The Use your own words question

Self study notes for Paper 2: Comprehension

What does the question test? You’ll get zero for using the key words by the

author in the passage.

Question requires you to use your own words.

Type 1 of “Use your own words” questions First, get the points for the answer from the

passage.

Then, rephrase the key words.

(They are factual questions and your own words are required.)

Example past year questions1. The author criticises the actions of the early

excavators in obscuring the site (line 44). Explain in your own words what two other criticisms he makes of them.

2. Explain in your own words why the gaucho’s house felt like a prison during the ‘thistle years’.

How to answer this type of question?1. Find the answer in the passage.

2. Find the key words in the author’s expression.

3. (1 mark =1 key word)

4. Change these key words to synonyms or phrases with similar meaning.

5. Write in a complete sentence.

How this method worksExample:

The chief forest ranger was giving one of his talks on his favourite animal – the tiger. “Although the tiger would rather avoid confrontations with humans, it may attack them under certain circumstances– if a human has trespassed into its territory, or he is seen as a threat to the female’s cubs. The onset of old age, and consequently diminishing hunting skills may also encourage a tiger to attack a human,” he explained. Then, looking directly at the only two tourists into the audience which had expressed interest in the night forest trekking, he add, “Since the tigers are nocturnal hunters, usually attacking from the rear, I would advise all night forest trekking to keep their eyes and ear open as they take in the wonders of the forest after dark.”

Questions:

(a) Using your own words, explain why aging tigers may attack humans.

(b) Why are the night trekkers advised to keep their eyes and ears open? Use your own words in your answer.

a) Using your own words, explain why aging tigers may attack humans.Locate the answer in the author’s words: “the onset of the old age and consequently diminishing hunting skills”

Extract the key words: Diminishing + hunting skills

Express these in your own words: deteriorating + ability to catch prey + abilities/adept

Arrive at the final answer: Because these tigers’ ability to catch their prey deteriorates with age.

b) Why are the night trekkers advised to keep their eyes and ears open? Use your own words in your answer.

The answer in the author’s words:“Tigers are nocturnal hunters and usually attack from the rear.”

Nocturnalhunters

(hunt) Night/after dark Attackingseek out & usually

catch prey rearIn most cases pouncingback/behind

Final answer:Because more often than not, tigers seek out and catch their prey after dark, and in most cases, pounce on them from behind.

The key words and own words

Type 2 of “Use your own words” questionsWhat do I have to do?

1. Explain what the author means by a word, phrase, sentence or expression.

2. Analyse the author’s use of language.

Examples:1. A “rosy picture is painted” for the future of the holiday

industry. Explain the author’s expression here.

2. Winter sports are said to have a “magical appeal” for tourists. What does the expression “magical appeal” mean here?

3. What is meant by “figures in every stage in between”?

What do I have to do?

Identify key words/ ideas

Substitute each word with a synonym/phrase or words associated with them. Consider what these words suggest.

Phrase your answer in a complete sentence.

Gentle reminder:To help you answer Type(11) questions,

you must be aware of:

1. idioms

2. phrasal verbs

3. similes

4. metaphors