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PSLE Vocabulary Boost – Sentences to read

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Vocabulary Practice Using Sentences

Learning new vocabulary through sentences helps students understand not only what a word means, but also how it is used correctly in context.

This collection features useful vocabulary words drawn from different English preliminary examination papers. Unlike vocabulary passages, each item presents a separate sentence containing one key word or phrasal verb. The vocabulary word is highlighted in bold, while its meaning is provided in brackets.

Students can use these sentences to:

  • learn useful words and phrasal verbs;
  • understand their meanings through context;
  • observe how they are used grammatically; and
  • apply them in English PSLE Paper 2 -Vocabulary sections and composition writing.

If you need practice for English or Chinese Oral Exam, our  AI Oral Examiner 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.

For practicing Show-Not-Tell, we have a paragraph grading AI that helps improve students descriptive writing.

Download the PDF version here: Vocabulary Reading Sentences 1

Vocabulary – Sentences

  1. The audience watched in awe as the archer hit the target with remarkable precision (accuracy).
  2. The villagers struggled to sustain (keep going) themselves during the harsh winter with the limited food supplies they had.
  3. The students completed the experiment meticulously (very carefully), following every step closely.
  4. Engrossed in her book, Sarah was completely oblivious (unaware) to the noise around her.
  5. Even though he was feeling unwell, Jayden decided to follow through (complete it) with his promise to volunteer at the old folks’ home.
  6. A loud dispute (argument) broke out between the two angry boys about who should get a bigger piece of the pie.
  7. Asha raised her eyebrows and looked at her brother incredulously (in disbelief) when he claimed that he had finished the 1000-piece puzzle in 30 minutes.
  8. The principal was upset to find out that someone had vandalised (damaged) the newly painted mural by spray-painting over it.
  9. To fly a passenger plane, Devi had to become a/an certified (officially qualified) pilot by passing many tests and getting an official licence.
  10. To make the school more environmentally friendly, Ramu brought up (mentioned) the idea of starting a recycling club to his teacher to encourage pupils to reduce waste.
  11. Everyone wrinkled their noses as the room was filled with a pungent (strong-smelling) smell. The stench was unbearable.
  12. When tensions arose during the group discussion, the leader skilfully attempted to defuse (calm down) the conflict before it worsened.
  13. After months of training, the dancers finally pulled off (succeeded in) a flawless performance that impressed the judges.
  14. The scientist was awarded a prize for her innovation (new idea) in developing a new method to clean polluted water.
  15. Although Melissa was surprised by the unfair accusation from her classmate, she responded tactfully (sensitively) and avoided making the situation worse.
  16. Even after the teacher explained many times, the child still could not comprehend (understand) the topic.
  17. The clumsy boys wanted to set the table, but they were more of a hindrance (obstacle) than a help.
  18. The Red Cross Society has been delivering aid to the displaced (forced to leave home) civilians after the tsunami wiped out their houses.
  19. The team held out (resisted) against the pressure and won the match in the final moments.
  20. I looked up at the clock which glared at me smugly, as if gloating (smugly enjoying) over my plight in the examination.
  21. The teacher’s warm smile boosted (increased) Siti’s courage before she stepped onto the stage.
  22. The jeweller took pains to craft exquisite (beautiful) patterns on the necklace that looked like little flowers.
  23. The teacher loved the students’ spontaneity (naturalness) during the activity, as they came up with creative ideas on the spot.
  24. “Just tell me clearly what you’re driving at (getting at) instead of beating round the bush,” Tim said, feeling annoyed.
  25. Amos spun (made up) a tall tale to explain his absence from the class but his teacher did not believe him.
  26. We listened to Josh’s complaining for an entire evening – he just wouldn’t let up (stop)!
  27. Ever since she started earning a higher salary, her spending has become rather extravagant (wasteful).
  28. The renovation has restored (brought back) the old school to its former glory.
  29. The marksman fired a few shots in rapid succession (one after another), hitting the bullseye each time.
  30. “Don’t be late again. You’re already on thin ice (in trouble) as far as I am concerned,” the discipline master warned me.
  31. The team showed true determination (strong resolve) by continuing to try even after many failures to solve the problem.
  32. The young painter meticulously (very carefully) worked on his watercolour piece, adding lots of details and shades to depict the scene vividly.
  33. The pianist’s captivating (fascinating) performance thrilled the audience, drawing everyone in with every note.
  34. Before going on a school trip, Lisa had to look over (check) her backpack to make sure she packed everything she needed.
  35. Hundreds of firefighters are working round the clock to contain (control) the wildfire.
  36. Tim nimbly (quickly and lightly) weaved through the maze of the playground, dodging his classmates who were determined to catch him in a game of ‘Tag’.
  37. Mandy admires her older sister very much and looks to (relies on) her for emotional support and advice.
  38. During an emergency drill, moving all students and staff quickly to a safe place is of paramount (most important) concern.
  39. My mother furrowed her brows in disapproval (dislike) when she realised that my sister had gone to bed without taking a bath after a game of basketball.
  40. When Tim shouted that his pet mouse had escaped its cage, a great flurry (sudden rush) of activity erupted in class as everyone ran around in fear.
  41. After getting a standing ovation, the actress basked (enjoyed) in the limelight, her eyes gleaming with joy.
  42. Maya showed hypocrisy (double standards) when she said not to gossip, then talked about June behind her back.
  43. The indulgent (overly lenient) mother gives her only son anything he wants even when it is not good for him.
  44. When I told Josh he was being too aggressive, he finally backed off (stopped pressuring) and stopped yelling.
  45. When asked about the new school rules, Mark replied indifferently (without interest), showing little interest in the changes.

Note: These practice materials have been compiled from a variety of preliminary examination papers for educational and self-revision purposes.

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