Since the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore scrapped mid-year exams for primary and secondary schools, many students and parents have been left wondering: How will we know if we’re on track?
While the removal of mid-year exams reduces stress and allows for more in-depth learning, it also removes a key checkpoint in a student’s academic year—especially for those preparing for high-stakes assessments like the O Level English Paper.
In this blog, we’ll explore why a mid-year revision check is still essential and what your options are to ensure consistent progress. Whether you’re self-motivated or need external structure, there are effective ways to simulate that mid-year milestone to stay sharp and exam-ready.
Why Mid-Year Checks Are Still Crucial
Mid-year exams once acted as a progress marker. Without them, students may find it harder to:
• Identify knowledge gaps
• Practice time management under exam conditions
• Receive early feedback before the critical prelim and national exams
For subjects like English, where Paper 1 (Writing), Paper 2 (Comprehension), and Oral skills are tested separately, ongoing and targeted practice is crucial.
Let’s look at three effective ways students can perform their own mid-year check, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
1. Self-Study: Independent and Flexible
For disciplined students, self-study can be a powerful tool. With so many online resources, past year papers, and assessment books available, students can tailor their own mid-year revision schedule.
Pros
✅ Flexible timing
✅ Custom pace and focus areas
✅ Builds independence and responsibility
Cons
❌ Can become chatty and unproductive
❌ Mismatched skill levels may lead to confusion
❌ No formal grading or progress tracking
Best For: Students who learn best in a social setting and have reliable peers with similar academic goals.
Why Mid-Year Checks Are Still Crucial
A study group can be motivating and even fun. Students can quiz each other, mark practice papers, or brainstorm essay ideas together. Explaining concepts to others also deepens understanding.
Pros
✅ Encouraging and social
✅ Diverse perspectives and ideas
✅ Immediate feedback from peers
Cons
❌ Can become chatty and unproductive
❌ Mismatched skill levels may lead to confusion
❌ No formal grading or progress tracking
Best For: Students who learn best in a social setting and have reliable peers with similar academic goals.
3. Tuition Centres with Mid-Year Checks: Structured Support
Many tuition centres, like WRITERS AT WORK, are stepping in to fill the gap left by the removal of mid-year exams. We recognise the importance of simulating exam conditions and tracking student progress methodically throughout the year.
This June and July, WRITERS AT WORK is running in-house mid-year tests for our Secondary students, which include:
• Paper 1 (Writing)
• Paper 2 (Comprehension)
• Oral Practice
These in-house assessments are carefully designed to mirror actual exam formats. Our teachers evaluate the students’ performance, give detailed feedback, and adjust future lessons accordingly—all scheduled strategically to align with prelims and O Level exam timelines.
Pros
✅ Realistic exam simulation
✅ Personalised teacher feedback
✅ Tracks progress across all paper types
✅ Helps students build confidence under time pressure
Cons
❌ Requires time commitment and attendance
❌ May be more structured than some students prefer
Best For: Students aiming for measurable improvement and a realistic practice environment to prepare for the O Level English Paper and PSLE
Final Thoughts
The absence of mid-year exams doesn’t mean revision becomes less important—it just means students must take more ownership of their learning journey.
Whether through self-study, collaboration with friends, or formal tuition, having a mid-year checkpoint remains key to long-term success. For English in particular, spaced-out writing, comprehension, and oral practice will better prepare students for the varied demands of the national exams.
At WRITERS AT WORK, we believe in strategic revision and assessment. That’s why our in-house tests are placed at critical points in the year to give students the simulation they need, and give our teachers the insight to guide them even more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How Can I Prepare Effectively for the O Level English Paper Without Mid-Year Exams?
Create your own revision schedule with checkpoints. Use past year papers, write essays under timed conditions, and seek feedback—whether from friends, teachers, or tutors.
2. Are Tuition Centres Worth It for O Level English Revision?
Yes, especially if they offer structured testing and personalised feedback. Centres like WRITERS AT WORK run in-house assessments to track your progress and simulate exam conditions.
3. What Does the O Level English Paper Test?
It consists of multiple components:
