Common Stimulus-Based conversation questions to prepare for PSLE Oral

As the SA1 draws closer, we have been working hard on English Oral and Writing in all my classes. While I have been testing the students on individual topics such as transportation, newspapers etc, we are also working on answering a list of common questions that may be asked during the examination. The list comes from some of my students’ school. Model answers will be compiled and given to them but only after they have planned their own thoughts and responses.

An example of what we are doing is below.

Here is the list for Personal questions plus the Model for question 1 on ‘Free time’.

The model is a compilation of my students’ answers. I have typed it out using the TREES method to guide students who may find the Oral component challenging. I hope it is useful to you.

Personal questions

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? 

Example Answer to the first Personal question: What do you do during your free time? 

Thought:

I rarely have any free time this year but when I do, it is usually over the weekends. I have a few hobbies such as reading, creating an imaginary world on my SIMS and cycling. However, as the PSLE year ticks by, I have less and less free time, even over the weekend. Thus, I have to choose what I want to do wisely.

Reason & Personal Example:

For the past few months, my favourite activity is cycling outdoors. After long hours of revision work at home, I will hop on my bicycle and cycle around my neighbourhood. I have a large park near my home called Bishan Park and I love to cycle around the park, listening to the birds chirping and feeling the cool wind on my face. I adore the silence when the park is quiet and no one is around but I also enjoy watching families having their picnics or children rollerblading. It serves as a reminder of all the activities I can do once the PSLE is over!

Reason 2 & Personal Example:

I think that cycling is a great way to spend my valuable free time. I get to exercise, as well as, socialise with the people living in my neighbourhood. I have a few friends who live in my area and sometimes we will cycle around together. I read an article that said that high rates of activity in children have been associated with high test scores! So staying active actually helps me become more intelligent.

Suggestion/Opinion:

In my honest opinion, I think that children in Singapore have too much homework and we spend too much time on academic achievements. I know that it is important to study hard but I think Singaporean children have too little free time. We need free time to relax and perform fun activities besides academic work.