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There’s a moment that every P5 and P6 student knows: sitting in the middle of a comprehension passage, reaching a word they’ve never seen before, and feeling the clock tick. The sentence around the word gives a hint, but the hint isn’t quite enough. They make their best guess. They move on. And somewhere in the mark scheme, a mark quietly disappears.
This moment isn’t a sign of a bad reader. It’s a sign of a vocabulary gap, a specific, identifiable gap that can be closed with deliberate practice.
Paper 2 of the PSLE English exam tests comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar across a range of question types. The Comprehension Cloze section (Booklet B) is particularly vocabulary-dependent: a passage with fifteen blanks must be completed without a word bank, which means the correct word has to come entirely from the student’s existing vocabulary. Strong performance in this section, and across Paper 2 more generally, is directly connected to the breadth and precision of the words a student knows.
This list compiles 100 words that appear frequently in PSLE reading passages and comprehension contexts. They’re organised into five themes that reflect the topics Singapore students most commonly encounter in Paper 2 texts. For each word, you’ll find its meaning and an example sentence that shows how it appears in natural context.
How to Use This List
Reading through this list once is not studying. The words here will stay if, and only if, a student encounters each one multiple times, in different contexts, until the word feels familiar enough to use without hesitation.
A practical approach: take one theme per week. Read each word, cover the meaning, and try to recall it. Then cover the example sentence and try to write one of your own. Words that feel uncertain go onto a personal flashcard set for additional review. Words that feel secure get revisited briefly at the end of the week before moving on.
For students who are preparing for the Comprehension Cloze specifically, it also helps to practise filling in blanks in sentences where one or two words have been removed. This builds the skill of identifying which word a context is pointing toward, not just knowing that a word exists, but knowing when to reach for it.
Theme 1: Nature and the Environment
The natural world is one of the most consistent topics in PSLE English reading passages. Students who are familiar with specific environmental vocabulary are better equipped to answer comprehension questions about these texts precisely.
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| biodiversity | the variety of plant and animal life in a particular area | The rainforest is home to remarkable biodiversity, with thousands of species found nowhere else on Earth. |
| conservation | the protection of the natural environment and wildlife | Many communities have joined conservation efforts to prevent the destruction of coastal mangroves. |
| ecosystem | a system of living things interacting with their environment | When a key predator disappears, the entire ecosystem can be disrupted. |
| erosion | the gradual wearing away of land by natural forces | Heavy rainfall had caused significant erosion along the riverbank, exposing the soil beneath. |
| drought | a prolonged period with little or no rainfall | The drought lasted three months, leaving the farmland cracked and dry. |
| precipitation | water falling from clouds as rain, snow, or hail | Reduced precipitation has made farming increasingly difficult in the region. |
| vegetation | plants covering a particular area or region | The hillside was dense with tropical vegetation that blocked out most of the sunlight. |
| habitat | the natural environment in which a species lives | Urban development has destroyed the natural habitat of many native bird species. |
| deforestation | the large-scale clearing of forests | Deforestation in the region has increased flooding as tree roots no longer hold the soil in place. |
| tributary | a smaller river or stream flowing into a larger one | The tributary fed into the main river, swelling it during the rainy season. |
| pollutant | a harmful substance that contaminates the environment | Industrial waste released into the lake acted as a pollutant that killed fish for kilometres downstream. |
| renewable | (of energy) coming from a source that is not depleted when used | Solar and wind power are forms of renewable energy that produce no carbon emissions. |
| arid | very dry due to lack of rainfall | Little could grow in the arid landscape, where years might pass without a drop of rain. |
| fertile | (of land) capable of producing rich vegetation | The valley’s fertile soil had supported farming communities for generations. |
| canopy | the upper layer of branches and leaves in a forest | Sunlight barely reached the forest floor beneath the dense canopy above. |
| decompose | to decay and break down into simpler substances | Fallen leaves decompose over months, returning nutrients to the soil. |
| sediment | solid material that settles at the bottom of water | The river carried sediment down from the mountains and deposited it at the delta. |
| tidal | relating to or affected by the rise and fall of the sea | The tidal patterns of the estuary made navigation tricky for smaller boats. |
| fauna | the animals of a particular region or period | Wildlife documentaries have brought the astonishing fauna of the deep ocean to a global audience. |
| flora | the plants of a particular region or period | Botanists catalogued the unusual flora of the volcanic island, some of which had never been classified. |
Theme 2: Technology and Innovation
Technology passages have become increasingly common in PSLE English texts, reflecting how central science and digital life are to Singapore’s context and curriculum.
