Registration Date:
- School Candidates: Thursday, 27 February – Tuesday, 11 March
Mode of Assessment:
- Oral Examination: Monday, 14 July (PM), Tuesday, 15 July – Thursday, 17 July (Full Days), Friday, 18 July (PM)
- Listening Comprehension: Wednesday, 8 October (PM)
- End of Year Exam: Thursday, 16 October (PM) – Monday, 10 November
Understanding the O-Level English Grading System
1. Paper 1: Writing
- Situational Writing (e.g., letters, reports, or emails)
Continuous Writing (narrative, descriptive, or argumentative essays)
2. Paper 2: Comprehension
- Understanding and interpreting a variety of texts
- Answering questions that test critical thinking and language use
3. Paper 3: Listening Comprehension
4. Paper 4: Oral Communication
- Part 1: Planned Response – candidates plan and deliver a response to a video clip and accompanying prompt presented on a computer screen.
- Part 2: Spoken Interaction – candidates engage in a discussion with the Examiners on a topic based on the same video clip.
Key Challenges in Scoring A1 for O-Level English
1. High Expectations in Writing The writing paper requires students to craft well-structured and engaging pieces within a limited time. Achieving A1 means demonstrating exceptional creativity, clear argumentation, and impeccable grammar. Continuous Writing, in particular, demands the ability to maintain relevance to the question while showcasing linguistic flair.
2. Complexity of Comprehension Questions The comprehension paper tests students’ ability to interpret and analyze a variety of text types. Questions often involve higher-order thinking skills such as inference and evaluation, making this section one of the most challenging to score full marks.
3. Stress of Oral Examinations Scheduled for 14 to 18 July 2025, the oral examination is a high-pressure component. Students are required to read aloud fluently and express their thoughts coherently on an assigned topic. Many struggle with maintaining confidence and clarity under examination conditions.
4. Listening Comprehension Requires Precision The Listening Comprehension exam, set for 8 October 2025, tests students on their ability to process and understand spoken English. Missing even a single key point can result in the loss of marks, making this section particularly unforgiving.
5. Time Management During Written Exams The written examination period, spanning 16 October to 10 November 2025, is a rigorous test of students’ stamina and time management skills. Juggling multiple sections within strict time limits requires extensive practice and discipline.
Strategies for Overcoming These Challenges
1. Develop a Strong Foundation in Writing Start by mastering the basics of grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary. Practise writing essays across various genres, paying close attention to clarity, coherence, and creativity. At WRITERS AT WORK, we provide students with structured writing frameworks to help them excel in both situational and continuous writing tasks.
2. Hone Comprehension Skills Through Practice Regular practice with past-year papers and comprehension exercises can help students become familiar with different question types. Focus on improving inference and analytical skills to tackle higher-order questions effectively.
3. Prepare for the Oral Examination Early Building confidence in oral communication takes time. Practise reading aloud and discussing various topics with peers or tutors. At WRITERS AT WORK, our oral preparation sessions are designed to boost students’ fluency, pronunciation, and confidence.
3. Sharpen Listening Comprehension Skills Listening to podcasts, audiobooks, and news broadcasts in English can improve listening skills over time. Practise identifying main ideas, details, and speaker intentions to prepare for the Listening Comprehension exam.
4. Simulate Exam Conditions Practise under timed conditions to simulate the stress of the actual exam. This helps students develop the stamina and time management skills needed to perform well across all components.
The WRITERS AT WORK Advantage
- Personalized Learning: Tailored lessons to address individual weaknesses and build on strengths.
- Exam-Oriented Strategies: Proven techniques to tackle each component of the O-Level English exam.
- Comprehensive Resources: Access to curated materials, including model essays, comprehension guides, and oral preparation tips.
- Experienced Tutors: Dedicated educators who are passionate about helping students excel.
2025 O-Level English Examination Calendar Recap
- Oral Exams: 14 – 18 July 2025
- Listening Comprehension: 8 October 2025
- Written Exams: 16 October – 10 November 2025
Start Early, Aim High
Attain Stellar Results with WRITERS AT WORK!
English is a compulsory subject which all students must undertake. However, mastering the English language is not something which happens overnight – it takes consistent practice and effort to learn the nuances of the language. Students must read more and practice writing to gradually improve. Cramming for a language subject nearer to the exams is an impossible feat. After all, Rome was not built in a day! Attaining such a skill will have positive implications for not only your child’s education in school, but also employment prospects in future.
At WRITERS AT WORK, we are committed to providing the smoothest learning experience for your child sitting for their English exams. With our carefully curated methods of teaching your child how to write well, your child will learn how to present their thoughts and arguments in a coherent and concise manner. WRITERS AT WORK reinforces your child’s language skills and provides a strong foundation for their academic success, keeping up with all aspects of their progress both inside and outside of the classroom to nurture them holistically. For more information about how WRITERS AT WORK makes a difference, feel free to explore our website, watch our YouTube videos and catch us LIVE on TikTok!
If you are interested in our primary English tuition and secondary English tuition in Singapore, WRITERS AT WORK has expanded to 9 convenient locations. To find the nearest location that suits your needs, please explore our options. If you have any inquiries regarding our range of programs or class schedules, please feel free to contact WRITERS AT WORK!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. Which Tuition Centre is Good for English?
2. Why is it Important to Attend English Enrichment Classes?
3. Is it Worth Getting an English Tutor?
4. Why Do Students Have Poor Writing Skills?
