Top 100 Vocabulary Words for Secondary 1 English Tutorial: Mastering the MOE SEAB Syllabus for PSLE and GCE O-Level Preparation
Here’s a Top 100 Vocabulary List for Secondary 1 (GCE O-Level English Tuition), designed to help 13-year-olds expand their language skills as they prepare for more advanced studies. The list is divided into categories that focus on themes relevant to Secondary 1 students: Academic & Study Skills, Descriptive Writing, Social Interactions & Emotions, and Current Issues & Global Awareness.
Top 100 Vocabulary Words for Secondary 1 (GCE O-Level English Tuition)
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Academic & Study Skills(25 words) | ||
| Analyze | To examine something carefully and in detail. | We analyze the text to understand its deeper meaning. |
| Summarize | To give a brief statement of the main points. | I need to summarize the chapter for my essay. |
| Outline | To give a general description without details. | The teacher asked us to outline our ideas before writing the essay. |
| Interpret | To explain the meaning of information or actions. | We interpret the poem differently based on our experiences. |
| Evaluate | To judge or determine the significance or worth of something. | You need to evaluate the effectiveness of the argument. |
| Infer | To deduce information from evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements. | We infer the character’s emotions from their actions. |
| Identify | To recognize or establish what something is. | Identify the main theme in the story. |
| Research | The systematic investigation into and study of materials to establish facts. | We did research to gather evidence for our project. |
| Compare | To examine the similarities and/or differences between two things. | Compare the themes in both novels. |
| Contrast | To look at the differences between two or more items. | Contrast the characters’ motivations in the play. |
| Justify | To provide valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion. | You need to justify your viewpoint with facts. |
| Paraphrase | To restate something using different words. | I paraphrased the paragraph to make it easier to understand. |
| Revise | To go over and correct or improve something. | We revise our notes before the test. |
| Thesis | A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. | The thesis of the essay should be clear and concise. |
| Hypothesis | A supposition made based on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. | We developed a hypothesis for our science project. |
| Evidence | Information or details that prove or support an argument. | The evidence provided strengthened her argument. |
| Clarify | To make something clearer or easier to understand. | I asked the teacher to clarify the instructions for the assignment. |
| Argue | To present reasons for or against something. | We argued both sides of the debate topic. |
| Define | To explain the meaning of a word or concept. | Please define the term “metaphor” in your own words. |
| Structure | The arrangement or framework of a sentence, paragraph, or entire work. | The structure of the essay should include an introduction, body, and conclusion. |
| Discuss | To talk about something in detail, considering different ideas or opinions. | We discussed the themes of the novel in class. |
| Elaborate | To explain in more detail. | The teacher asked me to elaborate on my answer. |
| Predict | To say what will happen before it occurs. | We predict that the character will make a big decision in the next chapter. |
| Annotate | To add notes to a text, explaining or commenting on key points. | I annotated the passage to help me understand it better. |
| Critique | To evaluate something in a detailed and analytical way. | We critiqued the article to understand its weaknesses and strengths. |
| Descriptive Writing (25 words) | ||
| Vivid | Producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind. | The author used vivid descriptions to create a realistic scene. |
| Majestic | Having beauty and dignity. | The majestic mountains rose high above the valley. |
| Luminous | Emitting or reflecting light; glowing. | The luminous moon lit up the night sky. |
| Serene | Calm, peaceful, and untroubled. | The serene lake reflected the clear blue sky. |
| Gloomy | Dark or poorly lit, especially in a way that causes a sad mood. | The gloomy weather made everyone feel down. |
| Harsh | Unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses. | The harsh wind blew across the open field. |
| Stark | Severe or bare in appearance or outline. | The stark contrast between rich and poor is evident in the city. |
| Fragmented | Broken into parts or pieces. | The fragmented conversation made it difficult to understand the plot. |
| Eerie | Strange and frightening. | The eerie silence in the forest made us feel uneasy. |
| Chaotic | Completely disordered and confused. | The chaotic scene at the market made it hard to move through the crowd. |
| Picturesque | Visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way. | The village was picturesque, with cobbled streets and colorful houses. |
| Bleak | Lacking vegetation and exposed to the elements. | The bleak landscape stretched for miles. |
| Dazzling | Extremely bright, especially so as to blind someone temporarily. | The dazzling fireworks lit up the night sky. |
| Crisp | Pleasantly cool and fresh. | The crisp morning air was refreshing. |
| Whirlwind | A situation or series of events where a lot happens quickly. | The past few days have been a whirlwind of activity. |
| Jagged | Having sharp, uneven points. | The jagged rocks made it difficult to walk along the path. |
| Mellow | Pleasantly smooth or soft; free from harshness. | The mellow sound of the guitar filled the room. |
| Cluttered | Filled with too many things, making it difficult to move freely. | The room was cluttered with papers and books everywhere. |
| Tranquil | Free from disturbance; calm. | The tranquil garden was the perfect place to relax. |
| Ominous | Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen. | The dark clouds created an ominous atmosphere. |
| Faint | Barely perceptible; weak. | I heard a faint sound coming from the attic. |
| Overwhelming | Very great in amount; overpowering. | The overwhelming noise made it difficult to concentrate. |
| Radiant | Sending out light or heat; shining brightly. | She looked radiant in her new dress. |
| Murky | Dark and gloomy, especially due to thick mist. | The murky water made it difficult to see what was beneath the surface. |
