Comprehension writing
(Step 1 - Skim and scan the text and questions)

Look over the text quickly (skim) to get an idea of what the text is about.

Take note of things such as:

• How many paragraphs there are in the extract;

• The title of the extract, which may also offer a clue to the content of the passage and the writer’s intention;

• The headings and sub-headings;

• Who wrote the text and where it came from, if this information is given;

• Key words and names;

• Topic sentences;

• Unfamiliar, unusual or difficult words;

• The introductory paragraph – it often creates the atmosphere and provides the setting for what is to follow; and

• The final paragraph – it usually summarises the extract.

Then, quickly look at (scan) the questions. This will give you an idea of

what kind of information to look for when you read the text again. Notice

things such as:

• Names of people or places; and

• The question words and instructions.

Spend about 5 minutes on Step 1 (for text A).

(Step 2 - Read the text carefully)

When you read the extract, take time to read it closely so that you understand what you are reading. Once you have read the text, think about the ‘W-H’ question words: who, what, where, when, why, how.

• WHO are the characters (in a fiction text) or the people written about (in a non-fiction text)?

• WHAT is the main idea in the extract?

• WHERE do the events in the extract take place?

• WHEN do the events in the extract take place?

• WHY has this text been written?

• HOW does the writer express himself or herself? What type of language has the writer used?

As you read, consider both the literal and figurative meaning of words, phrases and sentences. For example, ‘the story touched my soul’ does not literally mean that a story touched your soul, but figuratively that it had an emotional effect on you.

(Step 3 - Answer the questions)

Read the questions. As you read through them, jot down any answers that immediately come into your mind in the ‘rough work section’ of your answer book.

Take a minute to think about what each question asks you to do. Here are some tips for answering comprehension questions:

• The mark allocation indicates the number of points required. For example, if the question is for 2 marks, you need to make two points.

• Look for the key words or topic sentence in each paragraph – it often

suggests what each paragraph is about. (Sometimes a paragraph does not have a topic sentence.)

• Do not copy directly from the text, unless you are asked to quote. Try to answer the questions in your own words, using full sentences.

• If you are asked to give a synonym or antonym of a word, use the same part of speech and tense as the original word. For example, replace a noun with a noun (joy – happiness); and a verb with a verb (look – stare; looked – stared).

• Avoid starting sentences with conjunctions such as “but” or “because”.

• Do not confuse TRUE/FALSE questions with YES/NO questions.

Do not write T/F for TRUE/FALSE. Always back up a TRUE/FALSE or YES/NO answer with a reason unless the question specifically says that all you need to do is give the one-word answer.

• When asked to quote a phrase, remember that a phrase refers to a group of words without a verb, for example, ‘in the morning’. If asked to quote consecutive words, keep to the required number of words.

back