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O Level Essay Questions from Previous Years

curiosg · May 8, 2025 · Leave a Comment

“With the O Levels fast approaching, our focused English programme ensures no time is wasted—students are equipped with proven strategies, real exam practice, and the support needed to succeed.”

In our O Level English programme, we focus on making sure every student is fully prepared to ace the English Language examination. With the O Levels fast approaching, there’s no time to waste. Our programme is designed to sharpen essential skills like essay writing, comprehension accuracy, summary writing, and oral communication.

Our teachers are committed to helping students tackle the exam with confidence. Special attention is given to common essay topics, so students learn how to approach and write effectively under exam conditions. Every lesson is focused, practical, and aimed at helping students succeed.

To give our students a strong advantage, we’ve compiled a list of O Level English essay questions from past years, from 2024 all the way back to 2013. These questions offer valuable insight into the types of topics that often appear in the exam and help students practise with purpose.

Year 2024 – Essay Questions

  1. Describe a special meal you enjoy with friends or family. As well as describing the food, explain where and when you have the meal and why it is important to you.
  2. ‘We should all value time spent alone.’ How far would you agree?
  3. ‘Social media does more harm than good.’ Do you agree? Why or why not?
  4. Write about a time when you experienced a difficult but interesting journey.

Year 2023 – Essay Questions

  1. What is your idea of a perfect afternoon? Describe what you like to do and how it makes you feel.
  2. “As I looked back, I realised I had made the right decision.” Write about a time when you felt like this.
  3. “Schools should teach practical skills such as cooking and managing our finances.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
  4. “All you need to succeed in life is a positive attitude.” How far would you agree?

Year 2022 – Essay Questions

  1. Some people enjoy being in a crowded place, while others prefer somewhere quieter with fewer people. Describe your perfect place when you want to relax.
  2. “I realised that I was much stronger than I had previously thought.” Write about a time when you felt like this.
  3. “Young people spend so much time thinking about the future that they forget to enjoy the present.” How far do you agree?
  4. “People today are far too easily persuaded to spend money on things they don’t need.” Do you agree that advertising has made us wasteful?

Year 2021 – Essay Questions

  1. Describe the sights and sounds of a shopping mall. Remember to describe the people too.
  2. “I felt as though I was on top of the world.” Write about a time when you felt like this.
  3. “Young people are making the world a better place.” What is your opinion?
  4. “A happy person is a healthy person.” How far do you agree?

Year 2020 – Essay Questions

  1. Describe ways to relax after you have been busy. Explain why it is enjoyable for you.
  2. Write about a time when you did something to impress someone and regretted it.
  3. Learning how to respond to mistakes is essential for success. What is your opinion?
  4. ‘There’s no place like home.’ Is it true to you?

Year 2019 – Essay Questions

  1. Which person has the most positive impact on your life? Describe the individual’s personality and in what ways he or she has influenced you.
  2. “It was the proudest moment.” Write about a time when you felt like this.
  3. Most young people today are obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities. What are your views?
  4. ‘People can only be happy if they feel they are treated fairly.’ Do you agree?

Year 2018 – Essay Questions

  1. Describe an event that you looked forward to which turned out to be disappointing. Explain why you were excited about it and why it didn’t live up to your expectations
  2. ‘I had never seen my friend laugh so much!’ Write about a time when this happened.
  3. Some people like to stand out from the crowd; others just want to be part of it. Which do you prefer and why?
  4. Which modern invention is essential for you and your family and which one could you and your family live without? Explain your views.

Year 2017 – Essay Questions

  1. Describe a place that means a great deal to you. Why is it so important?
  2. Write about a time when you caused great disappointment to a person. What did you do about the situation?
  3. It is often said that people are too concerned with getting things and spending money. What is your opinion?
  4. ‘People should always tell the truth.’ Do you think there are any situations in which this might not be the best thing to do? Explain your views

Year 2016 – Essay Questions

  1. Describe a childhood toy, or a game you played, which still means a great deal to you. Why is it so important?
  2. Do you agree that we can learn from the mistakes of others or do we need to learn from our own experiences?
  3. What are your ambitions for the future? Explain how you plan to achieve them, including any possible difficulties.
  4. To what extent do you agree with the idea that some teenagers lead an unhealthy lifestyle? Give reasons for your views.

