image_placeholder>
37. What is the tagline of the Green Guardians Eco-Carnival 2025?
_________________________________________________________________________ [1]
38. Where will the Eco-Carnival be held?
_________________________________________________________________________ [1]
39. If you want to participate in the Upcycling Workshop at 2pm, what must you do?
_________________________________________________________________________ [1]
40. Which activity requires prior registration via a QR code?
_________________________________________________________________________ [1]
41. How many stations are there in the Eco-Trail Challenge?
_________________________________________________________________________ [1]
42. What prize can participants win by completing the Eco-Trail Challenge?
_________________________________________________________________________ [1]
43. Name two organisations that are partners for this event.
_________________________________________________________________________ [1]
44. Based on the poster, state one thing visitors are encouraged to bring.
_________________________________________________________________________ [1]
Section F: Comprehension Cloze (15 marks)
There are 15 blanks, numbered 45 to 59, in the passage below. Fill in each blank with a suitable word.
The Great Barrier Reef, stretching over 2,300 kilometres along Australia's northeast coast, is the world's largest coral reef system. It is (45) ________ to an extraordinary diversity of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and 4,000 species of molluscs. This underwater wonderland (46) ________ a vital role in maintaining ocean health.
However, the reef faces unprecedented threats. Climate change has caused ocean temperatures to (47) ________, leading to mass coral bleaching events. When water is too warm, corals expel the algae (48) ________ in their tissues, turning completely white. Without these algae, corals lose their primary food source and become (49) ________ to disease.
Pollution from agricultural runoff (50) ________ another major threat. Fertilisers and pesticides wash into the ocean, promoting algal blooms that (51) ________ sunlight and suffocate corals. Coastal development and (52) ________ fishing practices further degrade this fragile ecosystem.
Scientists and conservationists are working (53) ________ to protect the reef. Innovative approaches include coral gardening, (54) ________ healthy coral fragments are cultivated and transplanted onto damaged areas. Researchers are also breeding heat-resistant coral species (55) ________ can withstand warmer waters.
Education and community (56) ________ are equally important. Tourists are encouraged to practise responsible snorkelling and diving, (57) ________ as not touching or standing on corals. Reducing carbon footprints (58) ________ helps mitigate climate change.
The fate of the Great Barrier Reef hangs in the (59) ________. Its survival depends on collective action today to ensure this natural treasure endures for future generations.
Section G: Comprehension Open-Ended (20 marks)
Read the passage below carefully and answer questions 60 to 70.
Passage:
Ten-year-old Maya stood at the edge of the diving board, her heart pounding against her ribs like a trapped bird. The pool below shimmered under the afternoon sun, its surface deceptively calm. She had climbed this ladder countless times during swimming lessons, but today was different. Today was the inter-school swimming championships, and she was representing her school in the 50-metre freestyle.
"Maya! You're up next!" Coach Lim's voice cut through her spiralling thoughts.
She glanced at the other swimmers — tall, muscular, confident. Then she looked at her own slender frame, her knobby knees, her hands that trembled slightly as she gripped the rail. I don't belong here, a voice whispered in her mind. They'll all beat me.
"Remember your breathing," Coach Lim said, placing a steady hand on her shoulder. "Three strokes, breathe. Three strokes, breathe. You've done this a thousand times."
Maya nodded, but her throat felt tight. She thought of the early mornings, the laps swum while her friends slept, the weekends sacrificed. For this moment, she reminded herself. For the team.
The whistle blew. Sharp. Final.
She mounted the block, positioned her feet, and gripped the edge. Be the arrow, she told herself. Cut through the water.
The starting horn shattered the silence.
Maya launched herself forward, her body slicing into the cool embrace of the pool. The water rushed past her ears, muffling the world. One, two, three, breathe. One, two, three, breathe. Her arms moved with practised precision, her legs kicking in steady rhythm.
Halfway. She was neither leading nor trailing. Good. Steady.
Then, disaster. Her right hand struck the lane rope, throwing off her rhythm. Water flooded her goggles. Panic, cold and sharp, seized her chest. Her strokes became ragged, her breathing erratic. I'm going to lose. I'm going to let everyone down.
But somewhere, beneath the panic, muscle memory stirred. Three strokes, breathe. Three strokes, breathe.
She forced her arms to comply, blinking furiously to clear her vision. The wall loomed ahead. Final push.
