AEIS Information

For people who would like to know more about the Admission Exercise for International Students (AEIS), you may access the following link from the Ministry of Education Singapore (MOE).

http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/admissions/international-students/admissions-exercise/





Below is the information regarding the test itself. (Information obtained from MOE website)

Test Format

Primary 2/3 (P2/P3) English [ Toggle ]

The S-AEIS P2/P3 English test comprises 34 Multiple-Choice Questions on Comprehension and Language Use. Applicants will be given 1 hour to complete.

Comprehension and Language Use

34 Compulsory Multiple-Choice Questions

• Comprehension (based on two passages) - 6 items
• Comprehension Cloze (based on two passages) - 10 items
• Vocabulary - 5 items
• Grammar - 5 items
• Spelling - 8 items

Primary 2/3 (P2/P3) Mathematics [ Toggle ]

The S-AEIS P2/P3 Mathematics test comprises two parts. Applicants will be given 30 minutes to complete Part 1 and 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete Part 2. The use of calculators is not allowed.

Section	Format	Number of items
Part 1	Multiple-Choice Questions	34 items
Part 2	Short-answer Questions	34 items

For short-answer questions, applicants have to show the method of solution (working steps) clearly and write the answer in the space provided.

Primary 4 (P4) English [ Toggle ]

The S-AEIS P4 English test comprises two parts. Applicants will be given 2 hours to complete Part 1 and Part 2. The paper is taken in a single sitting.

Part 1	Writing Two topics are set, one of which comes with a picture. Applicants choose one topic and write a composition of at least 100 words on it.
Part 2	Comprehension and Language Use 50 Compulsory Multiple-Choice Questions Comprehension (based on two passages) - 10 items Comprehension Cloze (based on two passages) - 12 items Vocabulary - 14 items Grammar - 14 items

Primary 4 (P4) Mathematics [ Toggle ]

The S-AEIS P4 Mathematics test comprises two parts. Applicants will be given 40 minutes to complete Part 1, and 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete Part 2. The use of calculators is not allowed.

Section	Format	Number of items
Part 1	Multiple-Choice Questions	36 items
Part 2	Short-answer Questions	16 items
	Open-ended Questions	12 items

For short-answer questions, applicants have to show the method of solution (working steps) clearly and write the answer in the space provided.

Open-ended questions generally require longer and/or more complex method of solution as compared to short-answer questions. For open-ended questions, applicants have to show the method of solution (working steps) clearly and write the answer in the space provided.

Secondary English [ Toggle ]

The S-AEIS Secondary English test comprises two parts. Applicants will be given 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete Part 1 and Part 2. The paper is taken in a single sitting.

Part 1	Writing Two topics are set for Sec 1, and four topics are set for Sec 2. Applicants choose one topic and write a composition on it. Applicants sitting for Sec 1 will write 200 - 300 words. Applicants sitting for Sec 2 will write 250 - 350 words. Applicants sitting for Sec 3 will write 300 - 400 words.
Part 2	Comprehension and Language Use 50 Compulsory Multiple-Choice Questions Comprehension (based on two passages) - 15 items Comprehension Cloze (based on two passages) - 15 items Vocabulary - 10 items Grammar - 10 items

Secondary Mathematics [ Toggle ]

The S-AEIS Secondary Mathematics test comprises two parts. Applicants will be given 30 minutes to complete Part 1, and 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete Part 2. The use of calculators is not allowed.

Section	Format	Number of items
Part 1	Multiple-Choice Questions	34 items
Part 2	Short-answer Questions	20 items
	Open-ended Questions	10 to 15 items

For short-answer questions, applicants have to show the method of solution (working steps) clearly and write the answer in the space provided.

Open-ended questions generally require longer and / or more complex method of solution as compared to short-answer questions. For open-ended questions, applicants have to show the method of solution (working steps) clearly and write the answer in the space provided.

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Formal Letter / Email

First Paragraph

“I am writing this letter……”

Recommendation Letter

…in support of Andy’s nomination for the role of head prefect

…at your request to …..

• nominate a student for the role of ….
• recommend an ideal location for the school’s Annual Dinner and Dance
• recommend how funds should be spent

Enquiry

…to enquire if we can visit your factory as part of our Learning Journey.

Complaint

…to complain about the service of your staff.

…to complain about a defective watch that I bought at your store.

Making choices / Comparing outcomes

1. The ………. is certainly worth considering as …
2. Having considered the merits and demerits of all three proposals, the ………. proposal is still the most feasible and plausible.
3. Despite the few minor drawbacks / shortcomings / limitations, the ……….. proposal is still worth considering because …
4. True, the ……….. proposal has a few limitations / constraints, but they are far outweighed by the numerous advantages / benefits / merits.
5. Undeniably, the other two options have their merits / benefits / strengths, but they do have some serious drawbacks. The ………….. proposal, however, is...
6. This ………….. idea / proposal far surpasses the others in terms of …

Expressing a view

1. I am of the opinion / view that…
2. My view / opinion is that…
3. I hold the view / opinion that
4. I am all for…

Expressing disagreement / disapproval

1. I disagree with the view that…
2. I am inclined to reject…

Middle Paragraphs

Paragraph Starters

• To begin with, …
• Also, …
• Added to this, …
• To top it all, …

Closing Paragraphs

“Taking everything into account, I am confident that …”

• Singapore Zoo is the best option for our year-end school outing.
• Andy is the most suitable candidate for the role of Head Prefect
• getting new computers for our school is the best way to spend the funds.
• the route detailed above is the most appropriate for our outing at the Kranji Reservoir.

“In closing, it is with sincere conviction that…”

• I enthusiastically propose Singapore Zoo as the venue for our year-end school outing.
• I strongly recommend Andy to be the Head Prefect.
• I unreservedly recommend getting new computers for our school.
• I highly recommend taking the route suggested for our outing at the Kranji Reservoir.

