IGCSE English Guide to Answering  Comprehension Based Questions Paper 1 

Comprehension tasks often require you to read a text carefully, understand both its surface-level (explicit) meaning and deeper (implicit) meaning, and then respond thoughtfully. Below are some important skills and strategies that can help you tackle comprehension questions effectively:

1. Read Actively and Thoroughly

When you first go through a text, underline or highlight key words and phrases. Pay attention to:

• Important names, dates, or details that might be referenced in the questions
• Repetitions of certain ideas or words, which can signal the text’s focus
• Transitions or linking words (e.g., however, furthermore, in contrast) that indicate changes in direction or emphasis

Active reading helps you keep track of main ideas and supporting details, making it easier to refer back to the text later.

2. Identify Explicit and Implicit Meanings

Explicit meanings are straightforward pieces of information stated directly. For example, “John has three cats” explicitly tells us the number and type of pets John owns. Implicit meanings, on the other hand, must be inferred from context. The text may suggest them through tone, description, or subtle hints rather than stating them outright. Practising inference skills by reading widely can greatly help you identify these unspoken ideas.

3. Use Textual Evidence

When answering questions, it’s not enough to provide an idea or claim; you must back it up with examples or quotes from the passage. Try to paraphrase or quote short relevant sections instead of copying full sentences verbatim. This demonstrates your understanding of the source material and shows how you arrived at your conclusion.

4. Pay Attention to Language and Grammar

Comprehension questions often ask you to explore how writers use language. Here are some grammar and language points to focus on:

• Synonyms and Paraphrasing: Rework the original sentence in your own words. This shows you truly understand what the text says.
• Transitions and Linking Words: Words such as therefore, moreover, in addition, despite, and consequently help you express relationships between ideas (cause/effect, contrast, comparison).
• Concise Grammar: Write complete, clear sentences. Avoid overly long or complicated structures that might obscure your meaning.
• Formal vs. Informal Tone: For most comprehension tasks, aim for a relatively formal tone. This means fewer contractions (“it is” rather than “it’s”) and precise language instead of slang or very casual expressions.

5. Structure Your Responses

Whether you’re writing a short answer or a longer paragraph response, organisation matters. Consider using a simple three-step approach:

1. Statement: Give a concise answer to the question.
2. Evidence: Support it with relevant information or quotes from the text.
3. Explanation: Clarify how your evidence connects to your main idea, and if needed, discuss its significance.

6. Developing a Strong Vocabulary

A rich vocabulary helps you express your thoughts clearly and accurately, which is essential in comprehension. Some methods to build and refine your vocabulary include:

• Read Widely: Exposing yourself to various genres—articles, novels, short stories, essays—expands your word bank naturally.
• Keep a Vocabulary Journal: Note down new or interesting words and their definitions. Challenge yourself to use them in your own sentences.
• Use a Thesaurus (with Caution): While synonyms can add variety to your writing, ensure they fit the context. An inappropriate or overly complex word can confuse your readers.
• Practice Contextual Guessing: Sometimes you won’t immediately know a word’s meaning. Observe how it’s used in the sentence or paragraph to infer its definition. Then confirm by checking a reliable dictionary.
• Review and Reuse: Revisit the words you’ve learned and challenge yourself to incorporate them into your speaking and writing. Repetition helps commit them to memory.

7. Manage Your Time Wisely

During practice or an exam, you usually have a set amount of time to answer all questions. Plan roughly how long to spend on each question, ensuring you don’t miss any sections. If you get stuck, move on and come back later.

8. Proofread Before Submitting

Once you’ve written your answers, if time permits, quickly re-check them. Ensure your spelling and punctuation are correct and that your sentences make sense. Sometimes reading your response aloud (quietly if in an exam setting) can help you spot awkward phrases or grammatical slip-ups.

Final Thoughts

Comprehension exercises test your ability to interpret, analyse, and clearly explain what you have read. By combining active reading, structured writing, appropriate use of language, and a growing vocabulary, you can consistently produce high-quality answers. Remember, success in comprehension largely comes from thorough practice, exposure to varied reading materials, and a willingness to keep learning new words and expressions.