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7 MAY 2025
CRACK THE PSLE SCIENCE CODE
A BREAKDOWN OF QUESTION TYPES & MUST HAVE SKILLS
If your child is preparing for the PSLE Science exam, one of the smartest things you can do is understand the types of questions asked — and more importantly, the skills required to answer them well.
Whether it's multiple-choice trick questions or open-ended structured responses, this guide will help you demystify what to expect in the exam paper and how to train effectively for each section.
Let’s dive into the PSLE Science question breakdown!
SECTION A
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
28 questions | 2 marks each | Total: 56 marks
MCQs are more than just quick picks — they test a range of thinking skills from basic recall to data interpretation.
Common MCQ Types and What They Test:
Question Type | Skill Tested | Example Topic |
|---|---|---|
Recall-based | Factual memory, definitions | States of Matter, Plant Parts |
Observation / Comparison | Spotting patterns, explaining difference | Animal Life Cycles, Adaptations |
Graph / Table Interpretation | Reading data trends, understanding patterns | Forces, Weight vs Spring Length |
Cause and Effect | Predicting outcomes | Heat Transfer, Water Cycle |
Experimental Setup | Understanding variables or flaws | Friction, Photosynthesis |
✅ Tip: Practice timed MCQs to build speed and accuracy. Always justify your answer choices during practice to strengthen understanding.
SECTION B
Open-Ended Questions (OEQ)
12–13 questions | Multiple parts | Total: 44 marks
OEQs demand clear thinking, accurate phrasing, and strong reasoning. Students must go beyond just “knowing” the answer — they must explain, justify, and link scientific concepts.
Key OEQ Types and What They Require:
Type | Requires | Example Prompt |
|---|---|---|
Explain why/how | Scientific reasoning, linking cause and effect | "Why does the metal plate freeze faster?" |
State/Identify | Factual naming or selection | "State the gas released by plants." |
Compare/Contrast | Highlighting similarities or differences | "Compare mammal and insect life cycles." |
Predict and Justify | Data-based reasoning | "Will the distance increase? Explain." |
Draw Conclusion | Analysing graphs/tables | "What is the trend as temp increases?" |
Suggest Improvements | Improving accuracy/fairness of an experiment | "How can we make it a fair test?" |
Identify Variables | Independent/dependent/controlled variables | "What is the independent variable?" |
Sequence a Process | Clear step-by-step explanation | "Describe how condensation occurs." |
Relationship Questions | Showing how one factor affects another | "What is the relationship between light intensity and number of bubbles?" |
✅ Tip: Practise writing in structured sentences, not just keywords. Use phrases like:
- “It gains heat and therefore...”
- “As the temperature increases, the ____ also increases.”
Key Exam Skills That Apply to Both Sections
- Use scientific language: Don’t say “goes up” — say “increases.” Avoid vague words.
- Think like a scientist: Link cause → process → result.
- Interpret visuals well: Diagrams, graphs, and experimental setups are part of the test.
- Apply concepts to real life: Expect questions set in real-world contexts (e.g., condensation on a mirror, why clothes dry faster on a windy day).
Final Word: Know the Format, Master the Game
PSLE Science isn’t just about knowing your topics. It’s about knowing how to apply them under exam pressure.
By understanding the types of questions — and building the right answering strategies — your child will walk into the exam with confidence and clarity.
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DISCLAIMER
This blog reflects my personal interpretation and experience as an educator. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Ministry of Education (MOE) Singapore. All information shared here is meant to support learning and should be used as a supplementary guide.
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