Year 2015 – Essay Questions

  1. Describe the possession that matters most to you and explain why you would never be prepared to part with it.
  2. ‘The world would be a very dull place without music’ What are your views?
  3. ‘Shoppers have too much choice, from chocolate bars to jeans’ What, in your opinion, are the advantages and disadvantages of having many things to choose from?
  4. Do electronic devices, such as tablets or smart phones, help or hinder students in their studies?

Year 2014 – Essay Questions

  1. Describe how you celebrated an important family occasion. Why will this event always remain in your memory?
  2. Which features of Singapore and its citizens make it a major tourist attraction for people from all over the world?
  3. Which person has the greatest influence on your life at the present time, and why?
  4. ‘The best things in life are free’ Write about some of the occasions when you have found this to be true.

Year 2013 – Essay Questions

  1. Parents often believe that it is better to be safe than sorry. Do you consider young people to be too protected?
  2. Describe some of your experiences in food courts and hawker centers. How important are these places in your life as a teenager in Singapore?
  3. ‘The way we dress reveals who we are’ What are your views?
  4. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Why does it mean so much to you?

To support your child further, we recommend our book 12 Years of O Level Model Essays. This comprehensive resource features carefully curated essays from the past 12 years of ‘O’ levels, covering a wide range of essay types including expository, descriptive, argumentative, and discursive writing. Each model essay is written to meet examination standards, offering clear examples of strong structure, relevant content, and rich vocabulary that students can learn from.

For those who want more focused guidance, we welcome you to sign up for our O Level English Language classes. Our experienced teachers are here to support your child every step of the way, helping them write with clarity, purpose, and confidence.

Where to Bring Your Kids for a Post-Exam Treat

Nadya Sharfina · October 22, 2024 · Leave a Comment

"After weeks of hard work, treat your kids to a fun-filled adventure—they’ve earned it!"

Exams are finally over, and after weeks of hard work and dedication, your kids deserve a well-earned break. They’ve studied hard to bring their best, and now it’s the perfect time to reward them with a fun experience. Here are some must-visit spots this October that will make for the ideal post-exam treat for your kids!

Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience (31 Aug – 27 Oct 2004)

Photo by bubble-planet.com

For a post-exam treat that will spark your child’s imagination and sense of wonder, consider bringing them to Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience. This surreal, colourful world of bubbles offers an unforgettable adventure for kids and adults. Making its debut in the Asia-Pacific region, straight from Milan, this immersive event takes visitors into fantastical bubble-filled landscapes, with countless opportunities to discover and interact with bubbles like never before.

Bubble Planet features more than 10 themed rooms designed to create an exciting adventure. In the LED Room, you’ll find an underwater world inhabited by glowing sea creatures, while the Bubble Ocean surrounds visitors with an ocean of living, floating balloons. The Giant Bubble Dome offers the sensation of stepping inside an enormous bubble, and the Bubble Bath Pit is a massive ball pit that promises hours of fun for kids.

There’s also plenty of cutting-edge technology to enjoy. The Soap Bubbles show, led by futuristic robots, puts an innovative spin on traditional bubbles, while the Sketch and Post room allows kids to see their drawings come to life in real-time. The Interactive Shop is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and capture fun moments with family photos. There are many more themed rooms to discover.

For an even more immersive experience, children can explore rooms featuring VR technology, a hot air balloon flight simulator, and mesmerising illusions. The entire experience lasts around 60 to 90 minutes and is located at Hall 8B, 9 Somapah Road, Singapore Expo, 487370. You can easily select your preferred date and time when purchasing tickets here. 

The Art of the Brick: An Exhibition of LEGO® Art (31 Aug – 27 Oct 2004)

Photo by theartofthebrickexpo.com

Recognised by CNN as one of the “Must-See” exhibitions, this world-renowned show has toured over 100 cities across 24 countries with its incredible LEGO creations.

At The Art of the Brick, you’ll discover how over one million LEGO bricks have been transformed into more than 150 stunning works of art. Highlights include a nearly 20-foot-long T-Rex, life-size human figures, and sculptures of various animals. 

