GCE O Level Tamil (3226) Exam Structure

The exam consists of two papers, each focusing on different language skills:

Paper 1: Composition

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Marks: 45
• Weightage: 45%
• Section A: (15 marks) Write one composition of about 120 words from a choice of three topics.
• Section B: (30 marks) Write one essay of about 200 words from a choice of four topics.
• Types of writing tasks:
  • Letter writing – Formal or informal letters
  • Report or speech – Descriptive and analytical writing
  • Dialogue writing – Conversations between two or more characters
  • Narrative essay – Storytelling based on a given topic
  • Descriptive essay – Describing a scene, person, or experience
  • Argumentative essay – Presenting arguments for or against a topic
• Tip: Develop strong grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure to improve writing quality.

Paper 2: Translation and Reading Comprehension

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Marks: 55
• Weightage: 55%
• Section A: Translation (30 marks)
  • Tamil to English: 10 marks
  • English to Tamil: 20 marks
• Section B: Reading Comprehension (25 marks) – Answer questions based on a set passage.
• Skills Tested:
  • Accurate translation – Understanding sentence structure and context
  • Grammar and vocabulary – Choosing correct words and phrasing
  • Reading comprehension – Identifying key points, summarizing ideas, and inferring meaning
• Tip: Regularly read Tamil newspapers, short stories, and essays to enhance translation and comprehension skills.

Prepare for the GCE O Level Tamil (3226) Exam Using Past Papers

• Practice Writing – Answer past paper questions within the time limit.
• Improve Vocabulary – Learn new words and phrases in Tamil and English.
• Analyze Marking Schemes – Understand examiner expectations for each section.
• Master Translation Techniques – Practice sentence construction and meaning accuracy.
• Enhance Comprehension Skills – Read Tamil literature, news, and academic texts.

Prepare Your Tamil Exam!
Success in GCE O Level Tamil (3226) depends on strong writing, translation, and reading skills. Using our past papers, you can refine your techniques, strengthen your language proficiency, and develop effective exam strategies.