PSLE Oral Tips and Techniques - Reading

With the PSLE Oral Exam just three weeks away, here are some tips for pupils who are taking the important examination:


(1) Grading criteria
Pupils will be assessed on the following:
- pronunciation and articulation
- fluency and rhythm
- appropriate expression

(2) Pronunciation and articulation
(A) Enunciate the end consonants (e.g. -t, -k. -ch, -th, -d)
Church
Teeth
Dropped
Can't


(B) Differentiate long and short vowel sounds
Examples:
Leaves   vs      Lives
Sheep     vs      Ship
Loose     vs      Lose

(C) Enunciate "-th" sound
Examples:
father  (not fadder)
three    (not tree)

(D) Pronouncing unfamiliar words
- Read phonetically.
- Decide on one pronunciation and use it consistently while reading the passage
- Do not pause at the word
- Do not repeat the word

(3) Fluency and Rhythm
- Read fluently and smoothly
- Pause at appropriate junctures such as punctuation marks (A longer pause at a full stop and exclamation mark and a shorter pause at a comma)
- Do not rush through the passage

(4) Expression
- Vary your pitch and tone
- Your tone goes up if there is an exclamation mark.
- Read with feelings (especially for dialogue)
  Example: If the character is scared, sound afraid. If the character is livid, sound angry.

Final note:
Practice makes perfect. At home, parents may want to use reading passages from assessment books or guide books to practise this component with your children.