The exhibition also features LEGO recreations of famous masterpieces, such as Michelangelo’s David, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Beyond viewing the art, kids can unleash their creativity in the playground area, where they can build their sculptures. 

The venue is located at Hall 8B, 9 Somapah Road, Singapore Expo, 487370. To plan your visit, simply select your preferred date and time when purchasing tickets here.

Monet Inside: An Immersive Exhibition (4 – 31 Oct 2004)

Photo by Monet Inside

If your kids enjoy art and technology, take them to Monet Inside: An Immersive Exhibition. This unique experience celebrates the work of Claude Monet, one of the most inspiring artists of the 20th century and a founding father of the Impressionist movement. It’s a fantastic way to introduce young minds to the beauty of art while immersing them in a world of colour and creativity.

Monet Inside invites visitors to dive into over 200 of Monet’s greatest works, projected on five enormous six-metre-tall screens. Accompanied by an evocative musical score, the exhibition transforms Monet’s art into a dynamic, living experience, where his vibrant colours and brushstrokes envelop you. The experience is enriched by the narration of Paul Durand-Ruel, offering insightful storytelling that brings a deeper understanding of Monet’s life and art.

For families who love taking photos, the exhibition offers plenty of opportunities to capture beautiful, memorable shots. Before leaving, don’t forget to visit the art shop, where you can find unique souvenirs inspired by Monet’s work.

Located on the 3rd floor, No. 600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778, Monet Inside is the perfect way to spark an interest in art. Tickets are available for purchase now here, with the exhibition running from October 4 to 31, 2024. Don’t miss out on this enriching post-exam experience!

For more of the best places to visit with family in Singapore, check out March Holidays: 5 Epic Activities in Singapore!, Big Fun: Five Awesome Activities for Kids in SG, and A Playful Visit to the Museum of Ice Cream with Kids.

Literature Focus: The Giver by Lois Lowry

curiosg · April 16, 2024 · Leave a Comment

“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”

― Lois Lowry, The Giver

“The Giver” by Lois Lowry delves into a dystopian world that masquerades as utopia, where individual freedoms are tightly controlled. The protagonist, Jonas, is selected to be the Receiver of Memories, mentored by the community’s elder Receiver known as the Giver.

During his training, Jonas unravels the hidden truths of his society, such as emotional suppression, lack of free will, and the dark practice of ‘release’ for those who defy societal norms.

The novel delves into themes of conformity, individuality, and the significance of memory and emotion in shaping human existence. Through Jonas’s experiences, Lowry prompts reflection on the consequences of a society that prioritises uniformity and control over individual choice and freedom.

Do you have a WA coming up on ‘The Giver’? Download the passage based mock tests below and give them a try! To get a teacher to mark your work and give you feedback, you might want to check out the advantages of the ‘Independent’ Marking & Feedback only plan on Curio.sg.

To find out more, call or get in touch with us on whatsapp at 8892 2948. We are also available on email: [email protected].

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How to Select a Secondary School: Sec 1 Posting

Rebecca Samuel · November 21, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"Selecting the right Secondary School is not just a choice; it's a pivotal decision shaping the path for the next four to five years of a student's journey."

Going to Secondary 1 is an important milestone in a student’s educational journey. Choosing an appropriate Secondary School truly makes a difference as it determines the course of the next four to five years of their lives. The Secondary One Posting Process may seem complex, but not to worry, we have broken it down for you step by step. 

Starting from the the 2023 Primary 6 cohort, students will be posted through Posting Groups 1, 2 and 3 under the Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB). This allows them greater flexibility to offer subjects at appropriate subject levels. (To understand more about SBB, check out our article here: No More Boredom! Thanks to Subject Based Banding)

After receiving PSLE results, you and your child will have to shortlist the secondary schools and submit the school choices to MOE within 7 calendar days. The Secondary One posting process will then take place. Download the booklet below for a step by step process on how to pick your school of choice!

