How to Ace Your PSLE English: Words Students Always Misspelled

Spelling might seem like a small part of the PSLE English Examination, but careless mistakes can cost valuable marks — especially in Comprehension, Situational Writing, and Continuous Writing. The truth is, many of these mistakes are preventable with targeted practice and parental support.

In this post, we’ll explore:

1. The most commonly misspelled words in PSLE English

2. The words that often appear in the exam

3. Practical ways parents can help their children ace this section

1. Why Spelling Matters in PSLE English

Every mark counts. A well-written composition loses its impact if spelling errors distract the reader. PSLE and Examiners often note that spelling mistakes make writing appear less polished, even when the content is strong.

In Paper 1 (Writing) and Paper 2 (Language Use & Comprehension), accuracy is key. Unlike grammar errors, spelling mistakes are often the easiest to fix — if you know what to look out for!

2. The Most Commonly Misspelled Words

Here’s a list of frequent spelling mistakes for PSLE candidates, grouped by category:

Everyday Words

• accommodate (accomodate)

• definitely (definately)

• necessary (neccessary)

• separate (seperate)

• receive (recieve)

• library (libary)

• Wednesday (Wensday)

• February (Febuary)

Descriptive Writing Words

• beautiful (beautifull)

• disappear (dissapear)

• beginning (begining)

• occasion (ocassion)

• embarrass (embarass)

• immediately (immediatly)

• surprise (suprise)

• occurrence (occurance)

Action & Emotion Words

• environment (enviroment)

• foreign (foriegn)

• maintenance (maintainance)

• privilege (privelege)

• achieve (acheive)

• commitment (committment)

Commonly Confused Words

• quiet / quite

• lose / loose

• their / there / they’re

• your / you’re

• affect / effect

• stationery / stationary

3. Words That Often Appear in PSLE English Examinations

From reviewing past trends and teachers feedback, some words show up year after year in either comprehension passages, situational writing prompts, or composition themes:

• Descriptive: beautiful, frightened, dangerous, excited, immediately

• Narrative triggers: accident, rescue, neighbour, celebration, adventure

• Situational contexts: address, signature, appointment, announcement

Exam Tip: If a word appears in the question or passage, spell it exactly as shown. This is an easy way to avoid unnecessary mistakes.

4. How Parents Can Help to Ace in Your's Child English

Parents play a big role in helping their child overcome common spelling mistakes — and it doesn’t have to be boring or stressful.

a) Use a Personal “Spelling Wall”

Keep a chart or whiteboard at home with your child’s most frequent mistakes. Update it weekly and test them at random times.

b) Apply the “See, Say, Spell” Method

1. See the word and break it into syllables.

2. Say it clearly, exaggerating tricky parts.

3. Spell it out loud, then write it down.

   
   

c) Turn Revision into a Game

Use spelling apps, word search puzzles, or even kitchen table spelling bees to make learning interactive.

d) Encourage Reading

Exposure to correctly spelled words through storybooks, news articles, and even subtitles can reinforce correct spelling without memorisation drills.

The PSLE English Examination rewards accuracy as much as creativity. While vocabulary and grammar get plenty of attention, spelling is an easy area to lose marks if left unchecked.

By learning the most common misspelled words, focusing on frequent exam vocabulary, and using parent-led revision techniques, your child can confidently walk into the exam knowing they’ve covered this simple but vital area.

#English #PSLE #Examination #spellingmistakes #mostcommonPSLEwords