PSLE SBC Practice 4: A School Sports Day
This page helps you practise talking about a photo for the PSLE Oral. Cover the model answers first. Answer each question out loud, then compare.
The photo
Question 1: how are the children feeling?
"Look at the children in the picture. How do you think they are feeling? Why do you say so?"
This question is about the photo. Say how the children feel. Then point to what you can see that shows it. Do not just list objects.
Weak answer: "They feel excited. They are running a race."
Strong answer: "I think the children are feeling excited and determined. I say so because the runner passing the baton is stretching out with a look of great effort on her face, so she is clearly trying her very hardest for her team. The classmates at the side are cheering loudly and waving flags, which shows they feel thrilled and are eager for their house to win. With the banners and balloons all around, everyone seems caught up in the fun and energy of sports day."
| Weak answer | Strong answer | |
|---|---|---|
| Feelings | Excited | Excited, determined, thrilled |
| Proof from the photo | None | "great effort on her face", "cheering loudly and waving flags", "caught up in the fun" |
| What it ends up doing | Describes the photo | Explains each feeling |
Use this shape for the first question: "They feel ___ because I can see ___."
Question 2: do you enjoy sports or games?
"Do you enjoy taking part in sports or games? Tell me about a time you did."
Now the question is about your own life. Describe a real example with some detail.
Weak answer: "Yes, I like sports. I played once and it was fun."
Strong answer: "Yes, I really enjoy them. Last year, I took part in the captain's ball competition during my school's sports day. I was quite nervous because I am not the fastest player, but my team encouraged me and I managed to catch an important ball near the end. We did not win, but I felt proud that I had played my part. Ever since then, I have enjoyed team games much more, because it is not only about winning but about doing it together."
| Weak answer | Strong answer | |
|---|---|---|
| Event | "I played once" | Captain's ball at school sports day |
| Your feelings and role | "it was fun" | Nervous at first, then caught an important ball |
| What you learned | None | Team games are about doing it together |
Question 3: is winning the most important part?
"Some people say winning is the most important part of sports. Do you agree?"
This question asks for your view on a wider topic. Give a clear view with reasons. You can talk about both sides.
Strong answer: "I don't fully agree. Of course, winning feels wonderful and it is natural to want to do well. However, I think taking part, trying your best, and learning to work as a team matter just as much, like the runners in the picture cheering each other on. If winning were all that mattered, players would be afraid to take part in case they lost. So I believe the real value of sports is in the effort and the friendships, with winning as a nice bonus."
Why this answer does well:
- It gives a clear view.
- It supports the view with reasons.
- It looks at the other side.
- It links back to the cheering classmates in the photo.
A plain "no, winning isn't everything" would score much lower.
Practise the habits, not the answers
These answers are models. Do not learn them by heart. Practise 2 habits on a new photo each day:
- Describe the photo fully, including how people feel.
- Give every opinion a reason and a real example.
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