Let’s be honest—PSLE Science OEQs can feel like a mystery. Your child studies hard, and knows the concepts, but somehow… still loses marks. 🤯
And it’s not just your child. Even top students struggle with these tricky Open-Ended Questions (OEQs). Because unlike MCQs, OEQs don’t just test what your child knows—they test how well they can explain, apply, and think like a scientist.
Ever Lost Marks Because of These?
🔹 Forgetting to identify variables in an experiment
🔹 Writing an experiment aim that doesn’t match the question
🔹 Confusing "IF" vs. "HOW" when structuring answers? 🔹Giving a vague conclusion instead of a precise one?
Sounds familiar? Don’t worry—your child isn’t alone! Many students lose marks NOT because they don’t know Science, but because they don’t know how to answer Science OEQs properly!
Example of a Common Mistake
💡 Question: A student wanted to investigate how the type of soil affects plant growth. He set up three pots with different types of soil and planted the same type of seed in each. The pots were placed in a sunny spot and watered with the same amount of water daily.
👉 What is the independent variable in this experiment?
Many students might write: "The growth of the plant." ❌ (Wrong!)
The correct answer is: "The type of soil used." ✅
🔍 Tip: The independent variable is what is changed in the experiment. The dependent variable is what you measure (e.g., plant growth). The controlled variables are what you keep the same (e.g., amount of water, type of seed, sunlight).
Tips & Tricks to Score in Science OEQs
💡 1. Answer According to the Marks Given
If a question is worth 2 marks, it usually needs two points in your answer.
Example:
❌ "The plant grew faster because it had more sunlight." (1 mark only)
✅ "The plant grew faster because greater amount of sunlight allows the plant to have greater rate of photosynthesis, allowing the plant to produce more food for growth." (2 marks!)
💡 2. Use the Right Scientific Terms
Instead of saying "The ice melted because it was hot," say "The ice gained heat and melted to become water."
💡 3. Pay Attention to Command Words
"Describe" → What do you see?
"Explain" → Why does it happen?
"Compare" → Highlight the differences/similarities
How to Help Your Child Ace Science OEQs?
Mastering OEQs isn’t about drilling more past papers. It’s about learning the right answering techniques so your child can structure their answers clearly and avoid common mistakes.
That’s why we’re running a Science Experimental OEQ Bootcamp to help students crack the code and tackle OEQs with confidence.
🚀 At the bootcamp, students will learn how to:
✅ Identify independent, dependent & controlled variables 🔬
✅ Use "IF" vs. "HOW" correctly in experiment aims
✅ Structure answers clearly and concisely to avoid losing marks
✅ Master command words like "explain," "describe," and "conclude"
✅ Improve answers by understanding accuracy & reliability in experiments
✅ Answer ANY experiment-related OEQ with confidence!
📅 17 March 2025 (Mon) | ⏰ 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
📍 one2tuition Learning Space @ Hougang💰 $199 (one2tuition students) | $228 (public)
💥 Special Offer: Share this post in your social media & get $10 OFF! 💥
🔥 Limited slots available! WhatsApp 8341 5999 to secure a spot! 📩
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