Booklet-Secondary-1-posting-process-CurioDownload

Smart Food Choices for Kids’ During Exams

Nadya Sharfina · September 19, 2023 · Leave a Comment

“Healthy eating is a way of life, so it’s important to establish routines that are simple, realistically, and ultimately livable.” – Horace

During exams, what students eat can impact how well they do, how focused they are, and how they feel overall. From the moment they wake up until they go to bed, every meal or snack is an opportunity to improve cognitive abilities and maintain proper energy levels. 

This article delves into making smart food choices. It examines healthy options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and various snack times. If parents include these healthy eating ideas in their children’s daily routine, they can help their kids get ready for exams and do well in school.

Breakfast: Starting the Day Right for Better Focus

Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

The well-known saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” rings true and holds significant value, particularly when getting ready for exams. As children prepare for long study hours and difficult tests, starting their day with a healthy breakfast gives them the groundwork for improved focus and brain performance.

Breakfast plays a critical function in refuelling the body’s energy stores after a night of fasting. Without a proper breakfast, children may begin their day with low energy levels, making it difficult to focus on and absorb knowledge.

Breakfast ideas:

  • Oatmeal: A bowl of oatmeal topped with berries, nuts, and a little drizzle of honey: your children are getting a mix of good stuff like fibre,  antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
  • Eggs and Whole-Grain Toast: Combining scrambled or boiled eggs with whole-grain toast will provide your children with high-quality protein and energy that will last.
  • Fruit Smoothies: Blending bananas, berries, and even spinach with yoghurt or milk is a nutritious drink that’s easy on the stomach.
  • Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich: For an easy, tasty, and quick meal, all you need to do is slather peanut butter onto whole-grain bread and layer on slices of banana. Both bananas and peanut butter contain nutrients that support bone health.

Avoiding breakfast mistakes:

  • Sugary Cereals: Sugary cereals that are highly processed might produce energy dumps and affect focus. Choose whole-grain products with lower sugar content.
  • Overloading on Caffeine: Relying only on coffee without enough healthy food might result in headaches and energy crashes.
  • Skipping Breakfast: Skipping breakfast may result in poor concentration, irritation, and overeating later in the day which may lead to energy slumps.

Lunch: Brain-Fueling Midday Meals to Enhance Exam Performance

Photo by Anh Nguyen on Unsplash

During the intense focus of exam preparation, nourishing your body with the right lunch can make a significant difference in your cognitive performance. When it comes to lunch during exam periods, prioritise whole, nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy and support cognitive function. 

Lunch ideas:

  • Salmon and Quinoa Salad: A composition of grilled salmon, quinoa, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and slices of avocado, drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. This meal contains a variety of nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, protein, complex carbs and healthy fats.
  • BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl: This dish brings together both protein and dietary fibre. It combines the roasted sweetness of potatoes with the savoury flavours of BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, and a light sprinkle of cheese.
  • Veggie and Tofu Stir-Fry: A tasty stir-fry made with tofu or tempeh and a variety of veggies such as bok choy, snow peas, carrots, and mushrooms. This combination is frequently served over brown rice.

Avoiding lunch mistakes:

  • Heavy, Greasy Foods: It is best to avoid foods high in saturated fats or those that have been deep-fried. Consuming such foods may cause symptoms of sluggishness and a decrease in cognitive function. 
  • Overeating: While portion sizes are important, preventing the habit of overeating is equally important. Consuming too much can cause feelings of tiredness and reduce the ability to focus.

Snack: Nourishing the Mind Between Study Sessions

Photo by amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash

Strategic snacking plays a role in boosting brain efficiency during exam preparation. You can choose snacks with healthy ingredients for your kids.

Snack ideas:

  • Fresh Fruit: Apples, bananas, and berries are packed with natural sugars and vitamins for an instant energy boost.
  • Vegetable Sticks with Hummus: Crunchy veggies paired with hummus supply fibre, vitamins, and a touch of protein.
  • Dark Chocolate with Nuts: A small serving of dark chocolate alongside nuts offers a dose of antioxidants and healthy fats.

Avoiding snack mistakes:

  • Salty Snacks: Be cautious with packaged snacks which are high in salt. Too much of these can lead to feeling bloated and may not be the best for your health.
  • Mindless Munching: Snacking while distracted can lead to overeating. Take breaks and focus on enjoying your snack mindfully.

