2026 PSLE Preliminary Oral Examination topics - what are they?

We have put together a range of oral topics that were used for the Stimulus Based Conversation (SBC) in different primary schools for their recent preliminary PSLE Oral exams.

1. Being considerate / kind / helpful

Stimulus: An MRT filled with passengers. An elderly man is standing while other passengers are busy using their devices

Stimulus: An elderly woman struggling in the rain with her heavy groceries. Some adults are helping her

Stimulus: Students talking and laughing in a library. The librarian looks angry

Stimulus: Student presenting a bus driver with a gift

Sample questions:

• How do you think the people in the picture are feeling / what do you think the people in the picture are doing?

• Share with us a time you have helped someone or someone has helped you

• Do you think Singaporeans are considerate?

• How can we encourage others to be considerate?

• Why do you think we should be kind to others?

• Do you think we should be considerate in public spaces?

• How should we behave in public spaces?

• How do you show appreciation to others?

2. Neighbours / activities

Stimulus: Children playing together at a neighbourhood playground

Stimulus: A community event held at the void deck

Sample questions:

• Do you think this is a good place for children to play at (referencing the playground)?

• Do you think it is important to be good neighbours?

• Do you frequently interact with your neighbours?

• Have you attended any community events before?

• Are community events important?

• Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?

  
  

3. Environment / volunteering activities

Stimulus: A donation drive for shoes and clothes

Stimulus: Litter picking activity

Stimulus: Beach clean up activity

Sample questions:

• Why do you think the people in the picture volunteered for the activity?

• Why should we keep the environment clean?

• What can we do to protect the environment?

• Have you participated in any volunteer activity before?

• What can students do to help keep the environment clean?

• What can schools do to encourage students to save the environment?

• What type of charities would you donate to and why?

4. Cyberbullying / online etiquette

Stimulus: A student watching a video on cyberbullying on her laptop while using her phone

Sample questions:

• Do you think the person in the picture is using her device responsibly?

• How can we use technology in a safe manner?

• How should we behave when interacting with others online?

• How do you regulate screen time at home?

• Do you think children should own a mobile device?

5. Family / eating out

Stimulus: A family eating out together at a restaurant

Sample questions:

• Do you think the people in the picture are enjoying their meal?

• Would you eat in this restarant?

• Do you think children should learn how to cook?

• How can we show appreciation to our family members?

• How do you spend quality time with your family members?

  
  

Past PSLE Oral SBC Topics and Past PSLE Prelim Oral SBC topics

For reference, we have also put together a list of past PSLE Oral SBC topics for the last 11 years, as well as some topics used by various schools for the 2023 , 2024 and 2025 prelim oral examinations. Do note however, that the stimulus for the PSLE Oral in the past years are not in the same format as the 2025 and 2026 PSLE Oral examinations.

If you are looking for more SBC Oral practice, our guidebook is still available and can be found here:

 PSLE Oral Stimulus Based Conversation Guidebook (2nd Edition)

Written by:

Siew Ling Hwang, Interview Skills and PSLE Oral Coach, Discovering Potential  www.discoveringpotential.com.sg

Author, PSLE Oral Stimulus Based Conversation Guidebook (2nd Edition)

Siew Ling is an Interview Skills and Communication Skills Coach.

Siew Ling coaches students for their Primary 6 and JC DSA interviews as well as university entrance interviews in many areas including medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, law, business, accounting, renaissance engineering and more for both local Singapore universities and overseas universities. She has also coached students for internship opportunities in several of the large consulting firms and financial institutions, as well as scholarship interviews including PSC scholarships, SAF scholarships, MOH scholarships, MOE scholarships and others.

In addition, Siew Ling is also the author of the PSLE Oral Stimulus Based Conversation Guidebook (2nd edition) and coaches students for their PSLE Oral examinations.

Siew Ling's coaching experience includes (not limited to):

Confirmed DSA P6 offers for the following schools: 

• RI, RGS, HCI, NYGH, MGS, SCGS, NUSH, Dunman High, St Nicholas Girls, Crescent Girls, SOTA, NJC, TJC, Chung Cheng High, Nan Hua, Nan Chiau High, Maris Stella, Fairfield Methodist, Catholic High, Temasek Sec, Victoria School, Singapore Sports School as well as entrance into international schools including SJII, ACSI and HCI. 

• Talent areas: Leadership; Academic - English, Bilingualism, Science, Math, STEM, Humanities; Sports - Track & Field, Tennis, Shooting, Sailing,Rugby; Performance/Visual Arts/Literary Arts - Choir, Band, Chinese Orchestra, Dance, Chinese Dance, Visual Art, Literary Art; Infocomm, Girl Guides

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Scholarships:

• ASEAN scholarship, School based scholarships, scholarships by IRAS, MPA, MINDEF, MOH, MOE, SIA, SAF as well as university entrance interviews for medicine, dentistry, law, engineering, physiotherapy.