Walk-Through of 5 Tricky 2024 PSLE Science Questions
- AGrader Learning Centre
- Apr 11
- 7 min read
The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a milestone for every primary school student in Singapore. With each passing year, the level of difficulty and creativity in the questions seem to increase—especially in PSLE Science. The 2024 PSLE was no exception, with some particularly tricky questions that challenged even the most well-prepared students.
In this blog, we’re doing a walk-through of 5 tricky 2024 PSLE questions that had many scratching their heads. These include both multiple-choice and free-response questions. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, we hope this detailed breakdown helps you understand how to approach such questions confidently in the future.
Table of Contents:
2024 PSLE Science Questions
MCQ Question 13 – Understanding Light and Photosynthesis
Topics Tested: P5 Electrical Systems & P5 Energy in Food
This 2024 PSLE Science question combined knowledge from two different topics and required students to analyse an experiment involving water plants, light, and photosynthesis. Here’s what made this question tricky:
Students were shown three set-ups, each with different numbers of batteries and bulbs arranged in a series circuit, all placed near water plants. The aim was to test how the amount of light affects the rate of photosynthesis, which is measured by the volume of oxygen produced.
The changed variable was the number of batteries and bulbs, which directly influenced the light intensity. The measured variable was the volume of oxygen released—indicative of the photosynthesis rate.
To answer this question correctly, students needed to:
Recall that the more intense the light, the higher the rate of photosynthesis.
Recognise that in a series circuit, more batteries with bulbs mean brighter bulbs.
Understand that more brightness leads to more oxygen produced.
Set-up 1 had the lowest light output (1 battery, 1 bulb), and Set-up 3 had the highest (3 batteries, 3 bulbs). Thus, the correct bar graph should show oxygen volume increasing from Set-up 1 to Set-up 3.
Answer: Option 3 – the graph that shows increasing oxygen output.
Why it’s a challenging PSLE question: It’s not just about memorisation, but application—linking circuits to plant biology.
MCQ Question 24 – Interpreting Temperature Graphs
Topic Tested: P5 Cycles in Water
This PSLE Science question required a careful reading of a temperature vs time graph. The graph depicted a decrease in water temperature until it reached a constant point above 0°C.
Here’s how students could work through this:
They needed to recall that the freezing point of water is 0°C.
From points A to B, the water remained at a constant temperature above freezing.
Therefore, the water had not yet begun to freeze—it was still a liquid.
Incorrect options:
Option 1 and 4 claimed the water was solid or freezing—both ruled out by the temperature.
Option 2 said the water was getting cooler, which isn’t true if the temperature is constant.
Answer: Option 3 – water is a liquid at a constant temperature.
Why it’s a challenging PSLE question: It tested students’ understanding of scientific processes and their ability to interpret graphs under pressure.
MCQ Question 25 – Direction of Forces
Topic Tested: P6 Forces
This 2024 PSLE Science question tested students’ grasp of how forces work. A toy train didn’t move in a straight line after being pushed—what could explain this?
Key science concepts:
An object moves in the direction of the net force.
If multiple forces act in different directions, they can change an object’s direction of movement.
Correct Thinking Process:
Since the train didn’t go straight, the force couldn’t have come from one direction.
The best explanation: Forces were acting in different directions.
Answer: Option 3 – the force on the train was not in the same direction.
Why it’s a tricky PSLE question: It’s deceptively simple. Many might overlook the cause of directional change and choose irrelevant factors like weight or friction.
Free-Response Question 34 – Analysing Life Cycles and Environmental Impact
Topic Tested: P3 Life Cycles of Animals
This multi-part question required interpreting both tabular data and a bar graph. It covered a life sciences topic but also required strong analytical skills—a classic example of a tricky PSLE question.
Part (a)
From the table, students had to observe that as the mass of substance X increased, eggshell thickness decreased.
Part (b)
Using this, students then had to infer how decomposing dead plants in nests (which release substance X) affect the young. Thinner shells mean easier hatching for fully developed young—an advantage in nature.
Part (c)
The bar graph showed how different temperatures affected the number of male and female hatchlings. To ensure species continuity, an equal number of both genders is ideal. This occurred at 32°C.
