Every year, the PSLE Math and Science papers spark lively discussions, thanks to their challenging, headline-grabbing questions.
Remember the infamous 2021 Ivan and Helen Math question? Or the 2022 “cold turkey” Science question?
These tricky problems became instant hits.
But what about English? Why doesn’t it get the same attention?
Unlike Math or Science, the English paper doesn’t often feature a single jaw-dropping question that becomes the talk of the town. Instead, its difficulty is subtle and, at times, deceptive.
Is English Really Easier?
English is often seen as subjective or more manageable. After all, it’s a language we use every day.
But here’s the catch. The very familiarity of English makes its challenges harder to spot. The complexity lies not in solving equations or conducting experiments but in constructing, interpreting, and expressing meaning across different contexts.
While English can be subjective, it’s also guided by rules that don’t change. And as the language evolves into a tool for effective global communication, the demands of mastering it grow, too.
The updated Primary English syllabus, set to take effect in 2025, reflects this evolution. It shifts the focus toward higher-order thinking skills and multiliteracies, preparing students for today’s digital world.
How English Has Changed
Take Visual Text Comprehension as an example. Back in 2012, this section featured simple visuals and straightforward questions.
Fast forward to 2023, and students now deal with two-page websites loaded with information. Extracting answers requires more than just reading, it demands interpretation, analysis, and logical connections.
PSLE 2023 Paper: Visual Text Comprehension




And come 2025, the bar will be raised even higher. Students will need to not only make inferences but also compare ideas across different types of text.
PSLE 2025 Specimen Paper: Visual Text Comprehension



The shift is clear: higher-order thinking skills are now the norm, and they’re here to stay.
What’s Changing in the PSLE English Syllabus?
Here’s a breakdown of the updates you need to know:
1. Paper 1 (Writing)
The weightage for Continuous Writing and Situational Writing is reduced slightly, with marks for Continuous Writing dropping from 40 to 36 and for Situational Writing from 15 to 14.
The twist? One bullet point in the Situational Writing task will require students to infer context and provide an original idea, instead of simply pulling answers from the question stimulus. This encourages critical thinking and creativity.
While most students can generate ideas for the basic bullet points, we’ve observed that many struggle to produce answers that are both relevant and realistic. This is where practice becomes key.
2. Paper 2 (Language Use and Comprehension)
The total score for Paper 2 will decrease from 95 to 90. Key changes include:
• Editing: Reduced from 12 to 10 marks.
• Visual Text Comprehension: Reduced from 8 to 5 marks, now featuring two linked texts—an image (Text 1) and written content (Text 2). Students must read both closely, infer meaning, and connect ideas between the texts.
These changes push students to think critically and mirror the O‑Level English format, setting the stage for a smoother transition to secondary school.
3. Paper 4 (Oral)
The weightage for oral assessments will increase, emphasising the importance of spoken communication.
• Reading Aloud: Marks increase from 10 to 15, and a preamble will now set the Purpose, Audience, and Context (PAC) of the passage. Students will encounter real-world scenarios like speeches or announcements, making tone and delivery more critical than ever.
PSLE 2025 Specimen Paper Oral: Reading Aloud

Stimulus-Based Conversation (SBC): Marks rise from 20 to 25, with a significant shift in the stimuli used. Instead of posters with explanatory text, students will now analyse images with minimal or no text. Questions are more inferential, requiring students to think critically, make logical connections, and elaborate independently.
PSLE 2025 Specimen Paper Oral: Stimulus-Based Conversations


These updates reflect the syllabus’s push toward practical language use—preparing students for real-life conversations and public speaking with confidence.
Our Thoughts on the Updates
English is no longer just a school subject. It’s a crucial tool for communication in an increasingly globalised and digital world. From crafting compelling emails to navigating social media and digital storytelling, modern communication demands multiliteracies.
The updated syllabus aligns with these demands, equipping students with skills they’ll need for life. However, while the new format prioritises critical thinking and application, the fundamentals of English like grammar, fluency, and clarity remain unchanged. Sections like Grammar MCQ and Synthesis & Transformation still emphasise these basics.
So, is the new PSLE English syllabus too complex?
Not at all. At its core, English is still about one thing: clear and effective communication.
But make no mistake. Students who lack a strong foundation or adequate exposure to the updated syllabus will find it challenging to keep up.
The Bottom Line
English may not grab headlines like Math and Science, but its growing complexity shouldn’t be overlooked. The updated PSLE syllabus isn’t just about testing knowledge. It’s about preparing students to thrive in real-world scenarios.
To succeed, students need a strong grasp of the fundamentals, consistent exposure to higher-order thinking tasks, and plenty of practice navigating the syllabus changes. With these tools, they’ll be ready not just to tackle PSLE English, but to master the art of communication for the future ahead.