“I look forward to…”

• better service.
• your reply.
• your decision.

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Introductions & Openings

There are many ways to start a narrative essay. In my experience, both as a student and now a teacher, one of the safest way to start a narrative essay is to memorise one. They usually include some very detailed descriptive phrases and are very illustrative. They can be easily memorised and are usually flexible for most narratives. Do take note of the word count though. Below are some examples.

(Very early morning, 6-7am)

The morning star would dwindle by the second, and the dew and mist of the morning would luxuriously engulf me. The birds high up in the forest trees would hum in harmony to the delicate touch of the first rays of the day. Far away the cockerel would scream at the risk of hurting its throat to sound a bugle which wakes the day. (64 words)

(Rain during daytime)

The smell of the approaching rain lingered in the air. The bashful sun hid behind the grey clouds which were as high as the mountains and as wide as the island. A light drizzle started and soon escalated into a huge downpour. Rain started pouring down in torrents. Forked lightning, like the tongue of a cobra zigzagged and flashed like the blink of the camera’s flashlight. Angry thunder boomed like the pounding of huge drums. Rain drops sliced down like daggers, glinting in the streetlight. Trees tossed their branches to and fro, causing their leaves to fly. The blades of the grass bowed and became wet with mud. (108 words)

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Descriptive Phrases

Anger

-          If looks could kill, he would have withered there and then.

-          He clenched his fist and the veins on his arm and hand showed.

-          Seething with rage, she shrieked as she pointed at the door, “Get out!”

-          His fist came down heavily on the table with a loud bang.

-          Her unblinking eyes flashed with anger.

Annoyed

-          Her growing irritation was obvious. Her words were charged with exasperation.

-          Her face became tight with annoyance. “Will they ever stop that drilling?” she thought.

-          “Tsk! Tsk! Where are their parents?” she muttered as she folded her arms and rolled her eyes.

-          “Stop it. Now!” There was a note of finality in her voice.

Anxiety

-          He paced up and down the aisle of the hospital.

-          “Oh no! Where could it be?” I was in a state of panic.

-          She wrung her hands and tugged at the hem of her jean’s pockets.

-          My heart could not help palpitating as I hurried down the corridor. It skipped a beat when I stopped in front of the door with the sign ‘Principal’.

-          He fidgeted restlessly as he waited impatiently for his turn.

Curious

-          He raised an eyebrow and looked at me questioningly.

-          I craned my neck and strained my eyes to see what lay ahead.

-          She shot me a quizzical look as she opened the door, “Yes?”

-          I strained my ears, trying to make out what my parents were arguing about in their room.

-          A crowd of on-lookers gathered around her and started whispering among themselves in hushed tones.

Disappointed

-          I buried my face in my hands and sighed.

-          My heart sank.

-          She shrugged nonchalantly and snorted, “Who cares for the party!” However, when her back was turned, her eyes were reddened.

-          She shook her head and left without uttering a single syllable.

Discomfort

-          She grimaced in agony and a nauseating feeling overcame her.

-          Her face was as pale as sheet and her head was throbbing.

-          My stomach was churning, hands clammy, and head throbbing. I was aching all over.

-          He grimaced in pain as he hobbled along.

Embarrassment

-          She blushed so furiously that even the tips of her ears turned red!

-          She lowered her eyes, visibly embarrassed.

-          Speechless, I stood rooted to the ground as my arms hung limply by my sides.

-          As the teacher continued berating me, my face turned as red as beetroot.

Excitement

-          She was more than thrilled. I was obvious from her animate actions and exaggerated tones.

-          My mind was whirling with excitement.

-          Adrenaline rushed within him. Everything else was a blur.

-          The excitement rolled over me in waves.

Happiness

-          Her heart swelled after hearing the praises. She walked with a spring in her step.

-          I smacked my lips and sighed contentedly, “What a delicious meal!”

-          The men guffawed loudly.

-          My parents were not just happy with my results. They were, in fact, over the moon!

Heat/Hot

-          She fanned herself in an exaggerated manner as she sashayed along. “So hot! So hot!” she grumbled.

-          The sun was so hot that there was a stinging sensation on my skin.

-          She dabbed her forehead, temples and neck with her perfumed handkerchief.

-          Beads of perspiration formed on his forehead and they glistened under the glare of the fluorescent light.

Relief

-          I took a deep breath and let it out in a loud sigh.

-          I muttered a prayer of thanks.

-          After I had handed up the test paper, I could breathe more easily.

-          Glad that her daughter had returned home safely, she clasped her hands and bowed repeatedly to the statues at the altar.

Shock

-          My eyes widened, my jaw dropped and I stood rooted to the ground.

-          Dumbfounded, I stood rooted to the ground.

-          Stupefied, I turned speechless.

-          I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out.

Terror

-          I steeled myself to look at the horrendous sight.

-          His courage melted away.

-          Terrified, I buried myself under the covers and pulled my blanket right up to the neck.

-          My body stiffened at the sight of the first blow approaching.

Tiredness

-          Numbed with exhaustion, I stared blankly at the words.

-          My eyelids felt as heavy as lead. No matter how hard I try, I just could not keep them open any more.

-          I could feel the weariness in my bones as I labored up the stairs.

-          I stifled a yawn and rubbed my bleary eyes.

Fall

-          She slipped and fell face-down onto a puddle.

Run

-          He took to his heels instantly.

-          The bullies scuttled off like frightened rates upon hearing the voice of the Discipline Master.

-          He darted across the street and disappeared into one of the dark alleys.

-          The children scurried around the room, giggling, yelling and making a great din.

Eat

-          She took only a few morsels of rice and vegetables.

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