| Jagged | Having a sharply uneven edge or surface. | The jagged edges of the rock made it difficult to climb. |
| Social Interactions & Emotions (25 words) | ||
| Empathy | The ability to understand and share the feelings of others. | She showed empathy when her friend was feeling sad. |
| Sympathy | Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune. | He expressed his sympathy after hearing about the accident. |
| Compassion | Concern for the suffering of others. | The nurse’s compassion comforted the patients. |
| Confident | Feeling or showing certainty about something. | She felt confident going into her English exam. |
| Anxious | Feeling worried or nervous about something. | I was anxious before my presentation in front of the class. |
| Enthusiastic | Having intense interest or excitement about something. | She was enthusiastic about joining the school’s drama club. |
| Indifferent | Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned. | He was indifferent to the changes in the school rules. |
| Assertive | Showing confidence and standing up for oneself. | It is important to be assertive when expressing your opinion. |
| Grateful | Feeling thankful and appreciative. | I was grateful for the help my teacher gave me on the project. |
| Jealous | Feeling envious of someone’s achievements or advantages. | He felt jealous when his friend got the award. |
| Vulnerable | Open to emotional or physical harm. | The puppy looked vulnerable in the cold. |
| Frustrated | Feeling annoyed or upset because something is not working as expected. | She felt frustrated when she couldn’t solve the math problem. |
| Resilient | Able to recover quickly from difficulties. | The resilient student kept trying, even after failing the test. |
| Hesitant | Being unsure or slow in acting or speaking. | He was hesitant to ask the teacher for help. |
| Awkward | Causing or feeling embarrassment or inconvenience. | The conversation became awkward after the disagreement. |
| Embarrassed | Feeling self-conscious or ashamed. | She felt embarrassed when she tripped in front of her friends. |
| Proud | Feeling deep satisfaction or pleasure in achievements or qualities. | He felt proud of his improvement in English class. |
| Lonely | Feeling sad because of being alone. | She felt lonely after moving to a new school. |
| Curious | Eager to learn or know something. | He was curious about how machines worked. |
| Disappointed | Sad or displeased because something did not happen as expected. | She was disappointed with her results in the competition. |
| Inspired | Filled with the urge to do or feel something creative. | The speaker’s words inspired the students to work hard. |
| Sympathetic | Showing compassion or understanding. | She gave her friend a sympathetic smile. |
| Determined | Firmly resolved to do something, despite difficulties. | He was determined to complete his project before the weekend. |
| Excited | Feeling very enthusiastic and eager. | She was excited to start her new class project. |
| Current Issues & Global Awareness (25 words) | ||
| Environment | The natural world, including land, water, and air. | We must protect the environment by reducing waste. |
| Pollution | The introduction of harmful substances into the environment. | Air pollution is a major issue in big cities. |
| Conservation | The act of preserving and protecting natural resources. | Conservation of water is important for future generations. |
| Climate Change | The long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns. | Scientists are working to understand how to slow down climate change. |
| Sustainable | Using natural resources without depleting them. | Sustainable energy sources like solar power are important for the future. |
| Renewable | Resources that can be replenished naturally over time. | Wind and solar are renewable energy sources. |
| Deforestation | The removal of a forest or stand of trees from land. | Deforestation affects wildlife and contributes to global warming. |
| Globalization | The process by which businesses and organizations develop international influence. | Globalization has connected economies worldwide. |
| Pandemic | A disease that spreads over a wide geographical area and affects a large population. | The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we live. |
| Biodiversity | The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat. | Biodiversity is important for a balanced ecosystem. |
| Technology | The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. | Technology has improved the way we communicate and work. |
| Innovation | A new method, idea, or product. | Innovation in technology is driving change in many industries. |
| Cybersecurity | The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. | Cybersecurity is critical to protect personal data online. |
| Artificial Intelligence | The simulation of human intelligence in machines. | Artificial intelligence is used in many modern technologies. |
| Social Media | Websites and applications that allow users to create and share content. | Social media has changed the way we interact with friends and family. |
| Internet | A global computer network that provides information and communication. | The internet allows us to access information from anywhere. |
| Renewable Energy | Energy from natural sources that are constantly replenished. | Wind and solar power are examples of renewable energy. |
| Digital Literacy | The ability to use digital tools and platforms effectively. | Digital literacy is important for navigating the modern world. |
| Privacy | The right to keep personal information and activities from being known by others. | Online privacy is a concern with the rise of social media. |
| Cyberbullying | The use of digital devices to harass or bully someone. | Schools are working to prevent cyberbullying among students. |
| Renewable Resources | Natural resources that can be replaced or replenished. | Renewable resources like water and sunlight are essential for life. |
| Virtual Reality | The use of computer technology to create a simulated environment. | Virtual reality is used in gaming and education. |
| Global Citizenship | Recognizing that individuals have a responsibility to contribute to the global society. | Global citizenship promotes responsibility toward the planet. |
| E-commerce | The buying and selling of goods online. | E-commerce has made shopping easier and more convenient. |
Why These Words for Secondary 1?
