The PSLE Chinese oral exam has evolved in recent years to reflect real-world communication skills. No longer limited to just reading aloud and picture description, the new format challenges students to respond to video-based stimulus conversations that require critical thinking, clear expression, and strong Mandarin fluency.

For many Primary 6 students, this shift can feel daunting. But with the right preparation strategies and support from Chinese tuition in Singapore, it becomes an opportunity to boost your child’s overall PSLE Chinese score significantly.

In this guide, we’ll break down the new oral format, share practical preparation tips, and highlight the most common mistakes to avoid.

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1. Understanding the New Oral Format

The PSLE Chinese oral consists of two key components:

1. Reading Aloud（朗读短文） – 10 marks

   • Students read a short passage clearly, fluently, and with appropriate intonation.

2. Stimulus-Based Conversation（看录像谈话） – 20 marks

   • Students watch a short video (usually around 30–40 seconds) depicting a real-life situation (e.g. helping someone, recycling, family bonding).

   • They are then required to express their thoughts, feelings, opinions, and experiences related to the theme.

At Xuelin Learning Hub, our oral training modules mirror this exact format, giving students a realistic feel of what to expect.

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2. Why the Oral Component Matters

• Oral contributes 30 out of 200 total marks in PSLE Chinese.

• A strong oral score can pull up an overall grade, especially if other components are borderline.

• Oral skills reflect real-world Mandarin ability, and build your child’s confidence in everyday communication.

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3. Tips to Excel in Reading Aloud

✅ Tip 1: Master Common Pronunciation Errors
Many students mix up characters with similar pronunciation (e.g. 行 vs. 兴). Practice with character lists and read aloud regularly.

✅ Tip 2: Use Proper Intonation
Read with emotion and natural rhythm. Pause slightly at punctuation marks.

✅ Tip 3: Time Your Reading
Practice reading within 1 minute without rushing or stumbling.

We provide weekly reading passages in our Chinese enrichment classes, with personalised feedback on pronunciation and tone.

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4. Tips for Stimulus-Based Video Conversation

✅ Tip 1: Use the PEEL Structure

• Point: What did you see?

• Explain: Why is it important or relevant?

• Example: Share a personal story or opinion.

• Link: Reflect on the value or lesson.

✅ Tip 2: Practise with Common Themes
Popular themes include:

• Helping others

• Caring for the elderly

• Healthy lifestyle

• Environmental protection

• School and family values

✅ Tip 3: Build a Theme Vocabulary Bank
Learn 5–10 useful phrases for each theme. For example, for helping others:

• 伸出援手 (to offer help)

• 助人为乐 (find joy in helping)

• 值得我们学习的行为 (a behaviour worth learning from)

✅ Tip 4: Practise Spontaneous Response
Simulate the video-question format at home. Pause after watching and answer out loud with a timer.

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5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake 1: Giving One-Word or One-Sentence Answers
Always elaborate. Short answers lose marks on content and fluency.

❌ Mistake 2: Describing the Video Only
The question is not “What did you see?” but “What do you think?” Always move from observation to opinion or reflection.

❌ Mistake 3: Speaking Too Fast or Too Softly
Clarity and confidence matter. Practise at a steady pace and speak clearly.

❌ Mistake 4: Using Poor Grammar or Vocabulary
Avoid mixing English or Singlish. Stick to standard Mandarin and revise key phrases regularly.

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6. How Parents Can Help at Home

• Watch Mandarin videos together and ask open-ended questions

• Use flashcards with oral prompts

• Role-play as examiner and student

• Record your child’s responses and review them together

• Encourage Mandarin usage at home for casual conversations

Even 10 minutes a day of oral practice can make a big difference.

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7. Why Chinese Tuition Makes a Difference

While home practice helps, professional guidance is key for refinement. A strong Chinese tuition programme offers:

• Realistic exam simulations

• Weekly vocabulary-building drills

• Feedback on tone, structure, and clarity

• Strategies to stretch and polish responses

• Confidence-building activities

At Xuelin Learning Hub, our oral training curriculum is built around MOE’s latest oral requirements. We run regular mock orals, train students with the PEEL method, and ensure each child walks into the exam room prepared and poised.

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Conclusion

The PSLE Chinese oral exam has become more reflective of real-world Mandarin use. With early exposure, consistent practice, and the right strategies, students can turn this component into a scoring opportunity—not a stress point.

By blending school curriculum with professional guidance from Chinese tuition in Singapore, and supportive revision at home, your child can approach the oral exam with confidence and clarity.

🔗 Explore our Chinese oral exam preparation programmes today and help your child speak up—and stand out.