Primary 5 English Oral Question Types & Common Questions

The Oral component is one that requires regular practice and careful preparation. While some students have the gift of the gab and speak confidently, others may feel painfully shy or struggle to organise their thoughts.

Regardless of how confident a student may be, the most important skill is learning to answer the question directly and develop the response using a clear technique. This prevents students from giving answers that are too brief, going off-topic or repeating the same ideas.

Following the changes to the Oral format in 2025, students must now be prepared to navigate several different question types during the Stimulus-Based Conversation, or SBC. Each question requires a slightly different approach.

Let us examine the types of questions that students may encounter and the techniques they can use to answer them effectively.

Question 1: Responding to the Photograph

The first question is always based on the photograph shown to the student. However, the wording and focus of the question can vary greatly.

Let us look at two examples from the 2026 Preliminary Oral examinations.

SBC Example 1

Photograph: A donation box placed at a donation point.

Question: Is this a good place to have a donation box?

SBC Example 2

Photograph: An elderly man standing on the MRT while several young people occupy the seats and look down at their mobile phones.

Question: How do you think the elderly man is feeling?

What Is the Best Way to Answer Question 1?

Students should begin by answering the question directly. They should then support their answer with clear details from the photograph before explaining what these details suggest.

1. Give a Direct Answer

Students should state their opinion or inference immediately.

For example:

Yes, I think this is a suitable place to have a donation box.

or:

I think the elderly man is feeling tired, disappointed and slightly frustrated.

2. Describe Details in the Photograph

Students should describe what they see and remember to select details that support their answer.

3. Make a Relevant Inference

After identifying the details, students should explain what those details suggest.

4. Give a similar experience

Students can strengthen their response by adding another reason, explaining the possible consequences or making a connection to a personal experience.

For example:

I once saw a donation box placed near the entrance of a supermarket. Many shoppers noticed it and donated their loose change before leaving. Therefore, I believe that donation boxes should be placed in busy and accessible locations just like the in the photograph.

The personal experience must remain relevant to the question. Students should avoid telling a long story that causes them to lose focus.

Questions 2 – 3

Questions 2 and 3 can be either opinion questions or recount questions.

At Thinking Factory, we use the TREES method to help the students tackle the oral questions. Thoughts-Reasons-Examples-Experiences-Suggestions/Conclusions.

For a number of years, all of our P5 & P6 students have a list of questions that they need to prepare at home before their EYE Oral. These questions are organised by themes such as personal, family, health, or past EYE Oral themes. In this way, they’re ready for similar topics that often come up in the actual test.

Below are some common oral questions that P5 students can prepare out at home.

Common SBC Questions

Personal

1) What do you do during your free time?

2) How do you usually spend your weekends?

3) Do you enjoy reading? What kind of books do you read?

4) Tell us about a time when you felt happy.

5) What games or activities do you like?

6) What games/activities do you think are fun for children?

7) Which is your favourite mode of transportation and why?

8) Which country do you wish to visit? Why?

9) What are some things you do with your friends?

Health

1) How do you keep fit/maintain a healthy lifestyle?

2) Tell us about a visit you made to a clinic.

3) What is your favourite food? Is it good for health?

Family

1) Do you help out with the household chores at home? Tell me about it.

2) Do you keep any pets? Why or why not?

3) How do you spend time with your family? Tell me about it.

4) What festival do you celebrate?

Outings/School

1) Tell us about a visit you made to a zoo or a park.

2) Tell us about an interesting place you have visited.

3) Tell us about a school activity that you have taken part in.

4) What do you think pupils can learn from taking part in school outdoor activities?

Community

1) Have you helped anyone in need before? Tell me about it.

2) Tell us about a time you did something special for someone.

3) Tell us about a time that you were considerate to someone in a crowded place.

The example below is how one should prepare his response using the TREES method for the question below. Students can use any method that they have learnt in school.

How to use the TREES approach to answer personal questions?

What do you do in your free time?

Thought

As a Primary 5 student, I do not have a great deal of free time because I have schoolwork, tuition and revision to complete. However, whenever I have some spare time, especially during the weekends, I enjoy reading, playing online games with friends and cycling outdoors. Among these activities, cycling is undoubtedly my favourite because it allows me to relax, exercise and take a break from my academic responsibilities.

Reason 1, Examples and Experiences

Firstly, cycling helps me unwind after a tiring week of studying. After spending long hours completing homework or revising for examinations, I sometimes hop onto my bicycle and cycle around my neighbourhood. There is a large park near my home called Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, and I enjoy cycling along its winding paths.

As I cycle, I can hear birds chirping, feel the cool breeze against my face and admire the lush greenery around me. When the park is quiet, I appreciate the peaceful surroundings. At other times, I enjoy observing families having picnics, children rollerblading and elderly residents taking leisurely walks. Being outdoors instantly lifts my spirits and helps me forget about my worries for a while.

Reason 2, Examples and Experiences

Secondly, cycling is an excellent form of exercise. It strengthens my muscles, improves my stamina and keeps me physically fit. Since students spend many hours sitting at their desks, I believe it is important for us to remain active whenever possible.

Sometimes, a few of my friends who live nearby join me for a cycling trip. We explore different parts of the neighbourhood, chat about school and encourage one another when cycling up steep slopes. This allows me to exercise and socialise at the same time. I have also read that regular physical activity can improve a person’s concentration and memory. Therefore, cycling may even help me focus better when I return to my studies.

Suggestion and Opinion

In my opinion, although studying hard is important, children also need sufficient free time to rest and participate in enjoyable activities. In conclusion, I enjoy cycling during my free time.

For more tools, model questions, and discussion of themes to help your child excel in oral work, visit the Primary 5 Oral section.