Dinner: Evening Meals and Getting Rest for Better Brain Performance

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

Choosing a well-rounded dinner that corresponds to children’s exam plans can make a difference. It helps to set the tone for productive and focused study time in the evenings. It’s best to choose foods that are high in nutrients and provide a consistent flow of energy without making them feel bloated. When children make suitable dinner choices, they are creating the opportunity for highly effective study sessions, and as a result, they will wake up feeling refreshed and prepared to tackle their exams.

Dinner ideas:

  • Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers: Take bell peppers, scoop out the insides, and stuff them with cooked quinoa, lean ground beef or turkey, black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of cheese. The mixture is then cooked to a warm golden. This dish contains protein, fibre, and nutrients.
  • Chicken and Avocado Salad Wrap: Grilled chicken, avocado slices, mixed greens, shredded carrots, and a light vinaigrette wrapped in a whole-grain wrap. This meal is rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
  • Tuna and Whole-Grain Pasta: Mix whole-grain pasta with canned tuna, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. This taste combination offers protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.

Avoiding dinner mistakes:

  • High-Sugar Desserts: Sugary treats should be avoided because they might induce energy spikes and crashes, impairing the ability to focus or get a good night’s sleep.
  • Spicy Foods: While some people tolerate spicy foods, others may experience discomfort or stomach issues on the morning of an exam.
  • Caffeine: Avoid consuming caffeinated drinks close to bedtime because they can disrupt sleep.

Healthy eating habits are important for children since they affect not only their school activities but also the things they do outside. It’s also important to remember to stay hydrated. The link between hydration and brain function is complex and substantial, showing how optimal hydration influences cognitive performance and memory abilities. Dehydration, on the other hand, can cause difficulty with focus, lower cognitive processing speed, and weakened short-term memory.

How to Cope with Exam Anxiety and Perform at Your Best

Rebecca Samuel · April 5, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"As a student, you can take several steps yourself to prevent a build-up of stress. Stress is like an invisible load that gets heavier if you ignore it or choose not to deal with it."

Read the statements below. Does one or more of them apply to you? 

  1. “I often worry that it will be difficult for me to take a test.”
  2. “I worry I will get poor grades at school.”
  3. “I feel very anxious even if I am well prepared for a test.”
  4. “I get very tense when I study for a test.” 
  5. “I get nervous when I do not know how to solve a task at school!”

These were the questions posed to 5,825 Singaporean students in a study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2017. The response was disturbing: 76% of students reported feeling extremely anxious for a test, even if they were well prepared for it, and the results overall revealed high levels of stress and distress when it comes to academic performance. 

This isn’t news to any of us. Students in Singapore have been exhibiting and complaining about stress for many years. The Ministry of Education takes a serious view of it and has taken and continues to take measures to combat this issue on many levels, especially before it takes a turn for the worse. To understand why this issue persists despite these efforts, it’s important to consider the deeper cultural roots of our education system.

One reason for this level of stress probably just goes back to our culture. Our predominantly Asian population retains an intense focus on the value and importance of education. Images of our grand and great grandparents spanking our ancestors and forcing them to study with candlelight over many hours comes to mind. Culturally, being only the very best at one’s educational pursuits has often been viewed as the only path to success.

Photo by Brodie on Burst

Some steps you can take are:

  1. Pay attention to your sleep. Having regular hours of sleep is more important to your performance than studying late into the night, and being exhausted throughout the school day.
  2. Drink plenty of water. Water is brain juice, it helps to clear your mind and refresh your body.
  3. Eat your fruits and vegetables! Bubble tea and fried snacks are yummy, but don’t forget to eat your fruits and vegetables regularly, as they are crucial for your well-being and overall health.
  4. Communicate with a loved one about your problems, be it a family member or a good friend. Talking it out will help ease your mind and heart.
  5. Set realistic goals. Don’t stuff your timetable with so much work that your mind becomes too exhausted to continue.
  6. Have a plan! Planning out your revision will help you focus on your weaker subjects without neglecting your stronger ones.
  7. Believe in yourself! Write out goals and notes of encouragement to yourself and stick it up on your laptop or even your bedroom walls! (You can get friends and family to write them too, the more the merrier!)

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