Quick answer
Feeling that heart-sinking panic when you realise time's running out on your comprehension paper? Breathe first. Focus on clarity over complicated words, and avoid common mistakes to save time and score more marks.
What you need to know
Comprehension questions test how well you understand a passage and express that understanding clearly. The trick is not just to know the answers but to write them in a way that sounds natural and is easy for the examiner to follow.
Common mistakes students make
Awkward phrasing
Many students write sentences that are grammatically correct but sound unnatural. For example, "The boy went to the market to buy vegetables" sounds better as "The boy went to the market for vegetables." Native speakers usually phrase it like this. It's not about fancy words but about sounding natural.
Overusing memorised vocabulary
I've seen students use big words they memorised but can't use confidently. This often makes sentences awkward. Stick to words you know well. Clarity is more important than complexity.
Translating directly from mother tongue
This sentence sounds awkward because it's a direct translation. For example, "She is my mother who is very kind" is clearer as "My mother is very kind." Many students at Band 6 make this mistake repeatedly.
Exam tip
Manage your time
Running out of time is a common issue. Allocate time for each section, and stick to it. If you can't finish a question, move on and come back if you have time.
Presentation matters
Write neatly and use paragraphs to separate your answers. This makes it easier for the examiner to follow your thoughts.
Worked examples
Question
Read the passage and answer the following:
- Why did the boy go to the market?
- What did he buy?
Solution
Step 1: Identify the key part of the passage that answers the question.
Why: Knowing where to find the answer saves time. You're not reading the whole passage again.
Step 2: Write your answer in a simple, clear sentence. "The boy went to the market for vegetables."
Why: Simple sentences are easier to understand and reduce the chance of making mistakes.
Step 3: Check if your answer sounds natural.
Why: A more natural way to say this is clearer and sounds better to the examiner.
Quick check
- Rewrite this sentence to sound more natural: "The teacher who is very strict taught us."
- Translate this directly from your mother tongue and then make it sound natural in English: "My house is near to the school."
Answers:
- "The very strict teacher taught us."
- Direct translation: "Near to the school is my house." Natural: "My house is near the school."
Quick summary
- Focus on clarity over complex vocabulary.
- Avoid direct translations from your mother tongue.
- Write naturally to improve sentence flow.
- Allocate time to each section of the paper.
- Write neatly and use paragraphs in your answers.
FAQ
Q: How can I improve my vocabulary for comprehension?
A: Focus on understanding and using words you know well. It's better to use simple words correctly than to misuse complex ones.
Q: What if I don't understand the passage?
A: Read the questions first to know what to look for in the passage. This can guide your understanding.
Q: How do I manage my time during exams?
A: Allocate specific times for each section and stick to them. Practice with timed exercises to get used to the pressure.
Q: Is it okay to leave questions blank if I'm out of time?
A: Try to write something for every question. Even a partial answer can earn some marks.
Free practice
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