O-Level English
Each paper, how it’s marked, and free lessons with practice. Pick a paper to start.
- papers
- 4
- sections
- 10
- free lessons
- 40
- Editing6 lessons
- Situational writing10 lessons
- Continuous writing11 lessons
- Visual text comprehension3 lessons
- Narrative comprehension2 lessons
- Non-narrative comprehension and summary4 lessons
- ListeningNo lessons yet
- Note-takingNo lessons yet
- Planned response2 lessons
- Spoken interaction2 lessons
Format, marks and weighting from the SEAB syllabus.
These guides help you prepare for O-Level English. Each one explains a method and shows a model answer with notes. You try the task yourself before you look at the model.
What the papers ask for
| Paper | What is in it |
|---|---|
| Paper 1: Writing | Editing, situational writing and continuous writing |
| Paper 2: Comprehension (50 marks) | A visual text, narrative and non-narrative passages, and an 80-word summary |
| Paper 1 section | Marks | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Situational writing | 30 | 250 to 350 words |
| Continuous writing | 30 | 350 to 500 words |
The guides
| Guide | What you practise |
|---|---|
| Situational writing | Purpose, audience and context. Choosing a tone. Using the visual text. A model email with notes. |
| Model essay: screen time | Writing a balanced thesis. Developing both sides. Ending with a clear judgement. |
| Model essay: the wet market | Choosing sharp details. Moving the reader through the scene. |
| Model essay: a small misunderstanding | Showing change step by step. Planting details that pay off. |
| Model essay: social media | Taking a clear side. Meeting the strongest counter-argument. |
| The 80-word summary | A 5-step method. Finding points and putting them in your own words. |
| Visual text comprehension | Reading a poster for purpose, audience and technique. Explaining the effect of each technique. |
One habit for all four tasks
In every task, say what something is and then say what it does. Most lost marks come from leaving out the second half.
- A technique named without its effect on the reader.
- A point copied from the passage instead of put in your own words.
- A point the question asked for that you left out.
Preparing a younger child? See PSLE English practice for grammar, cloze, comprehension, composition and oral.