SKILLS English First Language Important concepts to know:
TERM MEANING account for Explain why, give the reason for
allude to Refer to
assess Make a judgement after careful consideration
comment Give an opinion on
Look for similarities and differences between x and y;
compare perhaps reach a conclusion about which is preferable TERM MEANING Set in opposition (place x and y opposite to each other) in contrast order to bring differences and or similarities
Give your judgement about the merit of theories, of
criticise opinions or about the truth of ‘facts’; back your judgement by a discussion of evidence or reasoning involved
Set down the precise meaning of a word or phrase. in
define some cases it may be necessary or desirable to examine different possible, or often used, definitions
This requires not only factual information but also some
assessment or evaluation. Investigate or examine by discuss argument; sift and debate; give reasons for and against. Also examine the implications TERM MEANING describe / Give a detailed or graphic account of differentiate Look for the differences between x and y
distinguish Look for the differences between x and y between
Make an appraisal of the worth of something; in the light
evaluate of its truth or usefulness; provide good points and weaknesses
Make clear or plain; interpret and account for; give
explain reasons for
effect State what the reaction is of …………
illustrate Make clear and explicit
TERM MEANING
intention Write about the writer’s purpose
interpret Make clear and explicit. Provide your analysis
Show adequate grounds for decisions or conclusion;
answer the main objections likely to be made of them; give justify reasons why you agree/disagree with a given statement /quotation
Give the main features or general principles of a subject,
outline omitting minor details and emphasizing structure and arrangement
(a) narrate (b) show how things are connected to each
relate other and to what extent they are like, or affect each other/to show a link or connection between x and y TERM MEANING
state Present in brief, concise and clear manner
Give examples by referring to incidents, words and
substantiate comments
Give a concise account of the chief points of a matter,
summarise omitting details and examples
Follow the development or history of a topic from its point
trace of origin Tips for tackling a comprehension:
Read through the
Read through the comprehension passage quickly questions
Ask yourself Read the
some questions passage again 01
READ THROUGH THE PASSAGE QUICKLY
a t ips: Extr ● The title may offer a clue to the ● Get an outline or a contents and purpose of the general picture of the passage. passage. ● The author may help you to identify the time, style and ● Try to picture what you often the subject. are reading. This helps ● The introduction often creates you to focus and read for the atmosphere and provides meaning. the setting for what is to follow. ● The conclusion usually ties up the intention of the author. 02
ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS
● When - does it take place? (Setting – Time, ● Who - is the writer? Who Date, Era) are the characters? ● Why - has this passage ● What - is the main idea been written? What is the of the passage? writer’s intention? ● Where - does it take ● How - does the writer place? (Setting) express himself? What language devices are used? 03 READ THROUGH THE COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
● When you do this, keep ● Many teachers and
the passage in mind. learners prefer reading the questions before ● This will give you clues reading the passage. leading to the answers in the passage. 04
READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN
● This time you should be ● Words and ideas that aware of what has been were at first confusing asked. or difficult, may now become clearer in ● Highlight the main idea context. in each paragraph – each paragraph ● The more familiar you presents a new idea. are with the passage, the easier it should ● The first sentence is become to interpret often the key sentence. and understand what you are reading. Practical advice when responding to exam questions: ● Each question usually contains a question word – underline this.
● Each question usually contains a key word or key idea – circle this.
● Try to remember whether you read this fact near the beginning, middle or end of the passage.
● Put your eyes into ‘Search Mode’ and look down the middle of the paragraph to find the sentence containing the key word or key idea. Read the whole sentence in order to get a complete picture.
● Do not copy directly from the text but refer to it in order to avoid careless factual of spelling mistakes. (This applies particularly to names, places, dates or other relevant information.) Answering techniques: It is important to interpret and follow the instructions exactly as they are given:
● Does the answer need a full sentence, a word or a phrase?
● Avoid starting sentences with conjunctions such as because, and, but and so. The mark allocation is usually a suggestion of the number of points needed. ● Your numbering must correspond to the numbering of the questions – if the number is 1.1.1 you must not answer 1 or A. ● If you are asked to describe in three sentences what the character looks like, do not give two or four. ● Do not give one- word answers if you are asked for a sentence. ● Each answer must be written on a new line. ● When quoting from the text, enclose the quote with “inverted commas”. ● Edit your work to check that you have answered correctly. Spelling and Language errors result in unnecessary loss of marks.
NB: Write clearly and neatly to avoid possible discrepancies.
“Read the following passage and answer the set questions.”
● First, you need to use the
skills discussed above to read and analyse the comprehension passage below.
● Once you’ve completed
IN EXAM PAPER 1, the analysis of the passage and questions, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE GIVEN use your notebook to A COMPREHENSION. answer the set questions. Consolidation: Comprehension is the decoding and understanding of spoken, written and visual texts. Comprehension skills are not only for the classroom but are life skills that need to be developed. The ability to read for meaning is a life skill that must be practiced and honed. Thanks! Do you have any questions?
