3 PSLE English Paper 2 Revision Tips

PSLE revision is crucial now that the oral examinations are behind us. With the focus shifting to PSLE English Paper 2, it’s essential to utilise the remaining weeks effectively to maximise your study efforts. Whether you’re preparing for your prelims or getting ready to review your PSLE English Paper 2, implementing targeted strategies can significantly enhance your performance. In this guide, we’ll explore key techniques such as error analysis, goal setting, and closing the gap in your understanding to ensure you’re well-prepared for the upcoming challenges.

How can you make the best use of the remaining weeks and power up your revision so that it is focused and effective? Read on to find out!

1. Identifying Common Errors During PSLE Revision: Error Analysis

Can you identify the difference between these two errors?

Error 1 is what we call a “phrasal verb” error. Phrasal verbs require you to identify the correct preposition or adverb to use with a verb, such that the phrase takes on a new, appropriate meaning. The correct preposition to use with ‘pass’ would be ‘up’ because to ‘pass up’ means to fail to take advantage of an opportunity. On the other hand, to ‘pass on’ does not fit the context because it means to give something to someone after receiving it from someone else.

Error 2 is what we call a “connector” error. Connectors are words we use to link phrases, sentences or paragraphs, and often indicate the logical order of events. We cannot use ‘yet’ to link the two ideas in the example above because ‘yet’ is used to show contrast rather than to show the result of the first idea.

As you may have already noticed, the way to tackle these error types are slightly different. For “phrasal verb” errors, we can rectify them by exposing ourselves to more phrasal verbs, and memorising their meaning and usage in various contexts. Learning phrasal verbs in context, such as when reading comprehension passages or storybooks, would thus be very helpful.

For “connector” errors, we need to learn to identify the logical links between the events, and know when to use certain connectors. If we want to show causation, “thus/therefore/so” would be more accurate. If we want to show a sequence of events, then “at first/then/later” would be more accurate. Knowing when these connectors are used would aid us greatly in correctly identifying which connectors to use to answer the questions!

Once you are able to identify the error types, consider which are the types of errors which you commonly make. If it is to do with phrasal verbs, you will want to make sure you dedicate time to revise those. It will be easier for you to focus your revision on these types of errors and prevent yourself from making the same mistake due to past bad habits or incorrect ways of usage. It’s not too late to make the change!

2. The Importance of Goal Setting in PSLE Revision

Which scenario is more inspiring, and feels more real and tangible? I hope Scenario A has inspired you to at least think about scaling a mountain, even if you’re not a fan of physical exercise. The same idea applies to setting clear and meaningful goals.

• What is the score you would like to get for your PSLE English Paper 2?

• Why?

Can you break it down even further? Maybe you can score 10/10 for Grammar MCQ in Booklet A, having understood and memorised all the relevant grammatical rules. Maybe you decide to aim for 4/5 for the Vocabulary MCQ section because you’re not sure if you will be able to guess the meaning to words that are new to you. That’s okay! What is important is to set clear and meaningful goals for yourself to work towards.

These goals help you to track and measure your progress, serving as encouragement when the gap between your current scores and your goals slowly narrows. You can use the free printable to set goals for yourself for every practice!

3. Strategies to Close the Gap in Your PSLE English Paper 2 Revision

After you’ve identified your areas of improvement and a clear meaningful goal to work towards, it’s time to close the gap. You can now ask your teacher for help in specific areas. How can you close the gap? Here are three easy steps to follow.

4. Balancing Study and Rest in Your PSLE Revision Plan

I hope the above tips are helpful in giving your revision a boost. With the limited time left, it is essential not only to study hard, but also to study smart! At the same time, do remember to take breaks and rest when you need to! After all, breaks are essential to keeping your momentum for the examinations ahead. Also, being well-rested will help you to learn and absorb information more quickly. Keep going, P6s!

How will you make the best use of the remaining weeks before the PSLE English Paper 2? Share your ideas in the comments section below!