How marking works

How does ThinkOtter mark comprehension answers?

ThinkOtter marks each open-ended answer by comparing your child's response with a model answer, the evidence the answer needs, a list of accepted paraphrases, the required answer format, and the marking rules for that question type. It is automated practice marking modelled on PSLE Paper 2 style logic, not an official PSLE grade. ThinkOtter is a web-based AI English comprehension tutor for Singapore P5 and P6 students preparing for PSLE Paper 2.

For every question

Five things ThinkOtter checks

Each question carries its own marking plan. Your child's answer is checked against all five.

A model answer

The answer that earns full marks, written for that exact question and the lines it points to.

The required evidence

The words or detail from the passage the answer must rest on, so a guess without support does not pass.

Accepted paraphrases

A list of correct answers in different words, so your child can answer in their own words and still be right.

The answer format

What the question asks for, such as one word, a phrase, a full sentence, or two separate points.

The mark allocation

How many marks the question is worth and what earns each one, just like a PSLE mark scheme.

Question-type rules

Each of the question types has its own marking logic, applied on top of the checks above.

A worked example

How a 2-mark answer is scored

Take a Yes/No question that asks for evidence from the passage.

Question. Was the character curious about the objects in the box? Provide evidence from the passage.

Model answer

Yes. She leaned in, curious about each one in turn.

Marks

2 marks: 1 mark for the correct Yes or No, and 1 mark for one piece of evidence taken from the right part of the passage.

Also accepted

Answers in the child's own words, for example: "Yes. The passage says she leaned in and was curious about each object."

So a child who writes only "Yes" earns 1 mark, and the tutor guides them to add the evidence for the second. The same logic that a PSLE marker uses, applied to practice.

Question by question

The rules change with the question type

Yes or No with evidenceThe position alone is not enough. The evidence from the passage earns the extra mark.
Sequence of eventsOrdering questions are all or nothing. The whole order has to be right.
True or False with a reasonTrue or False on its own scores zero. The reason from the passage earns the mark.
Who sees what

Your child works it out. You see the marking.

👧 What your child sees
  • One question at a time, beside the passage.
  • Up to four levels of guiding hints when an answer needs work.
  • Never the model answer. The tutor guides them until they find it themselves.
  • Encouraging language, Pebbles and no "fail" messaging.
👩 What you see
  • The model answer and the evidence behind every question, so you know what the tutor was checking against.
  • Marks, attempts and first-try results, question by question.
  • Strengths and the question types to practise next.
Being straight with you

What ThinkOtter will not claim

Automated marking is a strong practice tool. Here is what it is not.

  • Not an official PSLE scoreIt is practice marking modelled on PSLE Paper 2 style, not a result from the exam board.
  • Not a guaranteed gradeIt helps your child build skills. No tool can promise a grade.
  • Not a replacement for a teacherIt supports practice between lessons. Your child's teacher still knows them best.
  • Always open to your reviewBecause every report shows the model answer and evidence, you can check the marking yourself.

See the marking on a real session.

Start free and watch ThinkOtter guide your child to a full-mark answer, then show you exactly how it was scored.

Start practising free
No credit card · Works on any device · Built for Singapore's PSLE