Did you know that there’s a critical part of the O-Level English exam, accounting for nearly 40% of the total score, that you can’t cram for at the last minute?
Scheme of Assessment
Paper | Description | Marks | Weighting (%) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Writing | 70 | 35 | 1 hour 50 minutes |
Section A: Editing Candidates identify and edit grammatical errors in a short written text. | (10) | |||
Section B: Situational Writing Candidates write 250 - 350 words on a given situation which will involve viewing a visual text. | (30) | |||
Section C: Continuous Writing Candidates write 350 - 500 words on one of four topics set. | (30) | |||
2 | Comprehension | 50 | 35 | 1 hour 50 minutes |
Section A Candidates respond to questions based on Texts 1 and 2, one of which is visual text. | (5) | |||
Section B Candidates respond to a variety of questions based on Text 3 which is a narrative or a recount. | (20) | |||
Section C Candidates respond to a variety of questions based on Text 4, a non-narrative text, and write an 80-word response to a summary writing task. | (25) | |||
3 | Listening | 30 | 10 | About 45 minutes |
Section A Candidates respond to a variety of listening tasks based on a number of audio recordings which the candidates will hear twice. | (22) | |||
Section B Candidates listen to an audio recording and do a simple note-taking exercise. Candidates will hear the recording only once. | (8) | |||
4 | Oral Communication The two parts in this paper may be thematically linked. | 30 | 20 | About 20 minutes (including 10 minutes of preparation time) |
Part 1: Planned Response Candidates plan and deliver a response to a video clip and accompanying prompt presented on a computer screen. | (15) | |||
Part 2: Spoken Interaction Candidates engage in a discussion with the Examiners on a topic based on the same video clip. | (15) | |||
Total | 180 | 100 |
Understanding the Syllabus: Current Affairs in Exam Formats
Despite parents’ frequent reminders to read the newspaper, many students and parents are unaware of the true importance and the effective ways to read it to make a significant impact on their exams and eventual success.
Does reading current affairs equate to learning?
Many parents take comfort that their children read the newspapers, or current commentary pieces. But, does simply reading current affairs truly equate to learning the content required and developing critical skills?
Here are three key factors to focus on to ensure that engaging with current affairs translates into meaningful learning:
Translate current affairs knowledge to meaningful learning – 3 Key Factors
Connecting to the curriculum
Reading the right sources and the right articles
Most students rely on a single source for their current affairs knowledge. Many tend to focus on their favorite sections, such as home or crime, while others merely skim headlines for a general overview. These methods are ineffective for truly understanding current events.
To develop a well-rounded perspective, it’s essential for students to consult diverse sources, gaining various viewpoints and forming balanced opinions.
One credible source would be to join Indigo’s Telegram Channel : The Indigo Oracle. It features examples of possible essay questions with accompanying articles or videos.
Connecting and bonding over Current Affairs
Parents can also learn how to foster a strong connection and bond with their teenagers by engaging in discussions about current affairs. Parents can create a supportive environment that values critical thinking and active engagement with the world.
Stay tune for Indigo’s upcoming seminar to learn exactly how current affairs are integrated into the latest Lower Secondary examinations, O-Level and A-Level exam formats. Also, learn how to identify level-appropriate sources of current affairs information platform and how to read current affairs meaningfully. Find out ways to connect and bond over current affairs with your teenager – it’s more than just homework!
Conclusion
- exactly how current affairs are integrated into the latest Lower Secondary examinations, O and A level exam formats.
- Identify level-appropriate sources of current affairs information platform and how to read current affairs meaningfully
- Ways to connect and bond over current affairs with your teenager – its more than just homework!
Seminar Details:
- 10 August 2024, Saturday
- 1.45pm – 2.45pm
- Parkway Parade Office Tower, #06-03
Register your slot here today!