Visual Text Comprehension is another of the components of the PSLE that has undergone a change in 2025. Although the number of marks has been reduced from 8 to 5, the difficulty of the questions has increased. This is due to the inclusion of a text-based extract that has to be read alongside the familiar visual text of this task.
Let’s take a look at an example from one of our P6 English Tuition lessons. Do give the questions a try! Answers are provided at the end of the article.
Study the flyer (Text 1) and the article (Text 2) and answer Questions 1 to 5.
Text 1 below shows a flyer for a Futuristic Cars Auto Show.
New Text-Based Extract
Text 2 is a new element in Visual Text Comprehension, which was previously based on a two-page visual. Now, the visual has been reduced to one page. In place of the second page, there is a text-based extract that is thematically linked to the visual. This means that you now have to look at two pieces of information instead of one to answer the questions. This text-based extract could be presented in many forms, including a social media post, an article, a review, an extract from a book, a diary entry or a letter.
Tip: As you read through, ask yourself how the two texts are related. In this example, Text 1 is a poster about a futuristic cars auto show, while Text 2 is a review of a futuristic car in a car magazine. Although the car model mentioned in Text 2 is not mentioned in Text 1, the link is that both are talking about futuristic cars.
New Question(s) on Comparing and Contrasting the Two Texts
Before we dive into the new type of questions, note that the questions all clearly indicate which text you should refer to for the answer, whether Text 1, Text 2, or both texts. Make sure you are looking at the correct text when you answer the question! There will usually be one or more questions that refer only to Text 1 and one or more questions that refer only to Text 2. For these questions (Q1-4), you only need to look at one text. These questions will be similar to the type of questions you are used to from the previous form of the Visual Text Comprehension.
The new type of questions (Q5 in our example) is more challenging as it requires you to compare the two texts, and there will be at least one such question in the exam. This calls for careful analysis of all the information you are given across both texts. You will need to consolidate all the information and exercise critical thinking skills to decide whether the two texts support or oppose each other, and find related details.
Some common questions that could be asked in this section include:
What is the main purpose of both Text 1 and Text 2?
We cannot be sure that Text 1 is true because Text 2 says _______.
Based on Text 1 and Text 2, what can we conclude about __________?
What is one key similarity between Text 1 and Text 2?
Let’s analyse Q5 to see how to tackle this kind of question. Notice that you need to pay attention to both the presence and absence of information and read carefully to pick out the relevant clues.
Option 1 is not correct as specific encouragement to attend automobile shows is not mentioned in either text.
Option 2 is only mentioned in Text 2.
Option 3 is correct: Talas Model V and CMW 100 in Text 1; Wolksvagen Artemis in Text 2.
Option 4 is not correct as both texts feature actual futuristic cars in the present. Clues include the use of the present tense in Text 2 and the phrase ‘on the market currently’. Text 1 features actual models of cars that have been built and are taking part in live demonstrations.
Look around you and you will realise that information is presented in many different ways, often combining both text and graphics. The Visual Text Comprehension task teaches you to read critically and carefully, and to absorb information presented in text-only as well as visual form, which will be a very useful skill for you to develop in your daily life.
Our next two articles will cover the 2025 updates on the PSLE English Oral examination, do look out for them! If you would like to find out more about our English programmes, please fill in the form here and we will get in touch with you.
These expert tips were brought to you by our in-house Curriculum Team.
Answers to Visual Text Comprehension questions:
Q1: (2)
Q2: (1)
Q3: (2)
Q4: (2)
Q5: (3)
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