Some students struggle with answering the comprehension part of the language paper. Would you like to get more marks? Most comprehension questions follow the order of the passage, you can find the answers in the same order as that in which the questions appear.

Take note of additional tips when reading the questions. Read the questions carefully. Highlight the task words ( e.g. name; identify; list; state) to ensure you understand what you are being asked to do.

Question Words

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Highlight all the question words (where; who; why; what; when; how) which will guide you to what information to look for in the text.
It is important to use your own words and not quote from the text if the question asks you to use your own words. Use the exact words when asked to quote evidence from the passage. When you make spelling errors or copy words incorrectly, the answer will be wrong.

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Practical advice:

• Each question usually contains a Question Word - underline this.

• Each question usually contains a Key Word or Key Idea -underline this.

• Try to remember whether you read this fact near the beginning, middle or end

• Put your eyes into 'search mode' and glance down the centre of the paragraph to find the sentence containing the keyword or key idea. Read the whole sentence in order to obtain a complete picture

• Do not copy directly from the text but refer to it in order to avoid careless factual or spelling mistakes (This applies particularly to names, places, dates, or other relevant information.)

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• If you are asked to supply a synonym or an antonym:
  i) Replace it with the same part of speech e.g. a noun with a noun, and an adverb with an adverb.
  ii) Take the word that you have chosen back to the passage. Replace the original word with this synonym and see if it is appropriate.

• Pay attention to line and paragraph references. Paragraphs are numbered on the left (1, 2, 3, 4,) and lines are numbered on the right ( 5, 10, 15, etc.)

• Most comprehension questions follow the order of the passage, you can find the answers in the same order as that in which the questions appear.
• Copy the examine's number system exactly as it appears in the text (e.g. 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, etc.)
• Take note of the mark allocation for each question which will give you an idea of how long your answer should be.

Mark Allocation

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• The mark allocation for each question will give you an idea of how long your answer should be.

Start with Yes or No

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• Before you give your reason when answering open-ended questions, you must write 'yes' or 'no' and then continue to give your reason

True or False or Yes or No?

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• You may only write 'true" or 'false' when it is a 'true' or 'false' question. Do not answer 'yes' or 'no'
• Read through your answers to make certain that it makes sense

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To follow: Answering Techniques

Source:
EBH Joubert. English Grammar
https://www.x-kit.co.za/study-help/7-winning-tips-english-comprehension

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