Her fingers slapped the touchpad. She ripped off her goggles, gasping, searching for the scoreboard.
Third place.
Not first. Not even second. But third — out of eight finalists.
Coach Lim was at the poolside, clapping, grinning. "You did it! You held your form even after hitting the rope!"
Her teammates cheered, surrounding her with wet hugs and loud congratulations.
Later, sitting on the stands with her bronze medal cool against her chest, Maya watched the medal ceremony. The gold medallist stood tall, the silver medallist smiled graciously. And when the announcer called her name for bronze, Maya walked to the podium with her head high.
She had not won the race. But she had conquered the voice in her head. And that, she realised, was a victory that no medal could measure.
60. Which two-word phrase in the first paragraph tells us that Maya was very nervous?
_________________________________________________________________________ [1]
61. Why did Maya feel she did not belong at the championships?
_________________________________________________________________________ [2]
62. What advice did Coach Lim give Maya just before the race?
_________________________________________________________________________ [1]
63. In paragraph 7, the author writes, "Be the arrow." What does this metaphor suggest about how Maya should swim?
_________________________________________________________________________ [2]
64. What went wrong during the race?
_________________________________________________________________________ [2]
65. How did Maya recover from the mistake?
_________________________________________________________________________ [2]
66. Which word in paragraph 12 tells us that Maya was struggling to breathe after the race?
_________________________________________________________________________ [1]
67. How did Maya's teammates react to her performance?
_________________________________________________________________________ [1]
68. Explain what Maya meant when she thought, "For this moment" (paragraph 6).
_________________________________________________________________________ [2]
69. Do you think Maya was disappointed with winning bronze? Support your answer with evidence from the passage.
_________________________________________________________________________ [3]
70. What is the main lesson Maya learnt from this experience?
_________________________________________________________________________ [2]
BOOKLET C: WRITING (35 marks)
Section H: Situational Writing (15 marks)
Study the information below carefully.
<image_placeholder> id: Q71-fig1 type: source_image linked_question: Q71 description: A flyer for "Community Garden Initiative" by Greenfield Residents' Committee. Title: "Let's Grow Together!" Subtitle: Transform the empty plot at Blk 42 Greenfield Avenue into a thriving community garden. Details: What: Community Garden Project. When: Starting 1 March 2025 (every Saturday, 9am-11am). Where: Empty plot beside Blk 42 Greenfield Avenue. Who: All residents welcome! No experience needed. Activities: Soil preparation, planting vegetables/herbs/flowers, garden maintenance, harvest festivals. Benefits: Fresh produce, greener estate, neighbourly bonds, learn gardening skills. Contact: Ms. Tan at 6455 1234 or email [email protected]. Sign up by 15 February 2025. Footer: "Supported by NParks Community in Bloom Programme" labels: Title, subtitle, what, when, where, who, activities, benefits, contact details, sign-up deadline, supporting programme values: Start date: 1 March 2025; Schedule: Every Saturday 9am-11am; Location: Empty plot beside Blk 42 Greenfield Avenue; Contact: Ms. Tan, 6455 1234, [email protected]; Deadline: 15 February 2025 must_show: Clear layout with all details visible, colourful garden-themed design, contact information prominent </image_placeholder>
Your Task:
You are Alex Lim, a resident of Blk 42 Greenfield Avenue. You saw the flyer and decided to write an email to your cousin, Jamie, who lives in another estate, to invite him to join you in this community garden project.
Write an email to Jamie. In your email, include the following information:
- What the Community Garden Initiative is about
- When and where it takes place
- Two activities you can do there
- Two benefits of joining
- How to sign up and the deadline
You may reorder the points. Write in complete sentences.
Section I: Continuous Writing (20 marks)
Write a composition of at least 150 words on the topic:
A Decision That Changed Everything
Consider the following points when planning your composition:
- What was the decision?
- Who made the decision?
- What happened as a result?
- How did it change things?
You may use the points in any order and include other relevant points.
Helping Words/Phrases:
- crossroads
- weighed the options
- leap of faith
- turning point
- ripple effect
- in retrospect
END OF PAPER
Answers
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - English Primary 6 PSLE (SA2 Version 5) - Answer Key
Total Marks: 95
BOOKLET A: GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY (28 marks)
Section A: Grammar MCQ (10 marks)
1. Answer: (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" or "would be" in the if-clause.
2. Answer: (3) was
Explanation: Subject-verb agreement with "neither...nor". The verb agrees with the noun closest to it ("sister" — singular). Past tense "was" matches "last year".
