Comprehension and Summary SkillsPrepared by Mrs. Raj

1. Question TypesFirstly you must be able to identify the different types of questions that are presented in a comprehension paper.

1. These question types can be classified into 4 categories. These categories are:

a) Literal questionsb) Inferential questionsc) Use of language questionsd) Use your own questions

A. Literal QuestionHow are literal questions presented?Here are some examples to guide you. Pay attention to the key phrases that help you identify a literal question.

Cite a word that suggests_______ State two reasons that suggest_____ How did ______ overlap in the past? How does ______ resolve the problem? What two observations does the writer make about_____? What according to the author contributes to _____? What is one outcome that arises as a result of____?

What does this type of question require you to do?Just copy and paste from the passage!

B. Inferential QuestionHow are inferential questions presented?Inferential questions can be further divided into 2 categories:i. Application- Inferential questionsii. Interpretation- Inferential questions

Lets look at some examples for each type of inferential question and explore what you are required to do when answering these questions.

B. Application- Inferential QuestionHow are application- inferential questions presented?Here are some examples to guide you. Pay attention to the key phrases that help you identify an application- inferential question.

What does the phrase ‘___’ suggest about gender relations? What techniques does the writer employ to suggest his skepticism towards

the view that ___? Infer the trait associated with fields that see higher percentage of female

workers Suggest two reasons why_________

What does this type of question require you to do?Make a logical deduction based on your reading and context of the passage.

B. Interpretation- Inferential QuestionHow are interpretation - inferential questions presented?Here are some examples to guide you. Pay attention to the key phrases that help you identify interpretation- inferential question.

What are your impressions of ________ based on your reading of this statement?

What is the writer suggesting about the situation when she asserts that ‘_____’?

What are your impressions of _______ in the passage? Aside from ____, why is it a terrible time to be a teenager?

What does this type of question require you to do?Contextualise your reading and provide and interpretation

C. Use of Language QuestionHow are Use of Language questions presented?Here are some examples to guide you. Pay attention to the key phrases that help you identify the Use of Language question.

Explain the metaphor ‘___’ Quote what the word ‘even’ suggests about the perception the members of

public. Quote a word from the paragraph that has the same meaning as____ Pick a phrase that has the same meaning as ‘__’

What does this type of question require you to do?It requires you to interpret ideas presented by the writer with reference to

specific language/ literary devices.

D. Use Your Own WordsHow are Use Your Own Words questions presented?Here are some examples to guide you.

In your own words, explain/ describe why/ the consequence of______ as it is used in the passage.

Explain in your own words, how ____ differ from those that exist today According to the writer, what is one worrying trend ____. Explain in

your own words.

What does this type of question require you to do?USE YOUR OWN WORDS!!

Contextualise your translation

Summary QuestionOnce animals had lost the respect they enjoyed in prehistoric times…. they were often mistreated or killed unnecessarily.’ [lines 23-25]

Write a summary of the ways in which, according to the writer, Man has mistreated and destroyed animals.

Use only materials from lines 26 to the end of the passage.

Your summary, which must be in continuous writing, must not be longer than 120 words, not including the 10 given words below.

Begin your summary as follows:

In relatively recent times, Man mistreated animals, using them for…

Summary QuestionStep 1: Underline key words

Once animals had lost the respect they enjoyed in prehistoric times…. they were often mistreated or killed unnecessarily.’ [lines 23-25]

Write a summary of the ways in which, according to the writer, Man has mistreated and destroyed animals.

Use only materials from lines 26 to the end of the passage.

Your summary, which must be in continuous writing, must not be longer than 120 words, not including the 10 given words below.

Begin your summary as follows:

In relatively recent times, Man mistreated animals, using them for…

Summary Question

Step 2: Draw a line across the line references given in the passage

Step 3: Underline and number points based on the requirements- a) Ways man has mistreated animalsb) Ways man has destroyed animalsThere are more than 12 points in a passage. Remember you must secure the full content marks!

Summary Question

Step 4:List points on a piece of paper and attempt to paraphrase key words only. Then select appropriate conjunctions to use [ lets do this together].

Summary Question

Step 5:Write out your summary and check your work. Ensure you stay within the word limit.

Average time taken- 20-25 mins [once it becomes a habit!]