Understanding The PSLE Science Marking Schemes

Curious to learn about how the Singapore Examinations & Assessment Board (SEAB) assesses PSLE Science papers? In this feature, we’ll unveil these mysteries by addressing common questions and misconceptions you might have regarding the PSLE Science marking schemes.

We’ve compiled several burning questions you might have; from understanding how markers award marks to alternate responses contrary to model answers, to whether marks are still awarded for responses with incorrect spellings.

Strong Emphasis On Conceptual Understanding

According to this year’s PSLE Science chief examiner, examiners focus more on finding conceptual understanding than finding keywords in answer scripts.

Let’s use the life cycle of a butterfly at stage 2 as an example:

If the answer explains the changes occurring to a caterpillar before progressing to the next stage (e.g. shedding its skin) but the keyword ‘molting’ is not used, it will still be awarded marks for having a clear grasp of the concept. But if the keyword ‘molting’ is applied haphazardly, then no marks will be awarded.

That said, keywords are still important when used appropriately, and marks are awarded when used to demonstrate a clear understanding of concepts or topics relevant to the question.

Avoid giving vague or general responses where it indicates inadequate understanding of certain topics.

Understanding Open-Ended Questions

The topics or concepts tested in PSLE Science are all within the syllabus set by MOE. To be safe, make sure to read the question several times to figure out what topic/concept is tested.

Here are the two types of open-ended questions present in PSLE Science papers, which are:

This means that exposure to different types of open-ended questions is important.
The best way to gain more confidence attempting open-ended questions is to practice answering open-ended questions and applying what you have learnt.

Despite the common perception that responses in open-ended questions have to be answered a certain way to score well, remember that markers of PSLE papers are after all human. Hence, they can be flexible in their marking of candidates’ responses should they find responses with a sound, logical thinking process behind it.

No Penalization For Poor Grammar And Incorrect Spelling

To answer a significant question of whether you’ll be penalized by spelling words incorrectly or not, rest easy that marks will not be deducted in most cases. That said, the words written must address the question, so make sure they’re legible or clear enough for the markers to understand.

However, if the incorrect spelling is used where it makes a huge difference in mark allocation, then no marks will be awarded.

To make sure that your child uses the correct words when answering questions in PSLE Science papers, our highly qualified MOE-trained tutors can provide them with the necessary help they need to answer as closely as possible to the question.

Method Marks Awarded Despite Incorrect Final Answer

Similar to Math where method marks may still be awarded despite an incorrect final answer, it is essential to have your workings written on the answer sheet in the case where the final answer is incorrect rather than just providing the final answer.

Pay Attention to the Question’s Scope

Ultimately, make sure your response is addressing the question.

For instance, if the response given is about the animal life cycle where the question is about the plant life cycle, no marks will be awarded/response will be penalized even if the answer provided is scientifically sound or correct.

Make sure your child reads the question several times and carefully. Then, underline or highlight the keywords in each question before answering.

Conclusion

We hope that our tips have provided you with a complete impression of the examiners’ marking process for PSLE Science papers. Through our guide, your child is confident in tackling PSLE Science with a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes.

At Edufirst, we offer Primary Science tuition covering topics from Primary 3 to 6 to make learning science fun, simple, and engaging. With our team of experienced tutors, our Primary Science tuition covers topics that follow the primary school science syllabus designed by MOE, so we assure you that your child will be more than ready for their PSLE by then.

Best of all, we’ll give your child the attention they need by providing individualized coaching targeting any weak points they might face. Drop us a call or a message if you are interested to learn more, and we’ll get in touch with you shortly!

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