ANSWERING TIPS FOR ENGLISH UPSR

TIPS in answering ENGLISH questions (Paper 1 and

Paper 2 )

PAPER 1
English Paper 1 contains 40 multiple choice
questions. They cover the vocabulary, social
situation, grammar and comprehension aspects of
the language.
In Section A, pupils are to answer questions which
test their vocabulary.

Pupils are given three different types of questions

namely word level questions, phrase level questions
and sentence level questions.

For this section pupils need to study the pictures

given in order to answer most of the questions.
Pupils can use the ‘Wh’ questions to derive the
information from the pictures.

Make sure you read all the options given.

Understand them and finally make your choice.
Remember to choose the best answer.
In Section B, different social situations are given
through the speech bubbles in the pictures. Before
proceeding to the options (A, B, C and D), look at the
picture and then read the dialogues in the speech
bubbles. Understand the social function in the
questions (to enquire, to assure, to inform, to
explain, to apologise). Then choose the best
sentence that fits the empty speech bubble base on
the social function.
In the grammar section (Section C) pupils are
required to answer questions on grammar,
punctuation and spelling. For grammar, pupils need
to read the questions and understand the grammar
rules that need to be applied. After choosing the
answer, you need to think whether the answer you
have chosen is the best answer. Reason out the
answer by recalling the grammar rules you have
learnt.

When choosing the answer for the punctuation

questions, pupils need to read all the options given.
While reading the sentences, circle the errors. Then
compare the sentence with the other options in the
question until you find the sentence without errors.

When answering questions on synonym or antonym,

make sure you give the synonym or antonym in
context (the meaning of the word used in the
sentences) and not its general meaning.

For questions that test spelling, pupils need to read

the options given carefully. After that compare the
words with the other options and choose the word
that has the correct spelling.

Usually questions in Section D test pupils on

vocabulary and grammar. Read the text given first
then determine the tense. Look for clues (words that
show the tense) in the text to help you. You also
need to refer to the picture given.
A linear and a non linear text are given in the
comprehension section. Pupils need to read the text
given at least twice. During the first reading, pupils
need to get an idea what the text is about. This will
help them to get a general view of the text. During
the second reading, make sure you understand the
whole text especially the important points. If there is
a word in a sentence that you don’t understand,
underline it and read the sentence again a few more
times. You may be able to guess the meaning of the
word. Then read the questions carefully and choose
the best answer. Make sure you read all the options
given before choosing the best answer.

PAPER 2

Section A

* This section tests pupils’ ability to write sentences.

Pupils will be given a picture and they have to
construct five sentences. Pupils may choose to
construct the sentences without using the helping
words.

* Pupils need to construct a variety of sentences

namely

Simple sentence
Example: The boys are playing football.

Compound sentence
Example: The boys and their friends are playing
football in the field.
Complex sentence
Example: Johan, who is wearing jersey number
seven, is playing football in the field.

* Do not make assumptions. Write sentences on

what you see in the picture. If you want to use
names, make sure that you describe clearly the
person you are writing about.

Example:
Zul is sitting with his friends. (WRONG)
Zul, who is the tallest among the boys, is holding a
hockey stick. (CORRECT)

* After you have completed all the five sentences,

make sure you check the grammar, punctuation and
spelling. Write clearly so as not to confuse the
examiner.

* Don’t relate yourself to the picture.

Example:
My uncle and aunt are watching television in the
living room. (WRONG)
A man and a woman are watching television in the
living room. (CORRECT)

Section B

* This section contains two questions. Pupils need

to transfer the information from the question into the
table. Then, they have to make a choice based on
the question given and state the reasons for the
choice.

* For information transfer pupils need to be aware of

the spelling, punctuation and their writing. They
need to write clearly and obey the punctuation rules.
If the answer written is not legible, no marks will be
awarded for the answer. Pick and choose the
information based on what is required in the table.
Do not copy in any particular sequence.

* For the second part of the question, pupils need to

make a choice and state the reasons for their choice.
Before you start your answer, read the instruction.
Make sure you write based on the choice made.

Example:
You and your family are going on a trip. Based on
the information given, which type of tour would you
suggest? Give reasons for your choice.

* Don’t only write statements. Support them with

logical and suitable reasons. Give some elaboration
on your reasons.

Example:
I would choose Aerobus 380 because it can carry the
most number of passengers. It is also the longest
and the widest among the three planes. Thus, it will
be more spacious and I will be able walk around in
the plane especially since I’m going to Paris. It is the
fastest and does not need any refueling until its
destination. It is powered by four jet engines. It will
be able to reach the destination faster than the
others.

* After completing the answers, pupils must check

the sentences for grammar, spelling or punctuation
errors.

Section C

* Pupils need to write creatively in this section based

on the pictures and words given in the question.
Pupils must read the instruction before writing their
answer. Pupils may need to use all the words.
Sometimes they may not need to use all the words.
This depends on the instruction. Therefore, it is
crucial for pupils to read the instruction carefully.

Example:

1. Write a story based on the pictures below. You

may use the words given to help you. Write your
answers in the space provided.

OR

2. Write a story based on the pictures below. Use all

the words given to help you. Write your answers in
the space provided.

* Pupils are free to name the characters in their

answer. They can also name the places in the
pictures.
* Start your answer with an interesting introduction
and end it with an interesting closure. Your
introduction need not be too long. Two or three
sentences will be sufficient.

* Write at least four sentences for each picture. Make

sure you describe the pictures well. You may use
proverbs and similes to make your answer more
interesting.

* After completing the answer, read through the

sentences. Check for any errors in grammar,
punctuation and spelling.

Overall, pupils need to be alert and concentrate

while answering the questions. Leave the question
that are difficult, answer the easier ones and come
back to the difficult ones later. Read the instruction
before attempting to answer the questions. Finally,
check all your answers before you hand in the
answer script to the invigilators. So, good luck and
may God bless you all.