Study Notes
Reading comprehension involves understanding facts, inferring meanings, and determining the sequence of events. It also includes identifying causes and effects, comparing before and after scenarios, and verifying true or false statements.
- Factual Questions — focus on obvious details from the passage. Example: What did Ali have for dinner?
- Inference — require understanding less obvious details and finding hidden meanings. Example: Which phrase tells you that Mrs Lee was upset?
- Sequencing — involves stating the order of events in a passage. Example: The snail went to call for help.
- Cause and Effect — identify what made something happen and its result. Example: What caused the villagers to push the whale?
- True/False — determine if facts in a passage are true or false. Example: Are the facts in the passage true?
- Vocabulary in Context — ask about the use of a word or phrase in the passage. Example: Which word has the same meaning as...?
- Applied Vocabulary — requires analyzing and using your own words to describe situations or characters. Example: How will you describe the personality of the lion?
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Factual Questions: Focus on obvious details from the passage.
- Inference: Understanding less obvious details and finding hidden meanings.
- Sequencing: Stating the order of events in a passage.
- Cause and Effect: Identifying what made something happen and its result.
- True/False: Determining if facts in a passage are true or false.
- Vocabulary in Context: Asking about the use of a word or phrase in the passage.
- Applied Vocabulary: Analyzing and using your own words to describe situations or characters.
Common Confusions
- Confusing the order of events with the order they appear in the text.
- Misinterpreting hidden meanings in inference questions.
Typical Exam Questions
- What did Ali have for dinner? Answer: Ali had chicken rice for dinner.
- Which phrase tells you that Mrs Lee was upset? Answer: Tears rolled down her cheeks.
- How will you describe the personality of the lion? Answer: The lion is timid.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Ability to identify and understand key details in a passage.
- Skill in inferring meanings and understanding implied information.
- Competence in determining the sequence of events and cause-effect relationships.