PSLE Math: Tips to Tackle Challenging Questions

Math can be one of the most intimidating subjects in the PSLE, especially when students come across tricky or unfamiliar problem types. While many students do well with straightforward questions, the real challenge lies in solving complex ones that require deeper thinking. If you're preparing for PSLE Maths, it's important to build more than just speed and accuracy — you need strategies to break down and understand tough questions. This blog shares practical tips to help students confidently tackle challenging math problems in the exam.

Understand the Question Before Solving

One of the biggest mistakes students make is rushing into calculations without fully understanding the question. Always take time to:

  • Read the question twice before solving.

  • Underline key information and what is being asked.

  • Visualise or draw models if necessary.

Understanding the question clearly prevents careless errors and helps students choose the right method of solving.

Master the Model Drawing Method

For primary students, especially in Singapore, model drawing is an essential tool. It’s a visual strategy used to solve word problems effectively.

Use model drawing when:

  • The problem involves comparison, part-whole, or fraction-based scenarios.

  • There are multiple steps and relationships to interpret.

  • The question includes tricky keywords like "more than," "less than," or "how many left?"

Practise model drawing regularly so it becomes second nature during the PSLE Maths paper.

Break Problems into Manageable Parts

Many challenging math problems contain more than one step. Instead of solving everything at once, break the question down.

Here’s how to manage multi-step problems:

  • Identify and solve the first part of the problem.

  • Use that answer to move to the next stage.

  • Check if any hidden information can be found in the question.

By tackling each part separately, complex questions become more approachable.

Practise Heuristics

Heuristics are problem-solving techniques that help students deal with non-routine questions. These strategies include:

  • Guess and check

  • Work backwards

  • Use before-after concepts

  • Look for patterns

  • Make suppositions

Expose students to these heuristics through varied question types. The more they practise, the more confidently they can apply these tools during the exam.

Memorise Key Concepts and Formulas

Having a strong grasp of formulas and math concepts is crucial. Some questions rely purely on whether a student remembers and applies the correct formula.

Important areas to master include:

  • Fractions and decimals

  • Percentage calculations

  • Area and perimeter

  • Volume

  • Speed, distance, time relationships

Don’t just memorise — understand how and when to apply these concepts in real questions.

Show All Working Clearly

Many students lose marks not because their final answer is wrong, but because their working is messy or missing. In PSLE, marks are awarded not only for the answer but also for the method.

Make sure to:

  • Label each step clearly.

  • Use units correctly (e.g., m, kg, min).

  • Double-check calculations and logic.

Clear working helps both the student (in spotting mistakes) and the examiner (in awarding method marks).

Use Practice Papers Under Exam Conditions

The best way to build confidence is to simulate the actual exam experience. This teaches students time management and helps reduce panic during tough questions.

Practise by:

  • Timing each section (usually 1h for Paper 1 and 1h 30m for Paper 2).

  • Avoiding distractions.

  • Reviewing mistakes immediately after the paper.

Doing this regularly makes the student more familiar with the pace and format of PSLE Maths.

Stay Calm and Think Logically

When faced with a difficult question, the first instinct is often panic. But staying calm is key.

Teach your child to:

  • Breathe and take a short pause.

  • Eliminate obviously wrong choices (for MCQ).

  • Write down what is known before thinking of what to solve.

Logical thinking often leads to the right method — even if the question seems unfamiliar at first.

Conclusion

Challenging questions in PSLE Maths are designed to test higher-order thinking, but with the right preparation, they can be tackled with confidence. By mastering model drawing, using heuristics, understanding the problem fully, and practising under exam conditions, students will be well-equipped to face even the toughest problems. Remember, it’s not just about getting the answer right — it’s about solving with clarity, strategy, and calm thinking.

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