O-Level English

[Infoseeker]

Hi - My son is taking his O Levels this year. While all his subjects he is scoring A1, English is an area where he is struggling with. HE keeps getting B3/B4 despite his best attempts. Some parents have suggested that the marking in school English exams is a bit stricter than that at O-Level exams since O Level English papers go to UK for marking. nd hence we should keep at it and not worry. But we are not feeling confident. Any views? Do the school exams and prelims marked more conservatively than actual O-Level ?

[ChiefKiasu]

Infoseeker\" post_id=\"2134386\" time=\"1716946225\" user_id=\"60487:

Hi - My son is taking his O Levels this year. While all his subjects he is scoring A1, English is an area where he is struggling with. HE keeps getting B3/B4 despite his best attempts. Some parents have suggested that the marking in school English exams is a bit stricter than that at O-Level exams since O Level English papers go to UK for marking. nd hence we should keep at it and not worry. But we are not feeling confident. Any views? Do the school exams and prelims marked more conservatively than actual O-Level ?

English papers for O-Levels sent to UK for marking? Wow... I didn't know that the British are so interested in our Singlish
But what is more important is how we handle this. I think a B grade would be ok, except that it would be outstanding in a report card that scores As for every other subject! Is his Chinese OK?

[zac's mum]

Infoseeker\" post_id=\"2134386\" time=\"1716946225\" user_id=\"60487:

Hi - My son is taking his O Levels this year. While all his subjects he is scoring A1, English is an area where he is struggling with. HE keeps getting B3/B4 despite his best attempts. Some parents have suggested that the marking in school English exams is a bit stricter than that at O-Level exams since O Level English papers go to UK for marking. nd hence we should keep at it and not worry. But we are not feeling confident. Any views? Do the school exams and prelims marked more conservatively than actual O-Level ?

If English is going to be used as his L1, then why wouldn’t he do everything within his power to improve the B to and A1? It would mean an improvement of raw 9 to raw 6 score, essentially opening up more JC options to him (if that’s important to you, that is).

Take a good look at which components he is weak in; i’m sure there are targeted courses (and also many free youtube tutorial videos) for him to attend during this June hols. Sometimes it’s a matter of knowing the insider exam techniques on how to grab the extra marks, just like in psle.

[Infoseeker]

Just FYI - Yes the majority Transcripts are sent to Cambridge every year.


https://mothership.sg/2019/01/why-o-levels-marked-cambridge/

[D3-n]

Infoseeker\" post_id=\"2134386\" time=\"1716946225\" user_id=\"60487:

Hi - My son is taking his O Levels this year. While all his subjects he is scoring A1, English is an area where he is struggling with. HE keeps getting B3/B4 despite his best attempts. Some parents have suggested that the marking in school English exams is a bit stricter than that at O-Level exams since O Level English papers go to UK for marking. nd hence we should keep at it and not worry. But we are not feeling confident. Any views? Do the school exams and prelims marked more conservatively than actual O-Level ?

English is a Science. You just need to know what the examiners are looking for and give them what they want. There are different formats/strutures to writing different essays, different ways to answer the different comprehension questions. And also how to prep for the Oral examinations. Certain sections are easier to score than others so there can be some strategy involved as well.
For the Essay/SW and Oral components, you may find some deviation in the marking - not only between Cambridge and the school, but also between schools. However, the answers for the other sections (Editing/Visual Text/LC and Comprehension) are not as fluid. Plus, Cambridge markers have briefed MOE/our local teachers on the requirements so we will and should follow this given marking scheme. So parents should not worry too much over this issue.
Just ask your son to do his best - be it Prelims or the actual Os. Besides, there are so many other factors at play besides the marking.

[ChiefKiasu]

D3@n\" post_id=\"2134488\" time=\"1717167518\" user_id=\"124020:

English is a Science. You just need to know what the examiners are looking for and give them what they want.
...

I wouldn't call English a science, but you are right about giving examiners what they are looking for.

However, if that is all studying English is all about, then it will be very boring. I remember I used to hate going for English lessons to learn about sentence structures, grammar, etc. Granted that they are essential, but I feel learning how to use language to express oneself in unique ways is a critical aspect that is often ignored. The thing I liked about English lessons is doing compositions, where the student is given more scope to develop his creativity. If students are forced to memorize passages to reproduce during examinations, then I think we have to rethink our strategy of teaching English.

[D3-n]

ChiefKiasu\" post_id=\"2134531\" time=\"1717297591\" user_id=\"3:

I wouldn't call English a science, but you are right about giving examiners what they are looking for.

However, if that is all studying English is all about, then it will be very boring. I remember I used to hate going for English lessons to learn about sentence structures, grammar, etc. Granted that they are essential, but I feel learning how to use language to express oneself in unique ways is a critical aspect that is often ignored. The thing I liked about English lessons is doing compositions, where the student is given more scope to develop his creativity. If students are forced to memorize passages to reproduce during examinations, then I think we have to rethink our strategy of teaching English.

I majored in Linguistics and English Lanaguage in the University, and believe it or not, English is not as \"artsy\" as it is often perceived. There is indeed the figurative aspect of the language (mostly in Literature). However, the foundation of English, as with all other languages, is and has to be governed by a set of rules. This is especially evident in its syntax. There are principles involved, not unlike Maths and Science. One other reason I often make this \"English is like a Science\" connection is to provide students who are more inclined towards Maths/Science and often struggle with English a fresh perspective. With this new approach, they can adopt their more familiar thought process in their writing, and as a result will find English less intimidating.

I agree that learning grammar and sentence structure can be a chore and a bore. But without them, your pair of wings are clipped. You won't have the ability to soar and fly. You won't have the proficiency or accuracy to indulge in your creativity and imagination. The importance of this Grammar/Sentence Structure aspect is further highlighted by the weighting given to the Situational Writing and Continuous Writing for the O Level. Currently, out of a total of 30 marks, content is worth only 10 marks while language takes up 20.

I'd be the first to be against memorising compositions. In my years of teachings, I have pleaded and reasoned with parents not to force their kids to do that. There are different types of compositions that will be tested for the O Level - Personal Recount, Descriptive, Reflective, Discursive and Argumentative or a hybrid of any of these. There is no way memory work can take place as a form of preparation. Generally, students are often confused and lost as to how to tackle the different types of essays. It is also a common challenge for students in constructing a decent Introduction and Conclusion. So my strategy is to equip my students with different templates for the different types of essays, and also give them a template for constructing any Introduction and Conclusion. Having these tools, the student can apply them to any essay. While such a method is more Scientific than Arts, it will not involve any of the rigid memorising that you are referring to.

There is of course a place for creative, imaginative and figurative writing where plot, characters and themes take centerstage. However, for academic expository writing, a clean and structured style works best as the focus is on the presentation of well-argued points, clarity of thought, appropriate examples and a logical flow of the essay.