The Top 100 Vocabulary List for Secondary 1 is chosen to help students:
- Enhance Academic Skills: Words such as analyze, summarize, evaluate, and interpret are critical for improving reading comprehension, essay writing, and critical thinking, which are essential skills for GCE O-Level English.
- Improve Descriptive Writing: Words like vivid, serene, gloomy, and majestic help students add depth and creativity to their descriptive compositions and narratives, making their writing more engaging.
- Build Emotional & Social Understanding: Vocabulary such as empathy, compassion, determined, and enthusiastic helps students describe emotions and social interactions, improving their personal expression and ability to connect with others.
- Increase Global Awareness: Words like pollution, sustainable, climate change, and globalization introduce students to key global issues, helping them engage with current events and develop critical thinking about the world around them.
These words lay a strong foundation for Secondary 1 students to improve their language skills for school and everyday life, preparing them for GCE O-Level English and beyond.
Top 100 Vocabulary Words for Secondary 1 English Tuition
At eduKate Singapore, we understand the importance of building a solid foundation in English during Secondary 1. A robust vocabulary is essential for success in both school exams and national assessments like the PSLE and GCE O-Level. Our Secondary 1 English Tutorial is designed to help students master the Top 100 vocabulary words necessary for academic success, in line with the MOE SEAB syllabus.
Why Choose Our Secondary 1 English Tutorial in Small Groups?
Our small group English tutorials offer personalized attention, allowing students to learn in an engaging and supportive environment. With focused guidance from experienced tutors, students develop the language skills necessary to excel in exams and schoolwork.
Benefits of Our Secondary 1 English Tuition in Sengkang and Punggol:
- Personalized Attention: Small group tuition ensures that each student’s individual learning needs are addressed.
- Experienced Tutors: Our tutors are experts in the MOE SEAB Secondary 1 English syllabus, guiding students through vocabulary mastery and exam preparation.
- Interactive and Engaging: Lessons are designed to be interactive, incorporating discussions and exercises to help students actively use their new vocabulary.
For more details on our tuition programs, visit our homepage.
Top 100 Vocabulary Words for Secondary 1 English
Vocabulary is a key component of success in Secondary 1 English. Our Top 100 vocabulary words are selected to help students improve their writing, comprehension, and oral communication skills. These words are essential for handling more complex texts and tasks in future examinations, including the PSLE and GCE O-Level.
Comprehensive Vocabulary Learning Based on the MOE SEAB Syllabus
Our Secondary 1 English tuition is fully aligned with the MOE SEAB syllabus, ensuring that students are prepared not only for school exams but also for national assessments like the PSLE and GCE O-Level. The syllabus focuses on building a strong foundation in reading, writing, and oral communication, with a special emphasis on vocabulary development. You can learn more about the official curriculum on the MOE website.
Key Vocabulary Areas Covered:
- Academic Vocabulary: High-frequency words used in formal writing, essential for essays and comprehension.
- Descriptive Vocabulary: Words that help students describe characters, settings, and emotions more vividly in their writing.
- Connectors and Transition Words: Essential for structuring coherent essays and compositions.
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Expanding vocabulary through word relationships to improve writing quality and precision.
Building a Strong Foundation for PSLE and GCE O-Level
Although Secondary 1 is the start of the secondary school journey, it is crucial to lay a strong foundation for future exams, including the PSLE and GCE O-Level. Our English tutorial focuses on preparing students for long-term success by building their vocabulary, comprehension skills, and writing proficiency.
Exam Preparation for PSLE and GCE O-Level:
- Comprehension Skills: Teaching students how to understand, analyze, and interpret texts for both school and national exams.
