Summary
Reading comprehension involves understanding the facts, inferring meaning, and figuring out the order of events in a passage. It also includes identifying cause and effect, determining true or false statements, and understanding vocabulary in context.
- Factual Questions — questions focusing on obvious details from the passage. Example: What did Ali have for dinner?
- Inference — questions requiring less obvious details, often 'hidden' in the text. Example: Which phrase tells you that Mrs Lee was upset?
- Sequencing — questions about the order of events in a passage. Example: Which event happened first?
- Cause and Effect — questions identifying what made something happen and its results. Example: What caused the villagers to push the whale?
- True/False — questions determining if the facts in a passage are true or false. Example: Are the facts stated in the passage true or false?
- Vocabulary in Context — questions about the meaning of words or phrases in the passage. Example: Which word has the same meaning as 'happy'?
- Applied Vocabulary — questions requiring analysis and use of your own words to describe situations or characters. Example: How would you describe the lion's personality?
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Factual Questions: Focus on obvious details from the passage.
- Inference: Look for clues to understand hidden meanings.
- Sequencing: Determine the order of events.
- Cause and Effect: Identify causes and their effects.
- True/False: Verify the truth of statements in the passage.
- Vocabulary in Context: Understand the meaning of words in the passage.
- Applied Vocabulary: Use your own words to describe situations or characters.
Common Confusions
- Confusing the order of events with their appearance in the text.
- Misinterpreting hidden meanings in inference questions.
Typical Exam Questions
- What did Ali have for dinner? Answer: Look for specific details in the passage.
- Which phrase tells you that Mrs Lee was upset? Answer: Identify clues that suggest emotions.
- How would you describe the lion's personality? Answer: Use descriptive words based on the passage.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Ability to identify and understand key details.
- Skill in inferring meanings from context.
- Understanding of vocabulary and its application.