PSLE English Oral: 165 Stimulus-Based Conversation ( SBC ) Questions to Help You Prepare for the Exam

PSLE ENGLISH ORAL

6/11/20258 min read

One of the best ways to get ready for Oral Communication is by thinking critically about various topics and forming opinions or gathering relevant experiences.

PSLE Oral Stimulus-Based Conversation (SBC) often revolves around discussing personal experiences, preferences, habits and opinions. To help you prepare effectively, I have compiled a list of 165 discussion questions based on different frequently tested themes and categories. These questions will not only help you practise your speaking skills but also enable you to think deeply about various topics.

Why Preparation Matters

Being well-prepared for Oral Communication is crucial. The ability to express your thoughts coherently and confidently can make a significant difference in your performance. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  1. Think Critically: Reflect on your personal experiences and opinions. Think about why you feel a certain way about a topic and be ready to explain your reasoning.

  2. Gather Experiences: Draw from your daily life, school activities, hobbies, and interactions with friends and family. Real-life examples make your responses more relatable and engaging.

  3. Form Opinions: Have a clear stance on various topics. Whether you agree or disagree with a statement, be prepared to justify your viewpoint with logical arguments and examples.

  4. Practise Speaking: Practise answering questions aloud. This will help you get comfortable with speaking spontaneously and organising your thoughts quickly.

Without further ado, let's get started!

Technology

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile devices/social media?

