Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of AEIS English and Mathematics
- Why Many Students Find AEIS English Challenging
- Why AEIS Mathematics Can Be Difficult for International Students
- Comparing AEIS English and Maths: Key Differences
- How to Study Effectively for AEIS English
- How to Study Effectively for AEIS Mathematics
- Choosing the Right Practice Strategy
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
One of the most common questions parents and students ask when preparing for the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) is: Which subject is harder, English or Mathematics? The answer depends largely on the student’s background, language exposure, and familiarity with Singapore’s education system. Both subjects are equally important, and strong performance in both is required to secure a placement in a Singapore government school. Understanding the differences between the two papers helps students plan a more effective study strategy.
2. Overview of AEIS English and Mathematics
The AEIS exam consists of two compulsory papers: English and Mathematics. The English paper assesses reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills (for higher levels). The Mathematics paper follows the Singapore Maths framework, focusing on logical reasoning, word problems, and multi-step calculations.
Both papers are designed to evaluate whether a student can cope with the academic demands of Singapore schools, where English is the main medium of instruction and Maths standards are internationally recognised.
3. Why Many Students Find AEIS English Challenging
For many international students, AEIS English is the more difficult subject. This is especially true for students who come from non-English-speaking environments. The exam requires more than basic grammar knowledge; it tests a student’s ability to understand complex sentence structures, infer meaning from passages, and respond accurately to questions.
Common challenges include misunderstanding comprehension questions, limited vocabulary, and difficulty expressing answers clearly. Since English is used across all subjects in Singapore schools, MOE places a strong emphasis on language proficiency, making this paper particularly demanding.
4. Why AEIS Mathematics Can Be Difficult for International Students
Although Maths is often considered a universal subject, AEIS Mathematics can still be challenging due to its unique problem-solving approach. Singapore Maths emphasises understanding, logic, and structured methods such as model drawing. Students who are used to memorising formulas may struggle with word problems that require several steps and clear reasoning.
Another challenge is time pressure. Maths questions can appear simple at first glance but often require careful reading and precise calculations. A small misunderstanding can lead to incorrect answers even when the student knows the concept.
5. Comparing AEIS English and Maths: Key Differences
The main difference between AEIS English and Maths lies in how skills are tested. English focuses heavily on comprehension, interpretation, and language accuracy, while Maths focuses on reasoning and application of concepts.
English tends to be more unpredictable, as students may encounter unfamiliar vocabulary or passage topics. Maths, on the other hand, follows a more consistent structure, but mistakes often occur due to weak fundamentals or unfamiliar problem-solving techniques. Neither subject is objectively harder; difficulty depends on the student’s strengths and weaknesses.
6. How to Study Effectively for AEIS English
Effective preparation for AEIS English requires consistent exposure to the language. Students should read English books, articles, and short stories regularly to improve comprehension speed and vocabulary. Grammar practice should focus on commonly tested areas such as tenses, sentence structure, and prepositions.
Practising comprehension questions under timed conditions is essential. Reviewing mistakes helps students understand why certain answers are incorrect and how questions are framed in the exam. Writing practice, where applicable, should focus on clarity, relevance, and correct grammar rather than complex vocabulary.
7. How to Study Effectively for AEIS Mathematics
For AEIS Mathematics, building a strong foundation is crucial. Students should ensure they understand core concepts before moving on to advanced problems. Learning Singapore Maths techniques such as model drawing can significantly improve performance in word problems.
Regular practice is key. Students should attempt a variety of question types and learn to show clear working steps. Reviewing incorrect answers helps identify conceptual gaps and careless mistakes. Time management should also be practised to ensure the paper can be completed comfortably.
8. Choosing the Right Practice Strategy
Balanced preparation is essential, as neglecting either subject can reduce overall chances of success. Using realistic practice materials such as an aeis exam paper helps students become familiar with exam format, question style, and difficulty level. This allows them to adjust their study focus based on actual performance rather than assumptions.
Mock tests also help students build confidence and reduce exam anxiety by simulating real test conditions.
9. Conclusion
AEIS English and Mathematics present different challenges, but both are manageable with the right approach. English demands strong language comprehension and expression, while Maths requires logical thinking and familiarity with Singapore-style problem solving. By understanding their own strengths, addressing weaknesses early, and practising effectively, students can approach both papers with confidence and significantly improve their chances of success in the AEIS exam.