Day 2 of the 2025 PSLE Oral exam continued with the Stimulus-Based Conversation (SBC) segment, and this time, students faced a highly relatable topic for many Singaporeans – a bustling hawker centre.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the Day 2 SBC format and questions, share smart strategies to help your child speak with confidence, and provide sample model responses. You’ll also be able to watch our full video responses for these questions on our YouTube channel.
What Is Stimulus-Based Conversation (SBC)?
Stimulus-Based Conversation is the second component of PSLE Oral Paper 4. Students engage in a dialogue with the examiner based on a visual prompt—now updated to feature real-life photographs instead of illustrated posters.
Students must:
• Express opinions and share personal experiences
• Respond appropriately to follow-up questions
• Maintain fluency, clear pronunciation, and appropriate grammar
This is not a test of memorised answers. Instead, SBC rewards students who can think on their feet and communicate clearly and meaningfully.
Exam Format Recap:
• Preparation time: 5 minutes (with the stimulus)
• Exam time: About 5 minutes of live interaction
What Came Out on Day 2 (2025)
Picture Stimulus: A vibrant hawker centre scene featuring diners enjoying meals, families seated together, and hawkers preparing food in the background.
Here are the three key questions that followed the stimulus:
Q1: Why do you think people in the photo like going to the hawker centre?
Q1: Why do you think people in the photo like going to the hawker centre?
Model Response (MEET Framework):
Main Point: I think the people in the photo like going to the hawker centre because it is a convenient and affordable place to enjoy a wide variety of local food.
Elaborate: Hawker centres are popular in Singapore as they offer many different food options in one place, and the prices are usually much cheaper than restaurants. They are also casual and comfortable, making them ideal for everyday meals or quick meetups with friends and family.
Evidence/Examples: I also like going to them because I can enjoy delicious local dishes like chicken rice or char kway teow, without spending too much. In the photo, there are people of different ages sitting together, chatting and eating, which shows that hawker centres are a common place for social gatherings. The colourful signboards and variety of stalls show that many types of food are available, catering to different tastes. Some people are queuing while others are already eating, which shows how lively and well-loved the place is.
Thoughts & Opinions: In my experience, most people love going to hawker centres, and with the wide variety of stalls, you can definitely find something to suit your tastes. I am sure the people in the picture feel the same way too.
Q3: Should kids learn how to cook?
Model Response (MEET Framework):
Main Point: Yes, I believe that kids should learn how to cook. Despite Singapore’s vibrant hawker culture, I believe that we must learn to equip ourselves with knowledge about proper nutrition and eating habits, and that can be achieved when we learn how to cook for ourselves.
Elaborate: In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to prioritise convenience over nutrition when it comes to food, like buying a meal at the hawker. However, being conscious of what we eat directly affects our physical health and energy levels. Many processed and fast foods are high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium, which can lead to long-term health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. On the other hand, choosing wholesome, balanced meals supports a stronger immune system and improved overall health.
Evidence/Examples: As such, my family prioritises cooking meals at home using fresh ingredients. My parents often incorporate a variety of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into our diet. One noticeable benefit is that I feel more energised and focused after eating these home cooked meals compared to the sluggishness I sometimes feel after consuming hawker centre food, or fast food. Moreover, cooking at home allows us to control the amount of oil, sugar, and salt used, ensuring that our meals are both nutritious and delicious.
Thoughts & Opinions: Ultimately, being mindful of our food choices is about striking a balance. While it is fine to indulge in delicious hawker food occasionally, we should aim to prioritise healthier options in our daily lives. By making small, conscious changes, such as choosing water over sugary drinks or including more vegetables in our meals, we can create habits that contribute to long-term health and well-being.
Therefore, I believe that kids should learn how to cook.
👉 Want to watch the model answers in action? Visit our YouTube channel for the full video.
5 Smart Strategies to Tackle SBC with Confidence (PSLE English Oral Exam Tip)
1. Use a Response Framework (Example: MEET)
Structure responses with:
• Main Point
• Elaborate
• Evidence/Examples
• Thoughts & Opinions
2. Practise Predicting Questions
After viewing a photo, ask yourself:
• What values does this promote?
• What experience do I have that relates to this?
• How would I react?
3. Vary Your Vocabulary
Common words like “good,” “fun,” or “happy” won’t impress. Use richer vocabulary:
• Rewarding, meaningful, memorable
• Appreciate, contribute, participate
4. Manage Your Nerves
Oral is a performance. Practise with:
• Classmates (mock SBC)
• Parents (daily conversation starters)
• Tutors or oral specialists
What Examiners Look For (Marking Bands)
Assessment Objectives:
AO2: Express personal opinions clearly and appropriately
AO3: Speak fluently with accurate pronunciation and grammar
High-scoring students:
✅ Develop answers thoughtfully
✅ Speak naturally, not like reading a script
✅Maintain eye contact and positive tone
How WRITERS AT WORK Prepares Students for SBC
At WRITERS AT WORK, our Comprehensive English Program include:
✅ SBC drills with trending visuals
✅ Oral technique coaching (MEET framework, tone control, eye contact)
✅ Exam simulation with experience teachers
We teach students to think deeply, speak authentically, and adapt quickly which are skills essential for SBC success.
Explore our Comprehensive English Programs or learn more about our Pure Composition Writing Programs that complements oral skills.
FAQs – PSLE English Oral Exam Tips
Q1: Are students expected to describe the photo in detail?
They should briefly describe it but focus more on sharing opinions, experiences, and responses to follow-up questions.
Q2: How should my child practise at home?
Choose a daily photo, discuss the theme, and practise using the MEET format to build fluency and confidence.
Q3: Are PSLE oral scores important?
Answer: Yes. Oral makes up 20% of the overall English grade and can be a game-changer.
At WRITERS AT WORK, we believe oral excellence is built on reflection, practice, and real engagement. With our proven SBC strategies and experienced coaching, your child will not just prepare for the PSLE. They’ll speak with impact.
