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Comprehension Help

Comprehension notes for English

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Tsatsa Maxoli
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23 views5 pages

Comprehension Help

Comprehension notes for English

Uploaded by

Tsatsa Maxoli
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PAPER 1: COMPREHENSION ADVICE

Vocabulary used in the last six papers (2021 – 2023):

appropriate = suitable (does it work?)


argument = line of reasoning
assertion = statement
contrasting = show differences
cues = signals/prompts
diction = word choice
effectiveness = is it a good choice? Does it work?
implications = what is suggested? What can we infer?
indicate = show
irony = a difference between expectation/reality
logic = sense (is it logical?)
objectives = unbiased/factual (opposite of subjective)
paradox = something that does not make sense initially, but upon reflection,
does
purpose = function
repeatedly = over and over
revealed = shown/highlighted
satire = mocking something serious (e.g. social issue) through the use of
humour
specific = particular
suitability = effectiveness (does it work?)
validity = is it authentic? Does it make sense? Does it work?
verbal = to do with words and punctuation
visual = to do with pictures

Advice:

Spend 5 minutes of your reading time skimming the paper to see the
kind of questions set – they should be similar to what you have
practised!

Spend 5 minutes reading the passage set for Question 1.

TEXT A

Having read the passage for the first time, ask yourself:

 What are the main ideas?


 What are the supporting details?
 Is the article balanced or is there a bias (slant)?
 What is the main tone (attitude of the speaker – shown by diction)?
1
What is the mood (feelings of the speaker)?
 What is the intention/purpose/aim of the writer?

On the next reading, read for detail.

Read the questions, taking careful note of the reference points. Use a
highlighter.

Take note of the following questions:

LITERAL QUESTIONS

 Explain a concept/term/phrase/expression
 Explain a word in context
 Give a definition
 Account for

DO NOT merely extract information but explain further.


Use the SEE PRINCIPLE: State  Explain  Evidence (in context)
Use synonyms/say it in a different way! (Use your own words)

STYLISTIC QUESTIONS (STYLE)

Learn the following but always remember to provide context (how is it used in
the text):

1. Single line paragraphs: main focus/idea is emphasised?


What is the context?
2. Rhetorical questions: Makes the reader think/reflect
About what?
3. Statistics/data: Supports the writer’s argument/validates his
opinion
What is said in context?
4. Personal pronouns: Personalises the text/a bond is created with
the
Reader
5. Celebrity endorsement: How is s/he used in context? What does s/he
add?
6. Repetition: Familiarity/to convince/to persuaded/ to
manipulate (How, in context?)

TONE/MOOD/ATTITUDE QUESTIONS

Look at diction (word choice/evidence) as a starting point. Use synonyms in


your answer.

2
For example if the word ‘furious’ is used in the text, you might say the writer
uses an ‘angry’ tone. Look at the evidence and explain it.

1. Tone = attitude (cheerful, dry, assertive, light-hearted, regretful,


humorous, pessimistic, nostalgic, melancholic, facetious, joyful,
sarcastic, arrogant, persuasive, uneasy, regretful, reverent,
inspirational)

2. Mood = feelings

 Locate words, in context


 Think about what they suggest
 Make an association

APPROPRIATE CONCLUSION QUESTIONS

Read the conclusion. Go back to the topic and establish a link.

Does this paragraph (the conclusion) sum up the varying points of view?
(Most conclusions do).

3
DISCUSS/CRITICALLY DISCUSS

Discuss = explore the topic. Present various perspectives/arguments. Make


the statement clear. Provide an explanation, Provide evidence.

Critically discuss = Multiple perspectives. Critically assess them. What are the
strengths/weaknesses? Is there a bias? Respond from all angles.

COMMENT/CRITICALLY COMMENT

Comment = own person opinion in a concise way.


Justify your comment. Give an explanation. Use evidence form the text.

Critically comment = involves a broader comment from more than one


perspective. ‘I think that …’

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

Evaluate = make a judgement. Should be balanced (strengths/weaknesses).


The significance of something is presented based on analysis. Is it effective or
not?

TEXT B

This presents a visual point of view.


Focus on the body language
Take into account the verbal as well.
Understand what is being shown.

Make a link with Text A:


Is Text B for or against?
What is the cartoonist’s message? What is s/he trying to say?
How does it come across?
How does it link to a particular paragraph?

TEXT A/TEXT B QUESTIONS

Draw two columns on your question paper (NOT in your answer book!)

TEXT A TEXT B
What point is being made in relation Refer to the cartoon.
to the topic? (1 mark) How is the point being made visually
and verbally? (1 mark)

Create a link between the two texts, clearly. (2

4
Write your answer now, as a paragraph.

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