Techniques for Answering Comprehension and Summary Questions

Introduction

Comprehension and summary questions test your ability to read a passage, understand it deeply, and express its ideas concisely and accurately in your own words. These skills are examined in WAEC, NECO and JAMB English Language papers.

Answering Comprehension Questions

• Read the passage at least twice before attempting any question.
• Underline or note key words in each question, then locate the relevant section of the passage.
• Answer strictly from the passage; do not add outside information.
• Use your own words as much as possible instead of copying whole sentences, except when quoting is required.
• Answer in complete sentences and keep to the word limit given.

Types of Comprehension Questions

• Literal questions — the answer is directly stated in the passage.
• Inferential questions — the answer must be deduced from clues in the passage.
• Vocabulary-in-context questions — explain the meaning of a word or phrase as used in the passage, not its dictionary meaning.

Writing a Good Summary

• Identify the main points and leave out examples, illustrations and repetitions.
• Rewrite the main points in your own words, in continuous prose unless instructed otherwise.
• Keep strictly to the number of points or words specified in the question.
• Do not include your own opinion or information not found in the passage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Copying long chunks directly from the passage.
• Exceeding or falling far short of the word limit.
• Misreading the instruction word (e.g. 'state' vs 'explain').