Phrasal verbs are a fundamental component of the English language, especially within the context of the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) in Singapore. Understanding and mastering these verbs can significantly enhance a student’s proficiency, particularly in composition writing and comprehension sections. WRITERS AT WORK recognize the importance of equipping students with the necessary tools to excel in their English examinations. This article delves into separable and transitive phrasal verbs, offering insights and tips to help parents support their children in mastering this crucial topic.
What Are Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs consist of a main verb combined with one or more particles, typically prepositions or adverbs, resulting in a new meaning distinct from the original verb. For example, the verb “take” means to grasp or hold, but when combined with “up” to form “take up,” it can mean to start a new hobby or activity.
Transitive Phrasal Verbs
Transitive phrasal verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning. Without an object, the sentence would be incomplete or lack clarity. For instance:
- “She turned off the alarm.”
In this sentence, “the alarm” is the direct object receiving the action of the phrasal verb “turned off.”
Source: PSLE Specimen Exam Paper 2025
- Answer: take on
Separable Phrasal Verbs
Separable phrasal verbs are a subset of transitive phrasal verbs where the particle can be separated from the main verb, allowing the direct object to be placed between them. When it comes to separable phrasal verbs, students can easily find the clue in the passages even if the verb or preposition is blanked out. When students find the partnering verb or preposition,, it becomes much easier. For example:
- “Please turn the volume down.”
Alternatively, the object can follow the entire phrasal verb:
- “Please turn down the volume.”
However, when using a pronoun as the object, it must be placed between the verb and the particle:
- “Please turn it down.”
Incorrect: “Please turn down it.”
Source: PSLE English Paper 2 2023
- “Put on your VR headset” can also be written as, “Put your VR headset on.”
Common Separable and Transitive Phrasal Verbs
Familiarity with commonly used separable and transitive phrasal verbs can aid students in both understanding and application. Here are some examples:
- Bring up: To mention or introduce a topic.
- “She brought up an interesting point during the discussion.”
- Call off: To cancel something.
- “They called off the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.”
- Give away: To reveal a secret or provide something for free.
- “He gave away the surprise by accident.”
- Set up: To arrange or establish something.
- “They set up the equipment before the event.”
- Turn down: To reject an offer or reduce volume.
- “She turned down the job offer.”
Tips for Mastering Phrasal Verbs
1. Contextual Learning: Encourage your child to read extensively. Encountering phrasal verbs in context helps in understanding their meanings and usage.
2. Practice Exercises: Regular practice with exercises focusing on phrasal verbs can reinforce learning. Utilizing past year exam papers can provide insight into how these verbs are tested in the PSLE.
3. Use of Flashcards: Creating flashcards with the phrasal verb on one side and its meaning and an example sentence on the other can be a fun and effective revision tool.
4. Engage in Writing: Encourage your child to incorporate phrasal verbs into their creative writing. This not only enhances their writing skills but also solidifies their understanding of the verbs’ applications.
5. Enroll in Enrichment Classes: Consider enrolling your child in English enrichment classes that focus on composition writing and comprehension skills. At WRITERS AT WORK, our curriculum is designed to help students master such components, ensuring they are well-prepared for the PSLE.
The Importance of Phrasal Verbs in PSLE English
Phrasal verbs are frequently tested in the PSLE English paper, particularly in sections like comprehension cloze passages and composition writing. A strong grasp of these verbs can aid students in understanding the nuances of passages and expressing their thoughts more effectively in writing.
Moreover, during the PSLE English oral exam, the use of appropriate phrasal verbs can demonstrate a student’s proficiency and command of the language, potentially leading to higher scores.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Students often face challenges with phrasal verbs due to their idiomatic nature, where the combined meaning differs from the individual words. To overcome this:
- Encourage Active Usage: Prompt your child to use new phrasal verbs in daily conversations. Active usage aids retention.
- Highlight Separable vs. Inseparable Verbs: Teach your child to recognize which phrasal verbs are separable and which are not. This understanding is crucial for proper sentence construction.
- Utilize Visual Aids: Visual aids, such as charts or diagrams, can help in illustrating the concept of separable and inseparable phrasal verbs, making it easier for visual learners to grasp.
Mastering separable and transitive phrasal verbs is a vital step toward PSLE English success. By understanding their structures and practicing their usage, students can enhance their language skills, leading to improved performance in examinations. WRITERS AT WORK is an English tuition centre in Singapore that covers PSLE and O-Level exams. Our educators seek to make students better learners through organisation skills, reflection, and understanding of how we process information. Join us at our tuition centres to be a part of the best English enrichment courses for primary and secondary school students in Singapore.
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!
Commonly Asked Questions
1. How Long Should You Study for PSLE?
Parents should take around a year or two to prepare for PSLE as learning about subjects like English requires a long-term effort, as opposed to short cramming.
2. Is PSLE Compulsory?
PSLE is compulsory for everyone to enter secondary school in Singapore.
3. How to Study for PSLE?
Parents should make a list of everything a child should study for all their PSLE subjects. Engaging a tuition teacher or practising with workbooks and past year papers may help students tackle the exam format of PSLE and feel more confident taking the exam.
4. How Do I Motivate My Child to Do PSLE?
Children should be motivated to do PSLE by being taught that it is important for their future. Explaining to them the reasons to do the exam may work better than forcing them to study.