- Essay Writing: Lessons on essay structure, crafting arguments, and using vocabulary effectively to create strong written pieces.
- Oral Communication: Improving fluency and confidence in speaking by encouraging the use of new vocabulary in discussions and presentations.
Expert Tutors in Sengkang and Punggol
Our experienced Sec 1 English tutors provide expert guidance, ensuring that students not only memorize new vocabulary but also understand how to apply it effectively in various contexts. We ensure that students are well-prepared for both the MOE SEAB syllabus and future challenges like the GCE O-Level.
Why Our Tutors Stand Out:
- In-Depth Knowledge: Our tutors are well-versed in the MOE SEAB syllabus and understand the demands of national exams like the PSLE and GCE O-Level.
- Interactive Teaching: We use real-world examples, group discussions, and vocabulary exercises to make lessons engaging and relevant.
- Personalized Feedback: Students receive tailored feedback on their progress, ensuring they continuously improve their vocabulary and language skills.
Secondary 1 English Tutorial Program Highlights
Our Secondary 1 English tutorial focuses on helping students master the Top 100 vocabulary words and apply them in both written and spoken contexts. The program ensures that students are well-prepared for their exams and future academic success.
Key Program Features:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Lessons on the Top 100 vocabulary words that are essential for success in both school and national exams.
- Grammar and Usage: Integrating new vocabulary into grammatically correct sentences to improve writing skills.
- Mock Exams and Quizzes: Regular assessments help students practice their vocabulary in exam-like conditions, preparing them for future assessments.
- Continuous Assessment: Regular feedback through quizzes and tests allows us to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
Strengthening Vocabulary for Future Success
A strong vocabulary is the key to excelling in Secondary 1 English and beyond. Our English tutorial in Sengkang and Punggol focuses on developing students’ language skills through targeted vocabulary exercises and exam-focused preparation, ensuring they are well-equipped for the demands of secondary school and national exams.
Effective Study Techniques for Vocabulary Mastery:
- Daily Practice: Students are encouraged to incorporate new vocabulary into their writing and speaking regularly.
- Reading Widely: Exposure to different types of reading materials helps students understand how vocabulary is used in context.
- Group Discussions: Small group settings provide opportunities for students to practice new vocabulary in discussions, improving both comprehension and communication.
Additional Support for Secondary 1 English Students
At eduKate Singapore, we provide additional resources and support to help students succeed in their Secondary 1 English studies. Our tutors are dedicated to helping students build their vocabulary and develop their language skills.
- Homework Assistance: Tutors help students with school assignments, ensuring they apply their newly learned vocabulary effectively.
- One-to-One Consultations: Private consultations are available for students who need extra help with specific topics.
- Social Media Updates: Stay informed with the latest tips and educational content by following us on Facebook and Facebook.
Why Choose eduKate Singapore for Secondary 1 English Tutorial?
At eduKate Singapore, we are committed to helping students achieve academic success by building a strong vocabulary and mastering the MOE SEAB syllabus. Our Secondary 1 English tutorial focuses on developing language skills that will set students up for success in future exams like the PSLE and GCE O-Level.
Contact Us for Secondary 1 English Tuition in Sengkang and Punggol
Looking for a comprehensive Secondary 1 English tutorial that focuses on vocabulary mastery and exam preparation? eduKate Singapore is here to help your child excel. Contact us today to learn more about our programs:
- Phone: +65 82226327
- Email: admin@edukatesg.com
- Website: eduKate Singapore
Conclusion:
At eduKate Singapore, we believe that properly taught kids shine a bright light into the future, and this belief guides our approach to education in our Secondary 1 English Tutorial. As students embark on their journey towards the GCE O-Level and PSLE, building a strong foundation in vocabulary is crucial, but we also focus on cultivating essential life values that will carry them through all their academic and personal challenges.
Integrity: We emphasize the importance of honesty and standing up for what is right. By developing a strong moral compass, our students are equipped to make sound, ethical decisions, both in their studies and in their interactions with others.
Empathy: Understanding others and seeing the world from different perspectives is key to building meaningful relationships. We teach our students to approach social interactions with compassion, which not only improves their communication skills but also helps them engage more deeply with literature and global issues.
Critical Thinking: Our students learn to question, analyze, and evaluate ideas critically. This prepares them to tackle complex writing tasks and problem-solving, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of the MOE SEAB syllabus and beyond.
Responsibility: Instilling a sense of accountability ensures that our students understand the importance of their actions. We guide them to make thoughtful, well-considered decisions that positively impact their academic performance and personal development.
By integrating these core values into our Secondary 1 English curriculum, we prepare our students not just for the GCE O-Level and PSLE, but for success in life, helping them develop both linguistic proficiency and strong character.


