PSLE Chinese Oral Conversation Topics You Must Know

Having taught Chinese for so long at Yanzi Mandarin, I know that many students feel nervous about the PSLE Chinese oral exam because they are unsure of what kinds of questions to expect. The PSLE Chinese oral exam is considered one of the most challenging exams twelve-year-olds face, and succeeding in it is certainly quite a feat.

The conversation segment is not just about speaking Chinese, it is about showing that you can express opinions clearly, give examples, and relate your answers to daily life in Singapore. The oral exam is among the challenging exams students face in Singapore.

In this article, I will walk you through the most common PSLE Chinese oral conversation topics, share about the new e-oral format, previous years’ topics, the common struggles students face, and practical strategies to prepare you for Chinese oral.

Understanding the PSLE Chinese Oral Component

The PSLE Chinese oral examination consists of two main components: reading aloud and conversation.

In the reading aloud section, students are required to read a reading passage aloud, demonstrating proper pronunciation, intonation, and the ability to convey meaning. The conversation segment assesses how well you can express ideas and opinions.

These are the main components of the oral examination, and together, they carry significant weight in the overall Chinese grade, greatly influencing the final outcome.

Examiners are not just listening for correct words, but also fluency, clarity, and how relevant your answers are to the question.

For more details on the exam structure and preparation strategies, students and parents can refer to a Chinese oral exam guide.

Common Struggles Students Face in Oral Conversation

From my experience, one of the biggest challenges is that students often give overly simple answers, which makes it hard to score well.

With proper preparation and the right guidance from a parent or teacher, a child's ability and a student's ability to communicate effectively can be greatly improved.

For example, replying with “我喜欢打篮球” without adding reasons or details does not showcase language ability.

Many also struggle to expand their ideas, missing the chance to give examples or link their answers to real experiences.

Another issue is the difficulty of relating responses to everyday life in Singapore, which is something examiners value because it shows authenticity and personal reflection.

To improve, students need targeted practice with meaningful conversations and exposure to different scenarios. This approach helps children build confidence by encouraging them to practise building longer answers that combine clear opinions, examples, and cultural relevance.

New PSLE Oral Format (e-oral)

The PSLE Chinese oral exam now uses the e-oral format, where students will encounter a new oral examination conducted on a computer instead of interacting face to face with an examiner.

You will read a passage aloud and then watch a video, after which you will respond to a set of guiding questions related to the video's theme for the conversation section.

Compared to the old format, where students spoke directly to examiners, this new style removes immediate feedback but places greater emphasis on clear articulation and independent thinking.

During the test, you can expect to see a short video clip or picture stimulus before being asked guiding questions related to the content, and your answers are recorded for examiners to grade later.

Is the new PSLE Chinese oral exam harder?

Many students worry that the e-oral format makes the exam more difficult, but in truth, the core skills being tested remain the same.

You are still expected to read fluently, express opinions clearly, and relate answers to your personal experiences and Singapore’s context.

The difference lies in the delivery, as you must stay confident without the usual examiner prompts or encouragement.

In my view, it is not harder but it does require more practice with technology and self-expression, so that you can present your ideas naturally in a recorded setting. With proper preparation and regular practice using the e-oral system, you can build confidence and adapt smoothly to the new format.

Grading Criteria for the PSLE Chinese Oral Exam

Understanding how the PSLE Chinese oral exam is graded is key to performing your best. The oral exam is split into two main sections: the Reading Aloud section (朗读短文) and the Video Conversation section (看录像会话). In the Reading Aloud section, examiners pay close attention to your pronunciation, tone, and ability to read the passage fluently. It’s not just about reading the Chinese characters correctly, but also about expressing the meaning with the right intonation and emotion.

For the Video Conversation section, your language proficiency is assessed through your ability to understand the video content and respond thoughtfully. Examiners look for clear and relevant answers, accurate vocabulary, and the ability to express ideas in full sentences. They also value how well you can connect your responses to real-life experiences and daily life in Singapore.

Key PSLE Chinese Oral Conversation Topics

School Life and Studies

In the oral exam, questions about school are very common because they are easy to relate to. You might be asked about your favourite subject, how you prepare for exams, or what activities you enjoy most in school. 

Instead of giving short answers, you should add personal experiences such as how you overcame a challenge in a subject or what you learnt from a CCA. 

This shows examiners that you can express yourself clearly while making your answers more interesting and authentic.

Family and Relationships

Topics about family bonding often appear, and students are expected to talk about daily routines, celebrations, or even responsibilities at home. 

I always encourage my students to use simple idioms like “其乐融融” to describe family warmth, as this adds depth to their answers. 

Describing specific examples, such as a family dinner or helping with chores, allows you to show values like respect and care, which examiners look out for in the conversation segment.

Festivals and Traditions in Singapore

Festivals such as Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival are important oral topics because they test not just your language skills but also your cultural awareness. 

When answering these questions, you should not only explain what the festival is about but also describe how you take part in the celebrations. 

Sharing small details, like eating mooncakes with your family or visiting relatives during the New Year, shows both cultural knowledge and personal involvement, which makes your response richer.

Healthy Lifestyle and Sports

Examiners may also ask about how you keep healthy, what sports you enjoy, or how schools encourage fitness. 

Students often give plain answers like “我喜欢跑步”, but I always remind them to expand by explaining why and what they have gained from the activity.

For example, you could describe how playing basketball with friends taught you teamwork or how eating more vegetables improved your energy for studying. 

Adding reflections allows you to show discipline, maturity, and a stronger command of the language.

Technology and Daily Life

When examiners ask about mobile phones, internet use, or social media, they want to see if you can talk about both the positives and the negatives. 

Many students focus only on how technology is fun or convenient, but it is important to also mention issues like spending too much time online or the need to use devices responsibly. 

