News Article Comprehension 8

What has been the recent change in the PSLE scoring system to reduce stress?

• The removal of all mid-year exams in primary and secondary schools.

• A narrower score range and a focus on peer comparison.

• Recognition of individual pupils' objective achievement.

• Increased emphasis on academic subjects.

Answer explanation

The passage mentions that the revised PSLE scoring system includes the recognition of individual pupils' objective achievement, regardless of their peers' performance.

hat is one of the major concerns regarding the PSLE discussed in the passage?

• The lack of support for parents.

• The stress it induces among pupils and parents.

• The absence of PSLE in the Desired Outcomes of Education.

• The difficulty levels of PSLE subjects.

Answer explanation

The passage highlights that there is a debate over whether the PSLE ought to be scrapped, with some arguing that it induces stress among pupils, parents, and teachers.v

What does meritocracy mean?

• A system in which people are chosen for jobs and promotions based on their abilities and achievements.

• A system in which people are chosen for jobs and promotions based on their connections and relationships.

• A system in which people are chosen for jobs and promotions based on their age and experience.

• A system in which people are chosen for jobs and promotions based on their gender and ethnicity.

What is the primary reason for the introduction of the new Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate?

• To replace the common curriculum subjects.

• To focus solely on academic grades.

• To reflect the differing difficulty levels of subjects.

• To reduce the number of co-curricular activities.

Answer explanation

The passage states that the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate will replace the O-level and N-level exams and reflect the differing difficulty levels at which each subject is taken.

What is highlighted as a challenge for students transitioning to secondary school?

• The focus on academic grades.

• The need for stricter discipline.

• Developing a sense of personal identity and independence.

• Coping with the stress of PSLE.

Answer explanation

he passage mentions that one of the key challenges for students transitioning to secondary school is the growing importance of personal identity and a desire for independence.