It is important to interpret and follow the instructions exactly as they are given when answering questions because comprehension strategies are conscious plans. It helps students become active purposeful readers, who are in control of their own reading comprehension.
Answering techniques
- Does the answer need a full sentence, a word or a phrase?
Avoid Conjunctions
- Avoid starting sentences with conjunctions such as because, and, but and so.
- The mark allocation is usually an indication of the number of points needed.
- Your numbering must correspond to the numbering of the questions - if they number it (a), you must not number it (1).
- If you are asked to describe in three sentences what the characters look like, do not give two or four sentences.
- Do not give one word answers if you are asked for sentences.
- Each answer must be written on a new line. Some teachers prefer you to number your questions in the centre of the page and to leave a line after each answer.
- When quoting from the text, enclose the quote with single inverted commas.
Use Adjectives to Describe Tone
- When asked to describe the tone of any text, use one adjective.
- Edit your work to check that you have answered correctly. Spelling and language errors result in an unnecessary loss of marks.
- Write clearly and neatly to avoid possible discrepancies.
"Effective comprehension strategy instruction can be accomplished through cooperative learning, which involves students working together as partners or in small groups on clearly defined tasks. Cooperative learning instruction has been used successfully to teach comprehension strategies. Students work together to understand texts, helping each other learn and apply comprehension strategies. Teachers help students learn to work in groups. Teachers also provide modelling of the comprehension strategies."
Seven Strategies to Teach Students Text Comprehension
By: C.R. Adler
Source: EBH Joubert; English Grammar
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/seven-strategies-teach-students-text-comprehension
C.R. Adler
