PSLE Science P3 Question 2 – Materials for Raincoat Explained

Introduction

Why is plastic suitable for making a raincoat?
This PSLE Science Materials Raincoat Question tests students on understanding material properties and choosing the correct characteristics based on daily-life applications.

In this blog, we walk through the exact teacher explanation to help Primary 3 students answer this question confidently in exams.

The Question

The diagram below shows a raincoat.

Plastic is a suitable material for making a raincoat because it is ______.

Options given:

• (A) fragile
• (B) flexible
• (C) waterproof
• (D) absorbent

Which option is correct?

Step-by-Step Explanation

Let’s analyse each property carefully using PSLE Science concepts:

❌ Fragile

• Fragile means easily broken.
• A raincoat must be durable, not fragile.
  ➡️ Eliminate (A)

✅ Flexible

• A raincoat must bend and move with the body.
• Plastic allows easy movement.
  ➡️ Keep (B)

✅ Waterproof

• A raincoat must prevent water from passing through.
• Plastic does not allow water to seep in.
  ➡️ Keep (C)

❌ Absorbent

• Absorbent materials soak up water.
• Raincoats must repel water, not absorb it.
  ➡️ Eliminate (D)

Final Answer

✔ Option (3): B and C

Plastic is flexible and waterproof, making it suitable for a raincoat.

Key Concepts

Common Mistakes

❌ Choosing “absorbent” because students confuse raincoats with towels
❌ Thinking “fragile” applies to thin plastic
❌ Selecting only one correct property instead of two

Tips for Students

✔ Think about real-life use
✔ Ask: “Does this material allow water in?”
✔ Always eliminate opposites (absorbent vs waterproof)
✔ Look for two correct properties, not just one

For Parents

This PSLE Science Materials Raincoat Question builds:

• Observation skills
• Logical reasoning
• Daily-life science application

Mastering material properties early helps students excel in upper primary PSLE Science questions.