Comprehension Answering Skills

Comprehension
Answering skills
Defining the terms
Comprehension
• The term comprehension comes from the root word comprehend.

• To comprehend is to read the text and questions then understand
them or interpret them correctly.
• There are two methods of answering comprehension questions
which are:
1. Skimming: This is a quick read through the passage in order to
understand what the passage is all about.
2. Scanning: Reading of the passage in search of answers.
When reading the text, you are doing
the following:
• Trying to decide the meaning of the text.

• Wondering about the purpose.
• Associating any prior knowledge you may have.
• Identifying the meaning of the text.
• Visualising the setting and characters.
• Understanding what actually takes place.
• Annotating on the text, that is trying to jot down some
phrases, vocabulary that puzzled you whilst reading, using
your pencil.
How to answer comprehension
questions.
• Read the passage and as you are reading ask yourself the
following questions:
• Who are the characters (if any)? Who is the writer?
• What is the main idea of the passage? What is it all about?
What are the significant points?
• Where does it take place? Setting
• When does it take place (time, date, era etc)
• Why has the passage been written –what was the writer’s
intention?
How to answer comprehension questions
continuation
• Now read through the questions. You might choose to read the
questions first before reading the passage , it all depends with your
time. Starting with questions helps you to have some clues of what
you will meet in the passage later. As you read the questions, keep
them in mind so that when reading the text you can now identify
paragraphs with answers for different questions.
• Each question usually contains a question word, e.g. who, why , when
etc…highlight this so that you remember what you have to answer
• Each question contains a key word or idea- highlight this. E.g. Why
did he decide to shoot the man despite the fact that he was warned
not to?
How to answer comprehension questions continuation
• Try to remember whether you read the fact at the

beginning, middle or end of the text.
• Do not copy directly from the text( unless you are told to
get actual evidence from the text), but refer to it so you
avoid careless factual or spelling mistakes. (names, places)
• If you are asked for a synonym or antonym, you must
replace it with the same part of speech, e.g. noun with a
noun, adverb with an adverb (or it will be wrong)
continuation
• It is important to follow the instructions EXACTLY!

• Does the answer need a full sentence, a word, phrase or
list? If you write a full sentence when you are asked for a
word then you get a zero.
• Never start a sentence with a conjunction e.g. because,
and, but so….
• The mark allocation usually tells how many points are
required, but in some cases you might told to provide with
three points only for one mark.
continuation
• Note that there are no half marks with Cambridge.

• Ensure your numbering corresponds to that in the passage e.g if it asks
for (a) you must not answer it (i)
• If you are asked for 3 sentences, you must not give 1 or 2- that implies
you cannot understand the instruction.
• When quoting from the text, “ use inverted commas”
• When asked to describe the tone of the passage, use adjectives.
• Always leave 5 minutes to edit your work, that is check spelling and
language errors to avoid loosing marks.
• Try to write as clearly as you can, you can loose marks for illegible
handwriting.
Types of Questions
• Factual or Contextual : Who, What, Where, When…These are

usually about the story line and the answers are always found in
the passage.
• Interpretive or inferring: These test your ability beyond the story.
You may to infer ideas that are not openly stated, and writer’s
attitude, style and tone provide clues.
• Language usage questions: The link question-Words are phrased
in connection with an action or intent. Example; The writer was
‘fearsomely, but thrillingly alone.’’ Explain in your own words how
she felt.
The answer is she felt afraid or terrified.
Types of Questions
• The Future Stroke Question- Find a word or phrase that links

to previous idea. Example; The writer says, I would have to
look after myself.” Give the expression used later in the
paragraph which conveys the same idea.
Answer: “Left to my own devices…”
• You have to read the passage to find words with a similar
meaning (implicit question)
• The list question- answer in form of points.
• Explain in your own words Question- Use synonyms for this
question.
Types of Questions
• About the writer’s objectives or intentions- why? You have

to first decide what the object is, then decide whether the
writer has achieved it or not.
• You may be asked for your opinion. You are asked for a
response to what you have read. You may have to assess a
character or a given situation or comment on the writer’s
intention, thoughts and feelings. You maybe able to
substantiate or prove your opinion with examples from the
text.

Comprehension Answering Skills

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Comprehension Answering Skills

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Comprehension Answering Skills

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Comprehension

• The term comprehension comes from the root word comprehend.

• Trying to decide the meaning of the text.

• Try to remember whether you read the fact at the

• It is important to follow the instructions EXACTLY!

• Note that there are no half marks with Cambridge.

• Factual or Contextual : Who, What, Where, When…These are

• The Future Stroke Question- Find a word or phrase that links

• About the writer’s objectives or intentions- why? You have

You might also like