Key rule: Neither A nor B → verb agrees with B.
3. Answer: (1) to submit their project by Friday
Explanation: Reported speech for an imperative: told + object + to-infinitive. Pronoun changes from "your" to "their" (third person reporting).
Note: Option (2) uses subjunctive incorrectly; (3) and (4) have wrong pronoun shifts.
4. Answer: (2) completed
Explanation: "Having + past participle" forms a perfect participle phrase showing completed action before the main verb. "Having completed his homework..." = After he completed his homework...
Grammar point: Perfect participle = having + V3.
5. Answer: (1) which
Explanation: Non-defining relative clause (extra information, set off by commas). "Which" refers to "the old mansion" (thing). "Who/whom" for people; "whose" shows possession.
6. Answer: (1) did he win
Explanation: Inversion after "Not only" at the start of a sentence. Structure: Not only + auxiliary + subject + verb. Past tense → "did he win".
Pattern: Not only did he win, but he also broke...
7. Answer: (1) tell
Explanation: Subjunctive mood after verbs of insistence/demand (insist, demand, recommend, suggest). Structure: insist that + subject + base form. "The detective insisted that the suspect tell the truth."
8. Answer: (2) had been treating
Explanation: Past perfect continuous for an action ongoing before another past action ("arrived"). "By the time X happened, Y had been happening for [duration]."
9. Answer: (2) Despite
Explanation: "Despite" is a preposition followed by a noun phrase ("the heavy downpour"). "Although" is a conjunction needing a clause. "Because/Since" would contradict the meaning.
10. Answer: (4) did we see
Explanation: Inversion with negative adverb "Rarely" at the start. Structure: Rarely + auxiliary + subject + verb. Past tense context → "did we see".
Section B: Vocabulary MCQ (10 marks)
11. Answer: (1) meticulously
Explanation: "Meticulously" = with great attention to detail; carefully. Fits an archaeologist revealing an ancient inscription.
Others: haphazardly (randomly), vigorously (forcefully), reluctantly (unwillingly).
12. Answer: (3) resentment
Explanation: "Resentment" = bitterness/anger at unfair treatment. Staff felt concerns ignored → resentment.
Others: enthusiasm (excitement), indifference (no interest), gratitude (thankfulness).
13. Answer: (2) proficiency
Explanation: "Proficiency" = high degree of skill/expertise. "Remarkable proficiency" fits a talented young pianist.
Others: mediocrity (average), clumsiness (awkward), hesitation (pause).
14. Answer: (2) exponential
Explanation: "Exponential growth" = rapid, accelerating increase. Fits "market leader".
Others: stagnant (no growth), negligible (insignificant), declining (decreasing).
15. Answer: (2) dubious
Explanation: "Dubious" = doubtful, questionable. Testimony contradicted evidence → not credible.
Others: credible (believable), conclusive (decisive), irrefutable (undeniable).
16. Answer: (3) succinct
Explanation: "Succinct" = briefly and clearly expressed. "Simple yet profound" = succinct.
Others: verbose (wordy), convoluted (overly complex), ambiguous (unclear).
17. Answer: (1) implored
Explanation: "Implored" = begged earnestly. Environmentalist urging government action.
Others: dismissed (rejected), neglected (ignored), underestimated (undervalued).
18. Answer: (1) evoked
Explanation: "Evoked" = brought a memory/feeling to mind. Photograph evokes memories.
Others: provoked (stirred anger/reaction), revoked (cancelled), invoked (called upon/cited).
19. Answer: (2) stalemate
Explanation: "Stalemate" = deadlock where neither side can progress. Neither willing to compromise.
Others: breakthrough (progress), consensus (agreement), resolution (solution).
20. Answer: (3) acclaimed
Explanation: "Acclaimed" = praised enthusiastically. Groundbreaking discovery → acclaimed by community.
Others: condemned (criticised), overlooked (missed), disputed (argued).
Section C: Grammar Cloze (8 marks)
Passage with answers:
The ancient library (21) G that stood at the heart of the city had survived wars, fires, and the passage of time. Its towering shelves, (22) B which reached up to the vaulted ceiling, held manuscripts (23) G that dated back to the twelfth century. Scholars from distant lands (24) I whoever sought knowledge would travel for months to study here.