  2. Do you prefer online learning or face-to-face lessons? Why?

  3. Do you think that you rely on your mobile device/technology too much?

  4. What are some important things to remember when using the internet safely?

  5. Do you prefer reading books on a screen or on paper? Why?

  6. Do you think students should have their own smartphones? Why or why not?

  7. Do you think students should be allowed to bring mobile devices to school? Why?

  8. How do you use technology to help you with your schoolwork?

  9. What do you think about the use of robots in our daily lives?

  10. Do you think there are any jobs that technology cannot replace? Why or why not?

Transport and road safety

  1. How do you practise road safety?

  2. How can schools educate students about road safety?

  3. What is your favourite mode of transport in Singapore? Why?

  4. Do you like the public transport in Singapore? Why or why not?

  5. What are the benefits of using public transport?

  6. How can we show consideration to other commuters when we are taking public transport?

Community, neighbourliness and lifestyle

  1. Do you think Singaporeans are good neighbours? Why or why not?

  2. What do you like and/or dislike about your neighbourhood?

  3. Have you ever helped a neighbour? / Have you received help from a neighbour?

  4. What activities can neighbours do together to foster better relationships?

  5. Do you prefer living in a busy city area or a quiet neighbourhood? Why?

  6. What would you do if you had a disagreement with a neighbour?

  7. Do you prefer going to a wet market or supermarket? Why?

  8. Apart from money, what can we donate to the needy in our community? / How can we help people in need / elderly?

Family and friends

  1. What qualities do you think make someone a good friend?

  2. How important is it to spend time with your family?

  3. Can you share a special memory you have with your family?

  4. Tell us about a time when you had a disagreement with a friend or family member. How did you resolve it?

  5. Do you prefer giving advice or being a listening ear to your friends?

  6. How do you support your friends or family members when they are facing challenges or difficult times?

  7. How do you show appreciation to your family (e.g. parents/siblings/grandparents)?

Values, qualities and morals

  1. Do you think that Singaporeans are gracious? Why or why not?

  2. Tell us about a time when you showed kindness / received kindness from someone.

  3. How do you think we can show gratitude to people who help us?

  4. Do you have a role model? Why is he/she a role model to you?

  5. Tell us about a time when you received help from someone. How did you feel?

  6. Tell us about a challenge you faced and how you persevered through it.

  7. How do you demonstrate responsibility in your daily life, both at home and at school?

  8. Tell us about a time when you were unfairly treated. How did it make you feel?

  9. Do you think it's important to keep promises? Why or why not?

  10. Why is teamwork important?

  11. How do you think we can help/care for the elderly in our community?

  12. What does being a good leader mean to you? / Do you think you’re a good leader? Why or why not?

  13. Tell us about a time when you did something that required patience.

  14. Share with us about a time when you faced difficulty but did not give up.

Sports and hobbies

  1. Why is it important for young people to do sports?

  2. Can you describe a sport that you enjoy / are good at?

  3. What is a new sport you would like to learn? Why?

  4. Why do you think it's important to try new hobbies?

  5. What is your hobby? Tell us more about it.

  6. What are some activities or new hobbies you would be keen to learn?

  7. How can schools encourage students to explore different sports and hobbies?

  8. Why do you think reading is important for students?

  9. Can you tell me about a book you recently read and enjoyed? Why did you like it?

  10. If you enjoy doing something, would you prefer to keep it as a hobby or do it competitively?

Public places and etiquette

  1. How can we show consideration to other library users in a public library?

  2. Why is it important to return our trays after we're done eating?

  3. Why is it important to queue up properly in public places?

  4. What are some ways for us to show graciousness to fellow Singaporeans?

  5. Was there a time when you witnessed an inconsiderate act? How did you feel about it?

  6. How should we show consideration to others in public places like the parks or void decks?

Aspirations, talents and goals

  1. Have you ever set a goal? How did you go about achieving it?

  2. Tell us about a time when you faced challenges while pursuing a goal. How did you overcome those challenges?

  3. Tell us about a goal you have for the future.

  4. Tell us about something you are good at.

Food and healthy-eating

  1. Why do you think it's important to eat healthily?

  2. How do you maintain a balanced and nutritious diet?

  3. How can parents encourage their children to pick up healthy eating habits?

  4. Do you prefer eating at home or eating out?

  5. Do you prefer eating at hawker centres or restaurants?

Environment

  1. Why do you think it’s important for us to protect our environment?

  2. How can pollution affect our environment?

  3. Tell us more about your habits of reducing, reusing or recycling.

  4. What are some ways for us to conserve water/electricity?

  5. How can schools encourage students to practise the 3Rs?

  6. In what ways can we prevent food wastage?

Animals and pets

  1. What are some responsibilities of a pet owner? / What should one consider before adopting a pet?

  2. What do you think are some benefits of having a pet?

  3. Describe a memorable experience you've had with an animal or pet.

  4. Why is it important to protect wildlife and their habitats?

  5. Do you like the presence of wildlife like otters and monkeys in Singapore? Why or why not?

Co-curricular activities and enrichment

  1. Why do you think it's important for students to participate in co-curricular activities (CCAs)? / How can CCAs enhance your overall school experience?

  2. Describe a CCA or enrichment activity you are involved in.

  3. Do you think it’s beneficial for students to attend enrichment classes? Why or why not?

Leisure, relaxation and entertainment

  1. How do you like to spend your time after school/during the weekends/school holidays?

  2. Why do you think it's important to have leisure time?

  3. Can you share a favourite movie or game and what you enjoy about it?

  4. Do you prefer reading or watching movies? Why?

  5. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities/games? Why?

  6. Do you like spending time outdoors? / Do you think that you spend enough time outdoors? Why do you say so?

  7. Tell us more about an enjoyable time you spent outdoors.

  8. What do you look forward to doing after the PSLE?

Arts and Performances

  1. Do you enjoy art and crafts? / Do you enjoy arts lessons in school?

  2. Do you think arts lessons are important?

  3. If given a chance, would you want to present your artwork at an exhibition?

  4. If given a chance, what would you like to perform on stage?

Health, cleanliness and well-being

  1. Why is it important for us to practise personal hygiene?

  2. Can you tell us more about daily habits that help you maintain good hygiene?

  3. Do you think it’s important to keep your room clean? Why or why not?

  4. How can schools encourage pupils to keep their classrooms clean?

  5. What are some ways to manage stress effectively?

  6. How can schools help pupils manage stress more effectively?

  7. Why is it important for us to sleep early? / Why is sleep important for us?

Exercising

  1. Can you share a type of exercise you enjoy and how it benefits you?

  2. Why do you think it’s important for us to exercise regularly?

  3. How can schools encourage students to be more physically active?

  4. What challenges do you face in staying active, and how do you overcome them?

Money, saving and spending habits

  1. Tell us about a time when you saved up for something. What did you do to save money, and how did you feel when you finally bought it?