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| innovation | a new idea, method, or product; the process of developing one | The company’s latest innovation allowed farmers to monitor soil moisture from a mobile device. |
| prototype | a first or preliminary model of something | The engineers built a prototype of the device before deciding whether to proceed with full production. |
| algorithm | a set of rules or steps used by a computer to solve a problem | The algorithm analysed millions of data points to predict traffic patterns across the city. |
| interface | the point where a user interacts with a device or system | The new interface was designed so that even young children could navigate it independently. |
| automation | the use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention | Automation in the factory reduced production time significantly, though it also led to job losses. |
| simulate | to imitate a real-world process or condition using a model | Researchers used a computer model to simulate the spread of the virus through the population. |
| transmit | to send a signal, message, or disease from one place to another | The satellite transmits weather data to ground stations every thirty minutes. |
| detect | to identify or discover something not immediately obvious | Sensors embedded in the road were able to detect even minor structural changes over time. |
| monitor | to observe and track something over a period of time | Doctors used a wearable device to monitor the patient’s heart rate throughout the day. |
| integrate | to combine different elements into a single functioning system | The new software was designed to integrate smoothly with the tools the school already used. |
| diagnose | to identify the nature or cause of a problem | AI systems are increasingly being used to diagnose eye diseases from digital scans. |
| circuit | a complete path through which an electrical current can flow | A break in the circuit caused the entire lighting system to fail. |
| wireless | operating or transmitting without physical cables or wires | The school moved to a fully wireless network, allowing students to work from any corner of the building. |
| navigate | to find one’s way through a complex environment or system | The robot was programmed to navigate obstacles without any human input. |
| broadcast | to send out information or a programme to a wide audience | The live event was broadcast to millions of viewers across the region. |
| capture | to record something accurately in a lasting format | High-speed cameras were used to capture the moment of impact in precise detail. |
| calculate | to determine a result through mathematical reasoning | The software could calculate the most efficient delivery route within seconds. |
| scan | to examine quickly or pass a device over something to read data | Security staff scanned each passenger’s identification at the checkpoint. |
| data | facts or information collected for analysis or reference | The research team spent months analysing the data gathered from three thousand participants. |
| digital | relating to or using computer technology, particularly binary signals | The archive converted its paper records into digital format to make them searchable. |
Theme 3: Society and Community
Passages about social issues, communities, and human relationships make up a significant portion of PSLE comprehension texts. Vocabulary in this theme helps students engage with the layered meaning of these texts.
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| diverse | varied in character; coming from many different backgrounds | The school celebrated its diverse student community with a cultural festival every year. |
| collaborate | to work together with others on a shared project | Scientists from three countries collaborated on the study, sharing resources and findings. |
| authority | the power or right to make decisions and give instructions | The committee had the authority to approve or reject any proposed changes to the rules. |
| conduct | the way a person behaves, especially in public | The teacher commended the students for their exemplary conduct during the community service project. |
| discipline | consistent behaviour or training governed by rules | The programme required considerable discipline, as participants had to wake at five o’clock each morning. |
| perception | the way someone interprets or understands something | Her perception of the neighbourhood changed completely after she spent time volunteering there. |
| prejudice | an opinion formed without sufficient reason or evidence | The book explored how prejudice can persist even when people believe themselves to be open-minded. |
| circumstance | a condition or factor that influences a situation | The family had moved under difficult circumstances, leaving most of their belongings behind. |
| privilege | an advantage available to some people but not others | Growing up with access to books and libraries was a privilege she hadn’t fully appreciated until much later. |
| initiative | the ability to take action without being told to; a new plan or programme | The community garden was a student initiative that transformed an unused patch of land into a shared space. |
| integrity | the quality of being honest and acting according to moral principles | His colleagues trusted him completely because of the integrity he brought to every decision. |
| tolerance | the ability to accept differences of opinion, culture, or belief | Living in a diverse city requires a high degree of tolerance for ways of life different from your own. |
| advocate | to publicly support a cause or policy | She became a vocal advocate for accessible education after struggling through school herself. |
| reform | to make changes in order to improve something | The government introduced reform to the housing policy after widespread criticism from residents. |
| contribute | to give something (time, money, or effort) to a shared goal | Every student was encouraged to contribute at least one idea to the community improvement plan. |
| sustain | to keep something going over a long period of time | It takes more than enthusiasm to sustain a volunteer programme, structure and commitment matter too. |
| mediate | to intervene in a conflict to help both sides reach an agreement | A neutral party was brought in to mediate the dispute between the two neighbours. |
| competence | the ability to perform a task effectively | The new recruit demonstrated impressive competence in her first week on the project. |
| aspiration | a strong desire to achieve something | The scholarship was created to support students whose aspirations were greater than their resources. |
| consequence | a result or effect of an action or decision | Each choice carries its own consequences, and understanding this is part of growing up. |
Theme 4: Emotions and Character
PSLE comprehension passages frequently involve characters navigating challenges, relationships, and decisions. Understanding words that describe emotional states and character traits helps students interpret these passages accurately.
