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English notes

How to tackle a comprehension question.

Make your point, give evidence for your point and then explain how this evidence supports your point. (PEE)

Point, Evidence and Explanation (PEE)

Point:

What is the main idea in your paragraph (What point are you making?)

Firstly.

In my opinion.

Arguably.

The writer.

In context.

Evidence:

How do you know your point is correct? (Provide evidence for your claims).

For example...

This is shown when...

We know this because...

Explanation:

Why have you chosen that example as evidence? What technique has the writer used? What effect does it have? (Make sure you explain yourself).

This shows...

From this we can infer...

This is effective because...

The writer uses this technique because / to show...

Tips:

Read the questions and highlight any key words.

Read the passage carefully and thoroughly.

When tackling the questions, carefully read the point of the passage that each question asks you to look at. Highlight the keywords or phrases that relate to the question.

Make sure you answer the questions. Be straight to the point. You do not get any extra marks for inveterate information.

Other general tips:

Look at what marks are allocated to each question. Do not spend 10 minutes answering a question worth 2 marks and 2 minutes answering 10 marks!

Remember if you are quoting marks from the passage to use quotation marks!

Do not just copy large chunks out of the text.

Reread the question after you have written an answer and double check you have covered all points asked for.

by: Francis