New PMR English Language Paper 1 and Paper 2 Format 2012

The ministry has released a circular in mid July on the new format for PMR English language paper, which will be implemented in 2012. There are changes to both papers with objective questions for literature component removed from Paper 1. The marks for the literature component in Paper 2 have been increased, allowing subjective responses from the students to be used as a measurement of their understanding and appreciation of the literary works.

The Changes

Paper 1

Section A
Graphics/Stimuli
(short texts, charts, notices)
10 questions

Section B
Relational Cloze
10 questions

Section C
Closest in Meaning
6 questions

Section D
Comprehension
•    non-linear (1 text) – 6 questions
•    Linear (1 text – factual, narrative, etc) – 8 questions

Total: 40 questions (1 mark for each question)

Paper 2

Section A
Guided composition (non-linear and/or linear)
1 question – 25 marks

Section B
Literature components
•    Poems – open-ended questions (2 questions – 3 marks)
•    Novel – open response with textual evidence (1 question – 12 marks)

Section C
Summary writing
1 question – 10 marks

Total questions: 5
Total marks: 50

The New Format in Full

PMR English Language New Format 2012