The head librarian, (25) C whose dedication was legendary, knew the location of every single volume. She (26) A who had devoted her life to preserving these treasures, often said, "Books are bridges (27) G that connect minds across centuries."
Visitors (28) I whoever entered the reading room were immediately struck by the profound silence, broken only by the soft turning of pages.
Explanations:
- 21 (that): Defining relative clause identifying which library. "That" preferred for defining clauses after superlatives/unique nouns.
- 22 (which): Non-defining relative clause (extra info about shelves, set off by commas). "Which" for things.
- 23 (that): Defining relative clause identifying which manuscripts. "That" for things in defining clauses.
- 24 (whoever): "Whoever sought knowledge" = "Anyone who sought knowledge". Subject of "would travel".
- 25 (whose): Possessive relative pronoun. "Whose dedication" = "The head librarian's dedication".
- 26 (who): Defining relative clause identifying which "she" (the librarian). "Who" for people as subject.
- 27 (that): Defining relative clause identifying which bridges. "That" for things.
- 28 (whoever): "Whoever entered" = "Anyone who entered". Subject of "were struck".
Section D: Vocabulary Cloze (8 marks)
Passage with answers:
Mountaineering demands more than physical strength; it requires mental (29) B resilience to overcome exhaustion and fear. Climbers who reach the summit share a common trait: unwavering (30) C determination in the face of adversity. The biting wind and freezing temperatures test their (31) I endurance to the limit.
Every step upward is a battle against doubt. Yet, those with true (32) F grit refuse to turn back. Their (33) J persistence is fuelled by a deep (34) L dedication to their goal. It is this (35) D tenacity that separates those who succeed from those who retreat. Ultimately, the mountain rewards only those with the greatest (36) A perseverance.
Explanations (nuance distinctions):
- Resilience (29): Ability to recover quickly from difficulties; bounce back.
- Determination (30): Firmness of purpose; resolved to achieve a goal.
- Endurance (31): Capacity to withstand hardship/pain over time (physical/mental stamina).
- Grit (32): Courage and resolve; strength of character (Angela Duckworth's concept).
- Persistence (33): Continued effort despite difficulty; not giving up.
- Dedication (34): Devotion to a task/purpose; wholehearted commitment.
- Tenacity (35): Determined persistence; holding fast; "tenacious" grip.
- Perseverance (36): Steady persistence in spite of obstacles; long-term continued effort.
Note: These words are synonyms but carry subtle differences. The passage arranges them to show progression from inner quality (resilience) to sustained action (perseverance).
BOOKLET B: COMPREHENSION (32 marks)
Section E: Visual Text Comprehension (8 marks)
37. Small Actions, Big Impact
38. Singapore Botanic Gardens, Eco Lake Lawn
39. Register on-site (for the 2pm session)
40. Talks by Environmentalists
41. Five (5) stations
42. A plantable seed pencil
43. Any two: NParks, Zero Waste SG, Green Nudge
44. Bring your own water bottle and reusable bag (either one)
Section F: Comprehension Cloze (15 marks)
45. home
46. plays
47. rise
48. living
49. vulnerable / susceptible
50. poses
51. block
52. destructive / unsustainable
53. tirelessly / hard
54. where / in which
55. that / which
56. involvement / engagement / participation
57. such
58. also
59. balance
Marking notes: Accept grammatically correct and contextually appropriate answers. Synonyms accepted where meaning is preserved (e.g., "susceptible" for "vulnerable", "where" for "in which").
Section G: Comprehension Open-Ended (20 marks)
60. "pounding against" (or "trapped bird" — but "pounding against" is the two-word phrase describing the heartbeat)
Marking: Accept "pounding against" [1]
61. She saw the other swimmers as tall, muscular, and confident, while she felt she had a slender frame, knobby knees, and trembling hands. She felt physically inferior and out of place.
Marking: 1 mark for describing other swimmers; 1 mark for describing her self-perception/inadequacy [2]
62. Coach Lim told her to remember her breathing: "Three strokes, breathe. Three strokes, breathe."
Marking: Must mention the breathing pattern [1]
63. The metaphor suggests Maya should swim straight, fast, and focused like an arrow flying through the air — cutting cleanly through the water with precision and determination, without wavering.