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| melancholy | a deep, quiet sadness without an obvious cause | A melancholy settled over the town after the factory closed and families began to leave. |
| anxious | worried or nervous, especially about something in the future | She was anxious about the presentation but had prepared far more thoroughly than she gave herself credit for. |
| diligent | showing consistent care and effort in one’s work | The most diligent students were not always the most naturally talented, but they reliably produced the strongest work. |
| compassionate | showing sympathy and concern for others who are suffering | The nurse’s compassionate manner put patients at ease even before any treatment began. |
| resilient | able to recover quickly after difficulty or failure | Children who are taught to handle disappointment well become more resilient adults. |
| persevere | to continue working toward a goal despite difficulty | She chose to persevere through the setbacks rather than abandon the project she had invested so much in. |
| courageous | willing to face danger or difficulty without giving in to fear | Standing up for a friend when it would have been easier to stay silent was a courageous decision. |
| empathy | the ability to understand and share how someone else feels | Empathy cannot be taught from a textbook, it grows from experience and genuine curiosity about others. |
| gratitude | a feeling of thankfulness, especially for something received | She expressed her gratitude with a handwritten letter, which surprised and moved him more than any gift would have. |
| apprehensive | worried or uneasy about something that might happen | He was apprehensive about the interview but walked into the room with his head held high. |
| optimistic | hopeful and positive about what the future holds | Despite the setbacks, she remained optimistic that things would improve if they kept working at it. |
| humble | modest about one’s achievements; not arrogant or boastful | For all his success, he remained remarkably humble, always crediting the team around him. |
| remorse | deep guilt or regret about something wrong that was done | The apology carried genuine remorse, and the family could tell it came from the heart. |
| indignant | feeling angry or offended at something unfair | She was deeply indignant when she discovered that others had been given credit for her work. |
| exasperated | intensely frustrated, especially after repeated disappointment | After the fifth attempt to fix the same problem, the engineer was visibly exasperated. |
| console | to comfort someone who is sad or disappointed | There was nothing he could say to console her in that moment, so he simply stayed by her side. |
| elated | intensely happy and excited | When the results were announced, the team was elated, all the late nights had been worth it. |
| soothe | to calm someone who is upset or in pain | The music seemed to soothe her, and her breathing gradually slowed. |
| wistful | feeling a gentle longing for something from the past | She looked through the old photographs with a wistful expression, lost in memories of her childhood home. |
| bewildered | confused and unable to make sense of something | He stood at the crossroads, completely bewildered by the conflicting directions he had received. |
Theme 5: Actions and Processes
PSLE comprehension passages often describe processes, investigations, and activities that use precise action verbs. Students who know these words can follow complex descriptions and answer questions about sequence and purpose more accurately.
