HOW TO TACKLE A COMPREHENSION
Steps:
Read the questions first so you know what information to look for.
Read the passage carefully. Highlight or underline important words and
ideas.
Read each question carefully and identify the action verb.
Answer in your own words unless the question asks you to quote.
Use the number of marks to guide the length of your answer.
Answer the question directly and avoid unnecessary information.
Check that your answer is clear, complete and grammatically correct.
ACTION VERBS:
Action verbs tell you exactly what you need to do in your answer.
IDENTIFY = name or point out something.
Example: Identify the main character.
Answer: The main character is Sarah.
STATE = give a direct answer.
Example: State where the story takes place.
Answer: The story takes place in Cape Town.
LIST = give the required items.
Example: List two reasons why the character was upset.
Answer: She was tired and she had failed her test.
EXPLAIN = make something clear by giving reasons.
Example: Explain why the character left.
Answer: She left because she was angry with her friend.
DESCRIBE = give details about something.
Example: Describe the setting.
Answer: The setting is dark, quiet and isolated.
1
, DEFINE = give the meaning of a word or concept.
Example: Define the word “reluctant”.
Answer: Reluctant means unwilling or hesitant.
COMPARE = show similarities and differences.
Example: Compare the two characters.
Answer: Both characters are determined, but Sarah is more confident.
CONTRAST = show differences.
Example: Contrast the two characters.
Answer: Sarah is confident, while Mia is shy.
DISCUSS = give a detailed answer with different points.
Example: Discuss the character’s behaviour.
Answer: The character is selfish because she ignores others and only thinks
about herself.
ANALYSE = examine something closely and explain how or why.
Example: Analyse the effect of the word “terrified”.
Answer: It emphasises how extremely scared the character is.
JUSTIFY = give reasons to support your answer.
Example: Justify your answer.
Answer: I agree because the character repeatedly helps others.
INFER = work out an answer using clues from the passage.
Example: Infer how the character feels.
Answer: She feels nervous because she is described as shaking and
avoiding eye contact.
EVALUATE = give an opinion and support it with reasons.
Example: Evaluate the character’s decision.
Answer: Her decision was sensible because it kept her safe.
QUOTE = copy the exact words from the passage.
Example: Quote a word that shows the character is angry.
Answer: “Furious”
SUMMARISE = give the main points briefly.
Example: Summarise why the character left.
Answer: She left because she was angry, disappointed and wanted to be
alone.
TIP
2
Steps:
Read the questions first so you know what information to look for.
Read the passage carefully. Highlight or underline important words and
ideas.
Read each question carefully and identify the action verb.
Answer in your own words unless the question asks you to quote.
Use the number of marks to guide the length of your answer.
Answer the question directly and avoid unnecessary information.
Check that your answer is clear, complete and grammatically correct.
ACTION VERBS:
Action verbs tell you exactly what you need to do in your answer.
IDENTIFY = name or point out something.
Example: Identify the main character.
Answer: The main character is Sarah.
STATE = give a direct answer.
Example: State where the story takes place.
Answer: The story takes place in Cape Town.
LIST = give the required items.
Example: List two reasons why the character was upset.
Answer: She was tired and she had failed her test.
EXPLAIN = make something clear by giving reasons.
Example: Explain why the character left.
Answer: She left because she was angry with her friend.
DESCRIBE = give details about something.
Example: Describe the setting.
Answer: The setting is dark, quiet and isolated.
1
, DEFINE = give the meaning of a word or concept.
Example: Define the word “reluctant”.
Answer: Reluctant means unwilling or hesitant.
COMPARE = show similarities and differences.
Example: Compare the two characters.
Answer: Both characters are determined, but Sarah is more confident.
CONTRAST = show differences.
Example: Contrast the two characters.
Answer: Sarah is confident, while Mia is shy.
DISCUSS = give a detailed answer with different points.
Example: Discuss the character’s behaviour.
Answer: The character is selfish because she ignores others and only thinks
about herself.
ANALYSE = examine something closely and explain how or why.
Example: Analyse the effect of the word “terrified”.
Answer: It emphasises how extremely scared the character is.
JUSTIFY = give reasons to support your answer.
Example: Justify your answer.
Answer: I agree because the character repeatedly helps others.
INFER = work out an answer using clues from the passage.
Example: Infer how the character feels.
Answer: She feels nervous because she is described as shaking and
avoiding eye contact.
EVALUATE = give an opinion and support it with reasons.
Example: Evaluate the character’s decision.
Answer: Her decision was sensible because it kept her safe.
QUOTE = copy the exact words from the passage.
Example: Quote a word that shows the character is angry.
Answer: “Furious”
SUMMARISE = give the main points briefly.
Example: Summarise why the character left.
Answer: She left because she was angry, disappointed and wanted to be
alone.
TIP
2
