The PSLE is a significant event in a student’s educational journey in Singapore, and the Chinese paper has always been a challenging obstacle for many students. One of the critical components is the Chinese comprehension Module B (阅读理解二B组), which awards a total of 22 marks. Achieving a high score in this module can significantly impact your overall PSLE Chinese results. We have compiled valuable tips and strategies to help you overcome last-minute jitters and excel in this module.
A. 详细阅读。 Read Carefully.
To accurately answer comprehension questions, grasping the main idea and understanding the details is essential. We recommend reading the passage twice – first for a general understanding and then more slowly, the second time, to pick up on key points or phrases. It is also helpful to annotate the text by underlining key points or relevant words that may assist in answering the questions.
For instance, a question usually asks for words that describe a specific phrase. Aside from key points or relevant terms, it is essential to pay attention to unfamiliar words in the text as they may be the answer to the question. As an illustration, for the phrase “口头告诉对方要做什么事” (telling someone orally what to do) in the text, the most probable answer would include the term “吩咐” (instruct).
B. 理解问题。 Understand The Question.
When taking Chinese comprehension exams, it is essential to note that they are structured similarly to English exams. There are different types of questions, so it is crucial to pay attention to question words like “为什么 (Why)”, “怎么 (How)”, and “什么时候 (When)”.
Each question will require a specific type of answer, depending on the context. To ensure accuracy, make sure you adjust your responses accordingly. Understanding the question is critical to providing the correct answer.
C. 用您自己的话回答。 Answer In Your Own Words
When answering questions, you should demonstrate your understanding of the passage using your own words. Simply copying large sections of text without processing the information is not recommended. Although quoting the passage is sometimes acceptable, rephrasing the statement using your language to showcase your comprehension is better.
The comprehension paper primarily consists of direct questions, but questions may also require you to make inferences. In addition, questions will likely test your knowledge of vocabulary, which cannot be answered by simply regurgitating information from the passage. So, it’s essential to read the passage carefully and thoughtfully and then express your understanding of the information in your own words to demonstrate your comprehension.
D. 注意文中的线索。 Pay Attention To Clues in the Passage.
Sometimes, answering a question may involve more than providing a straightforward response. Instead, you should rely on context clues from the passage to make inferences and draw conclusions. Awareness of hints and implied meanings is essential, such as how a character’s actions or surroundings can convey a particular emotion or mood.
If you encounter a problematic word, try to understand its meaning using the context of the sentence or paragraph. The text frequently includes contextual clues that can assist you in determining the definition of the word.
Additionally, pay close attention to the order of information in the passage since it typically follows a logical flow that can aid comprehension.
E. 检查一下你的答案。Check Your Answers.
Checking your work is essential, especially with more challenging passages and exam stress. Losing points on questions you know due to careless mistakes can be frustrating and discouraging.
When reviewing your answers, pay close attention to any potential errors in character writing. Even a simple copying mistake can result in losing up to two marks, representing as much as 10% of the comprehension score. Taking the time to double-check your work can help you avoid these kinds of errors.
It is also essential to ensure your sentences flow smoothly and effectively address all aspects of each question. When you review your answers, it can be helpful to identify any mistakes or omissions and correct them as necessary. By thoroughly checking, you can significantly improve your score and increase your chances of success in the exam.
Suppose you are aiming to achieve success in the PSLE Chinese comprehension paper. In that case, you must adopt a dedicated approach towards your preparation. Practising regularly and having a solid plan can significantly impact your performance. These tips will make you feel more confident and well-prepared for the exam. Remember that consistent effort and a positive mindset can go a long way in helping you excel in this crucial component of the PSLE Chinese paper.
Wishing you all the best!
Other articles in our PSLE Final Exam Tips miniseries:
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