SA1

It's that time of the year again. SA1 is approaching in a few weeks. While students are still oblivious to it, parents and tutors (myself included) are starting to get nervous.

By now, most schools have yet to finish teaching the topics to be tested in the SA1. On my end, I'm worried that my students will not fully grasp the concepts of the coming topics which their teachers will rush through. I'm glad I've covered those topics during lessons with them but am nervous about them being able to handle the application questions (especially for Maths & Science).

Worries aside, now is the time to start revision.

For English:
- Ensure that they have a habit of underlining/highlighting clues & making annotations.
e.g. Every (singular) member in my family ___ to eat fish. We eat it everyday (present tense).
1. like
2. likes (singular, present tense)
3. liked
4. has liked
- Make it a habit to read through for hidden meanings (for vocab).
- Write down the words together with the alphabets so that you can read the passage as a whole (for grammar cloze).
- Read the passage carefully and determine if there are clues and draw arrows to link the clues back to the blanks (for compre cloze).
- Highlight where you got your answers from (graphic/compre MCQ/compre OE). Ensure that your answers are in full proper sentences with the correct tenses based on the question. Always check the question word to ensure that you are answering the question.
e.g. Why (reason) did (past tense) the boys run off when they saw the shadow?
Wrong: The boys saw the shadow and ran off to the nearest exit. (This is an ACTION, not a REASON).
Correct: The boys ran off when they saw the shadow as they were afraid that it might be a monster or a ghost.
- Synthesis & Transformation: Check the clauses carefully.
e.g. 'Unless' always has a positive & negative part.
Unless you complete your homework (POSITIVE), you will not (NEGATIVE) be allowed to watch television.
- Editing: Check the TENSES carefully. Also, to check your spelling, write it on a different page (in pencil) without looking at the wrong spelling given. Sometimes, the wrong spelling may confuse you and cloud your mind. Writing out the word again on another page might take away the false impression of the 'wrong' spelling.

For Maths:
- Calculation mistakes should always be avoided. Using logical thinking, if you are adding up numbers, the final answer should be larger than the original numbers.
- Break long questions into smaller parts. Read and understand what information is given in each sentence before reading the next sentence. Underline/circle key numbers and draw arrows to the names/objects if it helps. Else, you can rewrite the info on the side to help you.
e.g. Tony had 15% more 50c coins than 20c coins. If there were 6 more 50c coins than 20c coins, how much money did Tony have?
Rewriting the info given:
Tony
15% more 50c coins than 20c coins  (100%)
50c coins -> 115%
20c coins -> 100%
6 more 50c coins than 20c coins
-  Identify the technique needed to solve the problem (constant difference, etc). If in doubt, draw a simple model to compare the information given for a clearer picture.
- Always check to ensure:
(a) All questions have been attempted.
(b) Double check all calculations. *this is when mental calculation will come into good use
(c) Double check that all working has been shown clearly.

For Science:
- Read questions carefully.
- Underline/circle key words in the questions.
- Identify the topic it is related to so that you know what type of answers are expected.
- For MCQ: Always eliminate other answers even if you are sure that your answer is the best answer. Sometimes the meaning of the option could change with ONE word.
e.g.
(1) Most of the mammals give birth to young alive.
(2) All mammals give birth to young alive.
Option 2 is wrong as not ALL mammals give birth to young alive, there are exceptions like the platypus. So in this case, Option 1 is a better answer.
- For open-ended questions, ALWAYS WRITE IN COMPLETE SENTENCES even if the answer seems direct and simple.
e.g.
What energy is needed?
Answer: Heat
You should write your answer as: Heat energy is needed. Or: The energy that is needed is heat energy.

Hope that these tips and reminders will be helpful!!