← Back to library
Strategy SheetMath · P6PSLE

PSLE Problem Sum Strategy Sheet

Attack, don't panic. A 4-part plan.

See it

Bar model
Part APart Bwhole

Draw the parts, then the whole.

1

Attack Order

Do easy problem sums first. Mark hard ones with a star and return later.

2

Time Rule

5–6 minutes per 4-mark problem sum. Move on if stuck past 8.

3

Working Rule

Show model, statement of units, final answer with units. Marks come from working, not just the answer.

4

If Stuck

Try smaller numbers, write what you know, or start a bar model from any given quantity.

Common Mistakes
  • Spending too long on Q17
  • Missing the units in the final answer
  • Not writing statements between working lines
Teaching Team Tip

Always leave 5 minutes at the end for checking. Non-negotiable.

Worked Example
Try it, then check the steps
Question

Approach a stuck 4-mark problem.

Steps
  1. 1Star it and skip
  2. 2Come back with fresh eyes
  3. 3Draw model from ANY quantity you know

What to do next

Learn PSLE

Everything in the library for this topic