Why it’s a challenging question: It combined concepts from environmental
science, biology, and logic. Students had to piece multiple ideas together—not just recall facts.
Free-Response Question 38 – Electromagnetism and Motion
Topics Tested: P3 Magnets, P5 Electrical Systems, P6 Energy
This was a real brain teaser—a classic example of a PSLE Science question that blends multiple topics seamlessly.
Part (a) – Why the Captain Moved
The diagram showed a plastic captain with a magnet being repelled by an electromagnet made from a fixed iron cylinder. The key idea was the interaction between the switch, electrical flow, and magnetic force.
Students had to explain that:
When the switch is closed, current flows, magnetising the iron cylinder.
This repels the captain upwards.
When the magnet and metal contact separate, the circuit breaks.
No current → no magnetism → captain falls.
Cycle repeats, creating an up-and-down motion.
Part (b) – What Happens After Hours of Use
As the batteries discharge, less chemical energy is available. This reduces the strength of the electromagnet:
Less repelling force = captain moves slower.
Captain also reaches a lower height.
Why it’s a tricky PSLE question: It requires an understanding of circuits, forces, and energy conversion, all in one integrated explanation.
What These Tricky PSLE Questions Teach Us
These five examples from the 2024 PSLE Science papers reflect a larger trend: the shift towards application-based questions in the primary school leaving examination (PSLE). Memorisation alone isn’t enough anymore. Students must apply concepts across topics and interpret data smartly.
Whether it’s understanding how forces affect motion or how a circuit impacts photosynthesis, the questions are designed to make students think critically. That’s why many parents turn to science tuition or science enrichment classes—to help their children master these complex reasoning skills.
Tips to Tackle Challenging PSLE Science Questions
If your child finds these types of challenging PSLE questions overwhelming, here are a few tips to help them prepare:
Master the Fundamentals: Ensure a strong foundational understanding of primary science topics. Especially for tricky PSLE Science 2024 questions, knowing the basics helps in problem-solving.
Practice Interpreting Graphs and Diagrams: Many questions test data interpretation. Expose your child to a variety of PSLE science questions that require analytical thinking.
Use Real PSLE Science Paper Examples: Go through past year’s science papers or similar-level questions from schools or tuition centres.
Break Questions Into Smaller Parts: For multi-step problems, teach your child to pause, understand what’s being asked, and solve each part methodically.
Don’t Fear Mistakes: Getting questions wrong in practice is the best way to learn. Review errors to avoid them in the future.
To every student tackling the 2024 tricky PSLE Science question and beyond—you’ve got this! It’s okay if some tricky PSLE questions stump you at first. With consistent practice and the right guidance, these challenges can become opportunities for growth.
For parents, support your children not just through tutoring or revision, but through encouragement. Help them build resilience and a positive attitude towards learning.
Remember: the PSLE isn’t just a test of knowledge—it’s a test of adaptability, problem-solving, and perseverance.
Parents of Primary 6 students preparing for the PSLE should seriously consider enrolling their child in AGrader’s Primary Science tuition programme. Every weekly lesson at AGrader is carefully curated to stay ahead of the latest MOE syllabus, ensuring your child receives lessons that are not only relevant but also progressive. With lessons taught ahead of school, supported by high-quality, in-house worksheets, students are well-equipped to stay confident and prepared throughout the academic year. Whether your child is in Primary 1 or preparing for the PSLE in Primary 6, our experienced teachers are committed to guiding them towards mastery in Primary Science.
What truly sets AGrader apart is the unmatched access to additional learning resources provided at no extra cost. All enrolled students enjoy free access to our exclusive EverLoop Modules, which are designed to reinforce and deepen understanding after class. These include Past Year Paper Practice Packs to sharpen exam skills, Basic Build-Up exercises to strengthen foundational knowledge, Revision Packs for term-based mastery, Topical Packs to dive deep into specific areas, and LessonTube to catch up or review any lesson at any time.
Give your child the advantage they deserve—enrol in AGrader’s Primary Science tuition programme today and let us help them achieve their fullest potential in the PSLE!
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