How is the SEAB MOE English exam graded?

The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is an essential step in the Singaporean education system. Organized by the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE), the English exam plays a significant role in assessing a student’s grasp of the English language. This article will discuss the grading method for the SEAB MOE English exam based on the MOE syllabus outline and official grading practices.

The Structure of the PSLE English Examination

The PSLE English examination is divided into four papers: Paper 1 (Writing), Paper 2 (Language Use and Comprehension), Paper 3 (Listening Comprehension), and Paper 4 (Oral Communication). Each of these components carries a different weightage contributing to the final score.

Grading for Each Paper

Paper 1: Writing

This paper is divided into two sections: situational writing and continuous writing. The situational writing section is worth 15 marks and the continuous writing section carries 40 marks. The total of 55 marks translates into a weightage of 27.5% of the final grade.

Paper 2: Language Use and Comprehension

This paper assesses the student’s grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. It has multiple components, each contributing a certain number of marks to a total of 95, which is equivalent to 47.5% of the final score.

Paper 3: Listening Comprehension

This paper comprises 20 multiple-choice questions, with the total marks carrying a 10% weightage in the final grade.

Paper 4: Oral Communication

This paper assesses reading aloud and stimulus-based conversation skills. It carries a 15% weightage in the final grade.

The Final Grade

After each paper is assessed, the total score is calculated out of 200. The final grade is then determined based on the total score achieved by a student. It’s important to note that the score for each paper contributes to the final grade, so it’s essential for students to perform well in each area.

The Achievement Level (AL) Scoring System

From 2021 onwards, the PSLE scoring system transitioned from the T-score system to the Achievement Level (AL) scoring system. Under the AL system, a student’s PSLE score is the sum of the AL of each of the four subjects, with AL 1 being the best score and AL 8 being the lowest. Each AL corresponds to a specific range of marks scored in the subject.

To improve their grade, students should strive to strengthen their skills in all components of the English exam, not just their strongest areas. Regular practice, review of past exam papers, and taking note of examiner comments can all contribute to an improved performance.

In conclusion, the grading of the SEAB MOE English exam is comprehensive, covering various aspects of a student’s English language abilities. Understanding the grading process can help students to better prepare for the examination and aim for improvement in their English language proficiency.