Marking: 1 mark for "straight/focused/direct"; 1 mark for "cut through water/precision/speed" [2]
64. Her right hand struck the lane rope, which threw off her rhythm, and water flooded her goggles, causing panic and ragged strokes.
Marking: 1 mark for hitting lane rope; 1 mark for water in goggles/panic [2]
65. She relied on muscle memory and Coach Lim's advice ("Three strokes, breathe") to force her arms back into rhythm, blinked to clear her vision, and pushed hard to the finish.
Marking: 1 mark for muscle memory/coach's advice; 1 mark for clearing vision/final push [2]
66. gasping
Marking: [1]
67. They cheered, surrounded her with wet hugs, and congratulated her loudly.
Marking: [1]
68. Maya meant that all her hard work — early morning training, swimming laps while friends slept, sacrificing weekends — was for this moment: the inter-school championships where she would represent her school.
Marking: 1 mark for describing the sacrifices; 1 mark for linking to the championships/representing school [2]
69. No, she was not disappointed. Evidence: She walked to the podium "with her head high" and realised conquering the voice in her head was "a victory that no medal could measure." She valued overcoming self-doubt more than the medal colour.
Marking: 1 mark for "No"; 1 mark for evidence (head high / victory no medal could measure); 1 mark for explanation (overcoming self-doubt > medal) [3]
70. Maya learnt that overcoming self-doubt and fear (conquering the voice in her head) is a greater victory than winning a medal. True success is measured by personal growth, not external rewards.
Marking: 1 mark for overcoming self-doubt/fear; 1 mark for personal growth > external rewards [2]
BOOKLET C: WRITING (35 marks)
Section H: Situational Writing (15 marks)
Task Fulfilment (6 marks): All 5 content points included clearly.
Language & Organisation (9 marks): Accurate grammar, appropriate tone (informal email to cousin), clear organisation, varied vocabulary.
Sample Answer:
Subject: Join Me for the Community Garden Project! 🌱
Hi Jamie,
Hope you're doing well! I saw this really cool flyer from our Residents' Committee and immediately thought of you. There's a Community Garden Initiative called "Let's Grow Together!" to transform the empty plot beside my block (Blk 42 Greenfield Avenue) into a thriving garden. It starts on 1 March 2025 and runs every Saturday from 9am to 11am.
They've got lots of activities planned — we could help with soil preparation and planting vegetables or herbs, and later there's garden maintenance and even harvest festivals! No experience needed, so we can just learn as we go.
The benefits sound great too: we'd get fresh produce to take home, make the estate greener, bond with neighbours, and pick up gardening skills. It's supported by NParks' Community in Bloom Programme.
If you're keen, just contact Ms. Tan at 6455 1234 or email [email protected] to sign up. Deadline is 15 February 2025, so let me know soon!
Would be awesome to do this together. Let me know what you think!
Cheers,
Alex
Section I: Continuous Writing (20 marks)
Marking Guidelines (Holistic):
| Band | Marks | Descriptors |
|---|---|---|
| A | 17-20 | Compelling, well-developed narrative; clear decision & consequences; strong voice; excellent vocabulary & sentence variety; minimal errors. |
| B | 13-16 | Good narrative with clear decision; relevant development; good vocabulary; some minor errors. |
| C | 9-12 | Adequate narrative; decision mentioned but development thin; basic vocabulary; several errors. |
| D | 5-8 | Weak narrative; decision unclear or irrelevant; limited vocabulary; frequent errors impede meaning. |
| E | 1-4 | Very weak; minimal content; severe language issues. |
Content Expectations:
- Clear identification of the decision (what, who)
- Logical sequence of events leading to the decision
- Consequences (immediate and long-term) — the "ripple effect"
- Reflection ("in retrospect") showing change/growth
- At least 150 words
Sample Outline (for reference):
- Introduction: Setting the scene — a crossroads moment (e.g., choosing between two CCAs, standing up to a bully, admitting a mistake, trying out for a team).
- The decision: Weighing options, internal conflict, leap of faith.
- The event: What happened immediately after.
- The ripple effect: How it changed relationships, self-perception, opportunities.
- Conclusion: In retrospect — the turning point; how things are different now.
Key phrases to reward: "crossroads", "weighed the options", "leap of faith", "turning point", "ripple effect", "in retrospect" — used naturally and meaningfully.
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