  2. Why do you think it’s important to save money/be mindful of your spending habits?

  3. How do you decide whether to spend or save your pocket money?

  4. How can parents/teachers help students develop good saving and spending habits?

Places of interest in Singapore

  1. What are your favourite places in Singapore to visit? Why?

  2. Can you describe a memorable school excursion to a place of interest in Singapore? What did you learn from this trip?

  3. Can you describe a nature spot you enjoy and why it's special to you?

  4. Do you think we have too many shopping malls in Singapore? Why do you say so?

  5. Can you describe a place in Singapore that you would like to visit but haven't yet? Why do you wish to visit this place?

Memorable/favourite occasions and objects

  1. Tell us more about an item you treasure. Why is it special to you?

  2. Tell us about a time when you received a gift that meant a lot to you.

  3. Tell us more about a favourite birthday celebration you have had.

  4. Have you received a handmade gift before? How did you feel about it?

  5. Do you prefer making or buying gifts for someone you care about? Why?

Study and work ethics

  1. What are some ways for us to make sure we are punctual?

  2. How do you usually revise for examinations?

  3. Do you think it’s right to do last-minute revisions? Why or why not?

  4. Do you prefer studying alone or with friends?

  5. How do you manage your time between school, homework, and other activities?

  6. Do you have a exam timetable to help you revise for examinations? Why or why not?

  7. What is your favourite subject in school? Why?

  8. What motivates you to do well for examinations?

  9. How do you handle distractions when you are studying or doing homework?

  10. Why is it important to complete your assignments on time? What are some possible consequences of handing in work late?

  11. How do you deal with difficult subjects or topics in school?

  12. Tell us about a time when you asked for help in studies and how it benefited you.

  13. Do you revise your work daily or only before examinations? Why?

Jobs and Occupations

  1. Do you think that a cleaner’s job is easy? Why or why not?

  2. Do you think that a delivery driver’s job is easy? Why do you say so?

  3. What do you aspire to be when you grow up? Why?

  4. Do you think that all professions are important? Why do you say so?

  5. How can we show appreciation to our cleaners/bus drivers/waiters, etc.?

Celebrations/events in Singapore or school

  1. What is your favourite holiday in Singapore, and how do you usually celebrate it?

  2. How does your school celebrate Teachers’ Day/Children’s Day/Racial Harmony Day?

  3. Do you think it’s important to celebrate Teachers’ Day/Children’s Day/Racial Harmony Day?

  4. How do you usually celebrate National Day?

  5. Do you usually enjoy sports day at school? Why or why not?

School activities

  1. Do you enjoy taking part in school activities? Why or why not?

  2. Can you share an experience of a school event or activity that you found memorable?

  3. If you could plan a learning journey, where would you want to go?

  4. Tell us about a memorable school learning journey you have been on.

  5. Do you think students will learn better from learning journeys or classroom lessons?

Opinions regarding school

  1. Do you think that recess should be longer? Why or why not?

  2. What is your opinion on the amount of homework given to students?

  3. Do you think that P.E lessons are important / should be longer?

  4. Do you think that class size in schools should be smaller? Why do you say so?

  5. What are some new facilities you would like to see at your school?

  6. What do you consider when choosing a new school?

  7. What do you like most about your school?

  8. Do you think that home-based learning is useful? Why or why not?

  9. What do you like and dislike about your school library?

  10. How can schools encourage pupils to read more?

  11. What are some ways schools can make their libraries more appealing to students?

  12. What are your favourite places (to relax) in school?

  13. Do you prefer spending recess alone or with friends?

Personal habits or liking (Miscellaneous)

  1. Do you have the habit of keeping a diary? Why or why not?

  2. Do you like taking photographs? Why or why not?

  3. Do you have the habit of waking up early or staying up late? Why?

  4. Do you have the habit of helping with household chores at home?

  5. Do you use a calendar or scheduler to track important events? Why or why not?

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