As your child approaches the final stages of primary school, their journey towards the PSLE becomes increasingly challenging. One of the key areas that determine their success in the exam is the mastery of vocabulary. A strong vocabulary not only helps students perform well in comprehension but also enables them to express their thoughts and ideas clearly in writing. In this guide, we will explore how to master the Primary 6 (P6) vocabulary list, with expert tips to enhance your child’s vocabulary and boost their confidence.
At Stepping Stones Learning Centre, we understand the importance of building a robust vocabulary to prepare for the PSLE. With our expert guidance and resources, your child will not only master the vocabulary list but also gain the skills to apply them effectively in their English papers.
Why Vocabulary Matters in the PSLE
The PSLE is more than just a test of knowledge; it is a comprehensive evaluation of how well your child can communicate in English. A well-rounded vocabulary is essential for various sections of the PSLE:
- Composition Writing: Your child will need to express ideas clearly, using a range of vocabulary to make their writing engaging and effective.
- Comprehension: Understanding complex texts requires a strong vocabulary base to decode difficult words and grasp the meaning of the passage.
- Situational Writing: Being able to select the appropriate words for a specific context will make your child’s writing more coherent and impactful.
Mastering the Primary 6 vocabulary list is an essential step in ensuring your child’s success. Here’s how you can guide them to develop this critical skill.

Understanding the P6 Vocabulary List
The Primary 6 vocabulary list contains words that are not only challenging but also essential for achieving a high level of proficiency in English. These words are often used in different contexts, so your child will need to understand their meanings, proper usage, and various forms (noun, verb, adjective, etc.).
Some of the most commonly tested words in the PSLE vocabulary list include:
- Describe
- Analyse
- Evaluate
- Compare
- Contrast
- Justify
- Summarize
These words often appear in comprehension questions, essay writing, and even oral examinations. Let’s break down strategies to help your child master these words with confidence.
Expert Tips to Boost Vocabulary Mastery
1. Use the Words in Context
It’s crucial to encourage your child to use vocabulary words in sentences that reflect their meaning. Learning words in context helps them understand how they function within different situations, making it easier to recall during exams.
For example:
- Describe: “Describe the character’s emotions in the story.”
- Analyse: “Analyse the reasons why the character made that decision.”
- Summarize: “Summarize the main points of the passage.”
At Stepping Stones Learning Centre, our Primary 6 English programme offers exercises that encourage contextual learning. For more personalized tutoring, visit our Primary 6 English page to explore course offerings.
2. Create Flashcards for Regular Revision
Flashcards are an excellent way to reinforce learning. Write the word on one side of the card and its meaning, usage, and example sentence on the other side. Regular review of these flashcards will ensure your child retains the vocabulary in their long-term memory.
To make learning even more fun, you can use apps that incorporate interactive games to help your child test their knowledge. This method allows them to track their progress and reinforce retention.
3. Read Regularly and Diversely
Reading is one of the best ways to expose your child to new vocabulary. Encourage them to read a variety of texts, such as storybooks, newspapers, and even academic articles. Exposure to different contexts and writing styles allows them to encounter new words and understand their application in different settings.
As they read, ask them to underline unfamiliar words and look up their meanings. Encourage them to incorporate those words into their daily conversations and writing.
4. Incorporate Vocabulary into Daily Conversations
Make vocabulary-building a part of everyday life. Encourage your child to use new words in their conversations, whether at home, at school, or with friends. This will help them become more comfortable using these words and improve their fluency.
Start with simple sentences like:
- “That was a compelling story you told. I want to hear more!”
- “Can you evaluate this situation for me?”
The more they practice, the more natural it will feel to use these words in their writing and exams.
5. Play Word Games
Word games such as Scrabble, Boggle, and crossword puzzles are not only fun but also effective in building vocabulary. These games challenge your child to think critically about words, their meanings, and their usage, helping them to expand their vocabulary in a relaxed setting.
At Stepping Stones Learning Centre, we integrate fun and interactive methods into our curriculum, ensuring that vocabulary building is both educational and enjoyable.
Advanced Strategies for Vocabulary Mastery
1. Learn Word Roots and Affixes
Understanding the roots of words, as well as prefixes and suffixes, can help your child decode unfamiliar words. For example, the root word “bene-” means good or well, as seen in words like “benevolent” and “beneficial.”
2. Use a Vocabulary Journal
A vocabulary journal is a powerful tool for tracking new words your child encounters. Have them write down each new word, its meaning, and a sentence using the word. This habit encourages self-directed learning and reinforces vocabulary retention.
3. Practice Using Synonyms and Antonyms
Expanding your child’s vocabulary means not just learning a single word but also exploring its synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings). This approach broadens their language skills and provides them with multiple ways to express ideas effectively.
Boost Your Child’s Confidence with Vocabulary Mastery
Vocabulary mastery isn’t just about knowing words – it’s about using them with confidence. The more your child practices and engages with vocabulary, the more confident they will become in their ability to express themselves.
At Stepping Stones Learning Centre, we provide targeted vocabulary workshops to ensure that your child has a comprehensive understanding of the Primary 6 English vocabulary list. Our PSLE Workshop helps students sharpen their skills in both written and oral components of the PSLE.
Explore our PSLE Workshop page for more details.
Conclusion
Mastering the Primary 6 vocabulary list is a crucial step toward your child’s PSLE success. With consistent practice, the right strategies, and expert guidance, your child will not only excel in their exams but also gain the confidence to express their thoughts clearly and effectively.
For more information or to enroll your child in our English programmes, visit Stepping Stones Learning Centre. Together, we can build a strong vocabulary foundation for a successful academic future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How can I help my child improve their vocabulary for PSLE?
Encourage regular reading, use of flashcards, and practice writing using new vocabulary. Incorporating words into daily conversations also helps retain them.
- How often should my child review their vocabulary words?
Regular revision is key. Aim for daily practice, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Consistency is more important than cramming.
- Are there any fun ways to make vocabulary learning enjoyable?
Yes! Word games, flashcards, and even vocabulary apps can make learning enjoyable while reinforcing concepts.
- Can you provide personalised vocabulary training for my child?
Absolutely! At Stepping Stones Learning Centre, we offer tailored programs and workshops to support your child’s vocabulary development.
- How does mastering vocabulary benefit my child in the PSLE?
A strong vocabulary enhances writing and comprehension skills, helping your child express ideas clearly, understand complex texts, and excel in both written and oral exams.