AEIS Exam Singapore
The AEIS (Admissions Exercise for International Students) is a crucial exam for foreign students who wish to enter Singapore’s mainstream schools. Since the test assesses English and Mathematics proficiency based on Singapore’s curriculum, many students find it challenging. While preparing, it’s essential to be aware of common mistakes that can cost valuable marks. In this guide, we will highlight the most frequent errors in the AEIS exam and how to avoid them.

1. Misunderstanding the Question
One of the most common reasons students lose marks is failing to fully understand the question. This happens in both English comprehension and Math problem-solving.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Read the question carefully before answering.
- Underline keywords that indicate what is being asked (e.g., “explain,” “calculate,” “compare”).
- Re-read the question if necessary to ensure a full understanding before solving it.
2. Poor Time Management
The AEIS exam is time-sensitive, and many students struggle to complete all the questions within the given timeframe. Spending too much time on one question may lead to rushing through others and making careless errors.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Practice with a timer to get used to answering questions under exam conditions.
- Allocate time wisely:
- If a question is too difficult, skip it and return to it later instead of wasting too much time.
- In English comprehension, avoid spending too much time reading the passage; focus on answering the questions efficiently.
- Leave 5-10 minutes at the end to check answers.
3. Grammar and Spelling Errors in English
In the English section, students lose marks for poor grammar, spelling mistakes, and incorrect sentence structures. Even minor errors can impact scores in the essay and comprehension sections.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Revise common grammar rules, such as subject-verb agreement and punctuation.
- Expand vocabulary to avoid repeating the same simple words in writing.
- Proofread essays before submitting to catch mistakes.
- Practice writing essays and get feedback from a teacher or tutor.
4. Incorrect Mathematical Calculations
Many students make careless calculation mistakes in the Math paper, leading to wrong answers even when they understand the concept.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Double-check all calculations before moving to the next question.
- Write neatly and clearly to avoid confusion in long calculations.
- Use estimation to check if the final answer is reasonable.
- Familiarize yourself with common Singapore Math methods, such as model drawing for problem-solving.
5. Leaving Questions Unanswered
Since AEIS is a multiple-choice and structured exam, students should never leave a question blank. An unanswered question has a 0% chance of being correct, but a guessed answer has a chance of earning marks.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- If unsure, make an educated guess rather than skipping the question.
- Eliminate incorrect options in multiple-choice questions to increase the chance of selecting the right answer.
- For structured questions, write at least an attempt instead of leaving a blank.
6. Overlooking Instructions
Some students lose marks because they fail to follow instructions correctly. For example, writing an essay that is too short or solving a math problem in the wrong format.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Always read the instructions carefully before answering.
- Follow the required word count for essays.
- Show all necessary working steps in Math questions to get partial credit.
7. Not Practicing with Past Papers
Many students prepare for the AEIS exam by simply reviewing textbooks, but they fail to practice with actual past papers. This leads to surprises during the exam when they encounter unfamiliar question styles.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Practice with past AEIS papers regularly to get familiar with the question types.
- Take mock exams under timed conditions to build confidence.
- Review mistakes carefully and learn from them.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common mistakes can greatly improve performance in the AEIS Exam 2025. By carefully reading questions, managing time effectively, and practicing with past papers, students can boost their confidence and increase their chances of passing. Remember, preparation is key!