The Reading Comprehension Problem
Most students read the passage first, then the questions. That’s backwards.
Read the questions first. Here’s why: when you know what you’re looking for, you read with purpose. Instead of trying to understand everything, you’re scanning for specific information.
This one change saves 10-15 minutes per paper.
The 3-Pass Method
Pass 1: Read All Questions (2 minutes)
Before touching the passage, read every question. Underline the key words in each question.
Example: “What was the main reason the writer decided to move to the city?”
Key words: main reason, move, city.
Pass 2: Skim the Passage (3 minutes)
Read the passage quickly. Don’t try to understand every word. Get the general idea of each paragraph.
As you skim, mentally note: “Paragraph 1 is about the writer’s childhood. Paragraph 3 mentions the move to the city.”
Pass 3: Answer Questions (15-20 minutes)
Now go question by question. You already know roughly where each answer is located. Go to that paragraph and read carefully.
Question Types and How to Handle Them
Vocabulary Questions (“What does the word ___ mean?”)
Look at the sentence containing the word. The context usually gives you the meaning.
Don’t just pick the definition you know. The word might have a different meaning in context.
Example: “The project was abandoned due to lack of funds.”
- Common meaning: left alone
- In context: stopped/discontinued
Inference Questions (“Why do you think…?”)
The answer isn’t stated directly — you need to figure it out from clues.
Strategy: Find the relevant paragraph. Look at what comes before and after the key sentence. The answer is usually implied within 2-3 sentences.
True/False Questions
Read each statement carefully. One wrong word makes it false.
Common trap: The statement uses “all” when the passage says “some,” or “never” when the passage says “rarely.”
Summary-Type Questions (“Based on the passage, explain…”)
These need full-sentence answers in your own words. Don’t copy from the passage — paraphrase.
Structure your answer: [Point from the passage] + [brief explanation in your own words]
Time Management for Paper 2
Paper 2 is 2 hours 15 minutes. Here’s how to split it:
| Section | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 50 min | Don’t rush — this is worth the most marks |
| Summary | 30 min | Identify points first, then write |
| Literature | 25 min | Choose questions you’re confident about |
| Review | 10 min | Check for careless mistakes |
The #1 Comprehension Mistake
Answering in your head instead of on paper.
Many students understand the answer but write something different. The gap between understanding and expressing is where marks get lost.
Practice writing full answers — not just thinking them. Your written answer needs to be clear, grammatically correct, and directly address what was asked.