Comprehesion
O-Level Comprehension questions can be broadly divided into two categories: narrative (stories, personal accounts, descriptive passages) and non-narrative (factual, expository, argumentative, or informational texts). Understanding this distinction is important because each type requires slightly different reading strategies. Below, we will explore the main question types you will encounter in both categories, the techniques for answering them effectively, and worked examples to illustrate how to apply these skills.
Summary Table
| Skill | Definition | How to Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Literal Questions – Factual | The answer is directly stated in the passage. | Lift the answer carefully from the text, but check that it fits grammatically. |
| Literal Questions – Vocabulary | Finding the meaning of a word from the passage. | Use context clues. Explain meaning in a full sentence, not just dictionary definition. |
| Inferential Questions | Requires you to 'read between the lines' and work out what is implied. | 1) Identify key words in the question. 2) Use author’s intention, prior knowledge, and context. 3) Look for tone, emotions, or implied meaning. |
| Reference Questions – Complex | Explains both the literal and deeper meaning of a phrase. | Format: [Evidence] + [Literal Meaning] → highlights/emphasises [Contextual Meaning]. Always link back to the question. |
| Reference Questions – Simple | Find a phrase or sentence that shows what the question asks. | Quote directly: 'The evidence is “_____”.' Use quotation marks. |
| Vocabulary-in-Context | Explain the meaning of a specific word from the text. | Write a full sentence. Example: 'The word “gripped” means “held tightly” because John was scared.' |
| Quotation Questions | Explain what a quoted phrase shows about a character, setting, or idea. | Format: '[Evidence] shows that [character] is [feeling/idea].' Always explain meaning, not just repeat the quote. |
| Flowchart Questions – Emotions | Identify how a character feels at different stages of the passage. | Look for adjectives, tone words, and actions. Categorise feelings as positive, negative, or neutral. |
| Flowchart Questions – Plot/Theme | Track the main events or ideas across the passage. | Summarise each stage briefly: beginning → build-up → climax → resolution. |
| Intended Effect Questions | Explain why the writer used a certain technique and its impact on the reader. | Answer using Purpose + Effect. Example: 'The writer describes the room to create a vivid image (purpose), making the reader feel tense (effect).' |
| Literary Devices | Figurative language used to create impact (metaphor, simile, irony, etc.). | Identify the device and explain its effect. Example: 'This metaphor compares the storm to a wild beast, showing its power and danger.' |
| Unusual & Effective Questions | Explain why a phrase is strange and why it works well. | Unusual: say what the word usually means and how it is different here. Effective: explain how it highlights intensity/contrast. Answer both parts clearly. |
- ⚠️ Quoting directly without explaining the meaning.
- ⚠️ Giving dictionary meanings for vocabulary-in-context questions without considering context.
- ⚠️ Over-interpreting inferential questions beyond what the text suggests.
- ⚠️ Ignoring question keywords and writing generalised answers.
- ⚠️ Mixing up simple and complex reference questions.
- 👉 Always quote when asked for evidence.
- 👉 Write in full sentences unless the question clearly asks for one word/phrase.
- 👉 For inference: don’t over-imagine - stick to what the text suggests.
- 👉 Time management: Don’t spend too long on one question; move on and come back later.