Primary 6 PSLE English Vocabulary Quiz

Primary 6 PSLE English Quiz - Vocabulary (Answer Key)

Total Marks: 20

Section A: Vocabulary in Context (Questions 1 - 5)

1.

• Answer: (B) breakthrough
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: A "breakthrough" is a significant and sudden advance or discovery. In the context of science and medicine, a major discovery is often called a breakthrough. "Breakdown" means a failure or collapse. "Breakout" means an escape, often from prison. "Breakaway" means a separation from a group.
• Common Mistake: Students might confuse "breakthrough" with "breakout" because both involve "breaking" something. However, "breakout" is used for escapes, not discoveries.

2.

• Answer: (A) determined
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Determined" means having a strong will to do something and not giving up easily. The hikers continued despite the rain, showing they were determined. "Deterred" means discouraged from doing something. "Distracted" means having one's attention drawn away. "Delighted" means very happy.
• Common Mistake: Students might choose "deterred" because it sounds similar to "determined" or because they think the rain would discourage the hikers. However, the word "despite" shows the rain did not stop them, so they were determined.

3.

• Answer: (B) gloomy
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Gloomy" means dark, dim, and depressing. Creaking floorboards and dimly lit corridors create a gloomy atmosphere. "Cheerful" is the opposite. "Spacious" means having a lot of space. "Modern" means up-to-date.
• Common Mistake: Students might choose "spacious" because mansions are often large. However, the description focuses on the dark and eerie feeling, not the size.

4.

• Answer: (A) summarise
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: To "summarise" means to give a brief statement of the main points. The teacher wants the students to retell the story's key ideas in their own words. "Memorise" means to learn by heart. "Criticise" means to point out faults. "Advertise" means to promote a product.
• Common Mistake: Students might choose "memorise" because they often have to remember stories. However, the instruction "in their own words" indicates they need to summarise, not just repeat from memory.

5.

• Answer: (B) minor
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: A "minor" disagreement is a small or unimportant one. The fact that they "soon made up" suggests the disagreement was not serious. "Permanent" means lasting forever. "Major" and "serious" both mean important or significant, which would contradict the quick reconciliation.
• Common Mistake: Students might choose "major" or "serious" because disagreements are often seen as negative. However, the sentence structure implies the disagreement was small because they resolved it quickly.

Section B: Phrasal Verbs & Collocations (Questions 6 - 10)

6.

• Answer: (A) put off
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Put off" means to postpone or delay something. The meeting is being moved to next week. "Put up" means to erect or accommodate. "Put on" means to wear or to perform. "Put out" means to extinguish or to inconvenience.
• Common Mistake: Students might confuse "put off" with "put on" or "put out". Remembering that "off" often implies a delay or cancellation can help.

7.

• Answer: (A) get over
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Get over" means to recover from something, such as a shock, illness, or disappointment. The boy needs to recover from the shock of losing his pet. "Get through" means to endure or complete something. "Get along" means to have a friendly relationship. "Get into" means to become involved in something.
• Common Mistake: Students might choose "get through" because it also involves dealing with a difficult situation. However, "get over" is specifically used for recovery from an emotional or physical setback.

8.

• Answer: (A) take off
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Take off" means to remove something, especially clothing or shoes. The instruction is to remove shoes before entering. "Take up" means to start a hobby or to occupy space. "Take in" means to absorb or to understand. "Take over" means to assume control.
• Common Mistake: This is a common and straightforward phrasal verb. The main challenge is distinguishing it from the other "take" phrasal verbs.

9.

• Answer: (A) look into
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Look into" means to investigate or examine something. The detective will investigate the disappearance. "Look after" means to take care of. "Look for" means to search for. "Look up" means to find information in a reference source.
• Common Mistake: Students might choose "look for" because the detective is searching for the jewels. However, "look into" implies a deeper investigation, not just a physical search.

10.

• Answer: (A) look back on
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Look back on" means to think about or remember past events. The grandmother remembers her childhood. "Look down on" means to consider someone as inferior. "Look forward to" means to anticipate something with pleasure. "Look out for" means to be watchful for.
• Common Mistake: Students might choose "look forward to" because it is a common phrase. However, "childhood memories" are in the past, so "look back on" is correct.

Section C: Vocabulary Cloze (Questions 11 - 15)

11.

• Answer: magnificent
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Magnificent" means extremely beautiful, impressive, or grand. The view from the mountain peak is described as awe-inspiring, making "magnificent" the most suitable word.

12.

• Answer: treacherous
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Treacherous" means hazardous or dangerous because of hidden dangers. The path had loose rocks and steep drops, making it treacherous.

13.

• Answer: ancient
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Ancient" means belonging to the very distant past. The ruins of a temple are likely very old, making "ancient" appropriate.

14.

• Answer: abandoned
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Abandoned" means left behind or deserted. The temple was long left by its builders.

15.

• Answer: fragile
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Fragile" means easily broken or damaged. The stone carvings needed careful handling, indicating they were fragile.

Section D: Synonyms & Antonyms (Questions 16 - 20)

16.

• Answer: (B) fluent
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Eloquent" means fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing. A synonym is "fluent". "Shy", "nervous", and "quiet" are all antonyms or unrelated.
• Common Mistake: Students might not know the word "eloquent". Teaching the root word "loqui" (to speak) can help.

17.

• Answer: (B) courage
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Valour" means great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle. A synonym is "courage". "Fear", "hesitation", and "weakness" are all antonyms.
• Common Mistake: "Valour" is a less common word. Providing examples of valorous acts can help students understand its meaning.

18.

• Answer: (C) unclear
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Ambiguous" means open to more than one interpretation; not having a clear meaning. A synonym is "unclear". "Clear", "simple", and "helpful" are all antonyms or unrelated.
• Common Mistake: Students might think "ambiguous" means "amazing" or "big" because it sounds like "ambitious". Breaking down the word can help.

19.

• Answer: (C) stingy
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Generous" means willing to give more than is expected. The antonym is "stingy", which means unwilling to give or spend. "Kind" and "helpful" are synonyms. "Wealthy" is unrelated.
• Common Mistake: Students might choose "wealthy" because they associate generosity with wealth. However, a person can be wealthy and stingy.

20.

• Answer: (A) dull
• Marks: 1
• Explanation: "Lively" means full of life and energy. The antonym is "dull", which means lacking interest or excitement. "Exciting", "cheerful", and "noisy" are all synonyms or related to "lively".
• Common Mistake: Students might choose "noisy" because a lively party is often noisy. However, "noisy" is not a direct antonym; it describes a different quality.