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PSLE Reading Aloud Passage 2: A Message to a Friend (with tips)

How to use this page: the situation line tells you the tone. Read it first, then read the passage aloud twice and check yourself against the notes.

The situation​

You are telling a friend about an exciting school trip you are about to go on. Read the passage aloud.

What this tells you: you are speaking to a friend, and you are excited. The reading should sound bright, eager, and full of energy, not calm or matter-of-fact.

The passage​

Guess what? Our class is finally going on the trip we have been waiting for all term! Next Friday, we will visit the science centre, and I honestly cannot wait. There will be a giant walk-through model of the human heart, a spectacular lightning show, and even a special section where you can build your own tiny robot and take it home afterwards.

Mrs Lim says we should bring a water bottle, a cap, and plenty of curiosity. I have already packed my bag, three days early! The best part is that my two closest friends are in my group, so we will get to explore every exhibit together and try out all the hands-on experiments. I have heard the lightning show is so loud that you can actually feel it in your chest. I have a feeling this is going to be the most exciting day of the whole year. I really hope Friday comes quickly!

Where the marks are (examiner notes)​

  • Sell the excitement. This passage lives or dies on energy. "Guess what?" and "I honestly cannot wait" should sound genuinely thrilled. Read flatly and you leave expression marks behind, however accurate you are.
  • Lift the questions and exclamations. "Guess what?" rises; "I really hope Friday comes quickly!" carries energy. These punctuation cues are the map for your voice.
  • Keep pace controlled. Excited does not mean fast and slurred. Stay clear, let the tone carry the excitement, not the speed.
  • Land the list. "A giant walk-through model… a lightning show… and even a section…", small pauses between items make the list clear and build anticipation.

Pronunciation tips​

  • honestly, the "h" is silent: ON-est-lee.
  • curiosity, kyoor-ee-OSS-i-tee.
  • exciting / excited, clear "ks" sound: ek-SY-ting.
  • science, SY-ence (two syllables).

Try it​

  1. Say the situation line aloud: "I'm excited, telling a friend."
  2. Read once for accuracy, once for energy.
  3. Ask a family member: could they hear that you were excited? If not, read it bigger.

Next: Reading Aloud Passage 3: Directions to the Hall · Back to PSLE Oral Practice

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