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| scrutinise | to examine something very carefully and thoroughly | The inspector scrutinised every detail of the invoice before approving the payment. |
| deduce | to arrive at a conclusion through logical reasoning | From the clues left at the scene, the detective was able to deduce what had happened without a single witness. |
| persuade | to cause someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument | It took her three attempts to persuade the committee to reconsider their original decision. |
| demonstrate | to show clearly that something is true or how something works | The scientist was invited to demonstrate the experiment live on stage for the audience. |
| evaluate | to form a judgement about something based on careful consideration | Students were asked to evaluate the effectiveness of each strategy before recommending one. |
| implement | to put a plan or decision into action | The school decided to implement the new timetable from the following term. |
| negotiate | to discuss something with others in order to reach an agreement | The two sides took weeks to negotiate the terms before finally signing the contract. |
| retrieve | to find and bring back something from a particular place | The rescue team was sent to retrieve the equipment left behind when the storm struck. |
| accumulate | to gradually gather or build up over time | Over the years, she had accumulated enough experience to lead the department confidently. |
| transform | to change something in a significant or fundamental way | The renovation had transformed the rundown space into a bright, welcoming community hall. |
| elaborate | to explain something in more detail; to develop an idea further | When asked to elaborate, the researcher described three specific experiments that supported her theory. |
| acknowledge | to accept or recognise something as true or valid | He was willing to acknowledge his mistake rather than defend a position he knew was wrong. |
| anticipate | to expect something and prepare for it in advance | The team had anticipated most of the questions and prepared thorough answers before the presentation. |
| compromise | to reach an agreement by each side giving up something | Neither party got everything they wanted, but both were willing to compromise to move forward. |
| investigate | to examine something carefully to find out the truth | Authorities were called to investigate the source of the contamination in the water supply. |
| motivate | to give someone a reason or incentive to do something | The coach’s quiet belief in her ability was enough to motivate her to train harder than she ever had. |
| illustrate | to make something clear by using examples, diagrams, or stories | The speaker used a story from her own experience to illustrate why the policy change mattered. |
| verify | to confirm that something is true or accurate | The system was designed to verify each user’s identity before granting access to the records. |
| communicate | to share information, ideas, or feelings with others | The ability to communicate clearly and calmly under pressure is one of the most valued professional skills. |
| interpret | to understand or explain the meaning of something | Different readers may interpret the same poem in completely different ways, and both can be valid. |
Building Vocabulary Beyond This List
A list of 100 words is a strong starting point, but vocabulary grows most effectively through reading. Students who read widely, novels, non-fiction articles, newspaper features, and science writing, encounter new words in context, which is the most natural and durable way to learn them.
When a student encounters an unfamiliar word during independent reading, the habit of noting it down, looking up its meaning, and writing a sentence using it takes about three minutes. Students who do this consistently across P5 and P6 naturally build vocabulary that extends well beyond any curated list.
For P5 and P6 students who want structured support in building English vocabulary alongside broader Paper 2 skills, the PSLE English programme at Arche Academy provides targeted practice in comprehension, cloze, and vocabulary in the context of how these skills are actually assessed in the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new words should a P6 student be learning per week?
For most students, learning ten to fifteen new words per week, with genuine retention rather than surface-level memorisation, is a sustainable and effective pace. This means spending enough time with each word to use it in a sentence, recognise it in context, and recall it without the list in front of you. Quality matters far more than quantity.
Are there specific word types that come up most often in PSLE comprehension cloze?
Yes. The five most common blank types in comprehension cloze are: grammar-based (articles, prepositions, conjunctions, pronouns), vocabulary-based (a word that fits the meaning precisely), collocations (word pairs that naturally go together), phrasal verbs (like “give up” or “come across”), and contextual blanks (where you infer the word from the surrounding passage). Vocabulary words from a list help with the second category, but understanding how to approach all five types is equally important.
Is there a difference between the vocabulary tested in composition (Paper 1) and comprehension (Paper 2)?
Yes, though there is significant overlap. Paper 1 composition rewards vocabulary used actively, words chosen to express ideas with precision and variety. Paper 2 comprehension tests vocabulary used passively, recognising the meaning of words in context and selecting the right word for a blank. Strong readers tend to have both skills, but students who struggle with one or the other may need to practise them differently.
Conclusion
Vocabulary is one of the most directly improvable dimensions of PSLE English performance. Unlike reading comprehension skills, which develop slowly and require sustained effort over time, vocabulary gaps can be closed systematically with focused, consistent practice.
The 100 words in this guide represent a meaningful foundation. They appear in the kind of passages PSLE students encounter, they cover the breadth of themes that Paper 2 regularly draws on, and they’re presented in context so that students can learn not just what each word means, but how it sounds when used correctly.
Start with one theme. Spend a week with it. Then come back for the next.