August 22, 2026
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The first day of the 2026 PSLE English Oral Examination featured a photograph of children playing together at a playground.
Based on students’ recollections, the three questions were:
The topic focused on play, recreation and how children spend their free time.
As per the normal progression style of PSLE English Oral Exams, the questions progressed naturally from describing the photograph to sharing a personal experience and, finally, discussing a broader issue:
We give some “model answers” below that follow the PEEL format (Point, Elaborate, Evidence, Link Back). But before checking the model answers, you can also try out the topic yourself with our AI Oral Examiner which has real-time speech conversation and a personalised feedback report to help students improve.
It’s helped hundreds of students to improve and there’s free credit for the first sign up as well to give it a try.
If you want to practice Composition and Situational Writing instead, you can use our AI Compo Grader to grade compos and Sit Writing instantly and get immediate feedback too.
What do you think the children are doing in the photograph?
Point: I think the children are enjoying their free time by playing together at a playground.
Evidence: In the photograph, some children are running around and playing a group game, while others are climbing on the playground equipment and going down the slide.
Explanation: They appear to be happy and energetic because they are smiling and actively interacting with one another. Playing together allows them to exercise, have fun and strengthen their friendships.
Link: Overall, the children seem to be enjoying a lively and relaxing afternoon at the playground.
From the picture, it looks like it is late in the afternoon as the sun is lower and the shadows are longer on the ground. With the cooler late afternoon temperature, I think the children are enjoying the their free time by playing together at a playground. In the photograph, some children are running around and playing a group game, while others are climbing on the playground equipment and going down the slide. They appear to be happy and energetic because they are smiling and actively interacting with one another. Playing together allows them to exercise, have fun and strengthen their friendships. Overall, the children seem to be enjoying a lively and relaxing afternoon at the playground.
What do you do during your free time?
Point: I enjoy playing outdoor games, especially badminton and catching.
Evidence: For instance, during the weekends, I usually play these games with my friends at the park near my home.
Explanation: I enjoy them because they allow me to exercise and spend time with my friends. For example, when we play catching, we have to run quickly and think of ways to avoid being caught. Although it can be tiring, we always laugh and have a great time together.
Link: Overall, outdoor games are enjoyable because they keep me active and help me strengthen my friendships.
I enjoy playing outdoor games, especially badminton and catching. During the weekends, I usually play these games with my friends at the park near my home. I enjoy them because they allow me to exercise and spend time with my friends. For example, when we play catching, we have to run quickly and think of ways to avoid being caught. Although it can be tiring, we always laugh and have a great time together. Overall, outdoor games are enjoyable because they keep me active and help me strengthen my friendships.
Do you think children have enough time to play? Why or why not?
Point: In my opinion, many children do not have enough time to play.
Explanation: They often have to complete their homework and attend tuition or enrichment classes after school.
Evidence: For example, after school I usually reach home late and still need to finish my schoolwork and revise for examinations. By the time I have completed everything, I’m usually too tired or have very little free time left. I feel that this can be stressful because children need time to relax, exercise and interact with their friends.
Link: Therefore, I think children should be given more time to play so that they can maintain a healthy balance between studying and resting.
In my opinion, many children do not have enough time to play. They often have to complete their homework and attend tuition or enrichment classes after school. For example, I usually reach home late after school, but I still need to finish my schoolwork and revise for examinations. By the time I have completed everything, I am usually too tired to play or have very little free time left. I feel that this can be stressful because children need time to relax, exercise and interact with their friends. Therefore, I think children should be given more time to play so that they can maintain a healthy balance between studying and resting.
Disclaimer: The photograph shown in this article is not the actual examination stimulus. The questions and description of the photograph are based on students’ recollections and may not reflect the exact wording or details used in the examination.
