Why Paper 2 is the Key to Success in PSLE Chinese?
Aug 27, 2024
For many primary six students in Singapore, the PSLE Chinese Paper 2 can be the deciding factor in achieving top scores, such as AL1 or AL2. Paper 2, which accounts for 90 marks, plays a critical role in determining overall performance, especially since it assesses a wide range of skills from vocabulary to comprehension.
In this article, we will explore the importance of Paper 2, break down the key sections, and share essential tips to help students maximize their performance.

The Importance of Scoring High in Paper 2
The performance in Paper 2 can essentially make or break a student’s final grade. Scoring 82 or more points in Paper 2 can push you towards an AL1. If your child secures 74 to 76 points, an AL2 is within reach. This means Paper 2 can almost single-handedly determine the level of success in PSLE Chinese.
With six different question types, each designed to test various aspects of language proficiency, excelling in Paper 2 requires focus, practice, and strategy. Here is a breakdown of the key sections:
1. 语文应用 (Language Application) – 30 Marks
This section examines fundamental knowledge through a series of 15 questions. It includes:
– 2 Pinyin questions
– 2 Word formation questions
– 2 Sentence completion questions
– 9 Vocabulary questions
Since vocabulary is the most significant component, mastering words from the textbook is crucial. Students often lose marks here due to a lack of understanding of these words. It’s essential to build a solid foundation and be well-versed in key terms. This ensures that students avoid unnecessary mistakes and maintain consistency in later sections.

2. 短文填空 (Cloze Passage) – 10 Marks
Cloze passages test a student’s ability to identify word collocations and understand the context.
Tip: First, students should skim the passage for overall understanding before going back to carefully analyze each sentence. Look for clues in the surrounding text, focusing on word pairings and synonyms. This approach ensures that they select the correct answers based on both the immediate context and the broader meaning of the passage.
3. 选择阅读 (Multiple Choice Reading) – 10 Marks
This section assesses comprehension by requiring students to eliminate incorrect answers.
Tip: It’s important to read the questions carefully and identify key terms before reading the text. Practice with elimination techniques helps reduce confusion, ensuring students focus on the best possible answers.

4. 完成对话 (Complete the Dialogue) – 8 Marks
In this section, students must complete conversations based on the context provided.
Tip: Encourage your child to use logic, paying attention to keywords in the dialogue and the relationship between sentences. This is an area where practicing past papers helps build confidence and familiarity with common question patterns.
5. 书面回复 (Written Response) – 10 Marks
This part combines multiple-choice with a short written response. The written portion requires students to formulate a logical answer based solely on the passage provided. Adding personal opinions can result in zero marks, so it’s essential to stick to the information from the passage.
Tip: Train your child to stay focused on the content of the passage and avoid any subjective additions.
6. 理解问答 (Open-Ended Reading Comprehension) – 22 Marks
This is one of the most challenging sections for students. It tests their ability to understand the passage, infer meaning, and provide accurate responses. Many students lose marks due to over-answering, leaving out details, making spelling mistakes, or incorrectly changing pronouns.
Tip: Teach your child to develop a structured approach to answering, ensuring they convert the text effectively into their responses. Focus on answering exactly what’s asked and reviewing answers for completeness and clarity.
Boost Your Performance with Le Xue’s PSLE Chinese Boot Camp
For students looking to refine their skills and gain the competitive edge needed for Paper 2, consider joining Le Xue’s PSLE Chinese Boot Camp. Our program is designed to break down the most difficult topics, provide personalized guidance, and ensure students fully understand the PSLE format and strategies. By attending the boot camp, your child will learn how to maximize their score and approach each question type with confidence.
Spaces are filling up fast, so be sure to sign up today to secure your child’s spot!