I often tell my students to give balanced answers, such as explaining how they use the internet for school research but also limit screen time to stay healthy.

Social Responsibility and Values

Questions about helping others, protecting the environment, or showing kindness give students a chance to show maturity and character. 

Examiners look for answers that are not just general statements but are supported with real-life examples. 

For instance, you might talk about taking part in a school recycling project or helping a neighbour carry groceries.

Past PSLE Chinese Oral Exam Topics

Here are some of the topics from previous years as revealed by some students:

Year	PSLE Chinese Oral Topic	Translation
2017	关心朋友 / 邻里关系（在走廊堆放物品）	Caring for friends / Neighbourly relations (placing items in the corridor)
2018	友谊（互相帮忙/学习） / 图书馆公德心	Friendship (helping each other / studying together) / Public etiquette in the library
2019	保持环境卫生 + 垃圾分类回收 / 有趣的课堂	Maintaining environmental hygiene + recycling and waste sorting / An interesting classroom
2020	环保 + 关爱他人 / 注意马路安全	Environmental protection + caring for others / Paying attention to road safety
2021	节省用水 / 整理房间的好习惯	Saving water / Good habit of tidying up one’s room
2022	邻里互助，为他人着想 / 合理安排假期时间	Neighbourly help, thinking for others / Properly planning holiday time

How to Prepare for PSLE Oral Conversation Effectively

Strong preparation starts with building a personal phrase bank of useful vocabulary and idioms, so that you always have the right expressions ready when needed. 

I also teach my students to practise structuring their answers with a clear beginning, explanation, and example, because this helps their responses sound complete and well organized. 

Confidence is just as important, and this can only be developed through regular mock practice and constructive feedback, which allow students to refine their delivery and speak naturally.

Simulating the PSLE Chinese Oral Exam

One of the most effective ways to prepare for the PSLE Chinese oral exam is to simulate the actual test environment. By practicing with sample passages and video prompts, students can become familiar with the exam format and timing, which helps reduce anxiety on the big day. Set up a quiet space, use a timer, and record yourself reading aloud and answering video conversation questions—just like in the real oral exam.

Parents and tutors can play a vital role by acting as examiners, providing feedback on pronunciation, fluency, and content. Watching your own recordings can help you spot areas for improvement and track your progress over time. Regularly simulating the oral exam builds confidence, improves fluency, and ensures you are comfortable with both the reading aloud and video conversation sections.

By making exam simulation a regular part of your practice routine, you’ll be better prepared to handle the pressure and perform at your best during the PSLE Chinese oral exam.

Using Resources to Boost Your Oral Skills

To truly excel in the PSLE Chinese oral exam, it’s important to make full use of the resources available to you. Online platforms and language learning apps offer a wide range of practice materials, including reading passages, videos, and sample oral questions that mirror the exam format. Educational websites often provide tips, model answers, and even video demonstrations to help you understand what examiners are looking for.

Beyond digital resources, consider joining language exchange programs or attending sessions at language learning centers, where you can practise real conversations and receive targeted feedback. Parents can support their child’s learning by engaging in daily conversations in Chinese, watching Chinese videos together, and encouraging regular reading aloud at home.

By tapping into these resources, students can expand their vocabulary, improve their language proficiency, and gain the confidence needed to tackle both the reading aloud and video conversation sections of the PSLE Chinese oral exam.

Developing Good Study Habits for Oral Success

Good study habits are the foundation of success in the PSLE Chinese oral exam. Start by setting aside dedicated time each day to practise reading aloud and engaging in Chinese conversations. Consistency is key—regular practice helps you build fluency and retain new vocabulary.

Set clear, achievable goals for each study session, such as mastering a set of new words or improving your pronunciation of a tricky passage. Use active learning techniques like summarizing what you’ve read, creating flashcards for new phrases, or recording yourself to review your progress. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from teachers or tutors, as their guidance can help you refine your answers and boost your confidence.

By developing these effective study habits, you’ll strengthen your language skills, become more comfortable with the oral exam format, and be well-prepared to express your ideas clearly and confidently during the PSLE Chinese oral exam.

Staying Calm Under Pressure During the Exam

Staying calm and focused during the PSLE Chinese oral exam is just as important as knowing the right answers. Nerves are natural, but learning how to manage them can make a big difference in your performance. Practice deep breathing exercises before entering the examination room to help steady your mind and body. Positive self-talk and visualizing a successful exam can also boost your confidence.

Familiarity with the exam format through regular practice will help you feel more at ease. Try simulating the oral exam under timed conditions so you know what to expect. Parents and teachers can offer encouragement and reassurance, reminding you that preparation is the best way to overcome anxiety.

By staying calm and collected, you’ll be able to think clearly, express your ideas confidently, and make a strong impression during the PSLE Chinese oral exam. Remember, with the right preparation and mindset, you can turn exam nerves into positive energy and perform at your very best.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in PSLE Oral Exams

I often see students giving one-word or very short answers, and this prevents them from showing their true ability. 

Some rely too heavily on memorised scripts, but when the question changes slightly, their responses sound unnatural and irrelevant. 

Others rush through their answers without paying attention to clarity, and this makes it difficult for examiners to follow their ideas. 

To do well, you must avoid these pitfalls and aim to answer with confidence, thoughtfulness, and precision.

Conclusion: Master Oral Topics With Confidence

Practising across a wide range of oral conversation topics is key to becoming more fluent and expressive, and this is what helps students feel ready on exam day. 

I always encourage my students to go beyond memorisation by building thoughtful answers that are linked to their personal experiences. 

At Yanzi Mandarin, we provide guided practice and proven strategies so that every student learns to respond with confidence, cultural awareness, and natural fluency, giving them the best chance to excel in the PSLE.

Reach out to us today!