Reading comprehension is an essential skill used in school, exams, and even daily life. It involves reading a passage, understanding it, and responding to questions based on its content. Many learners struggle with comprehension, not because they cannot read, but because they are unsure how to approach the questions effectively. The good news is that with the right method and practice, anyone can improve their reading comprehension skills. Here is how to answer reading comprehension questions.
- Read the Questions First
Before diving into the passage, take a moment to skim through the questions. This helps you know what to look out for as you read. It gives you a sense of direction and highlights important details, such as dates, names, reasons, or cause-and-effect relationships.
Example: If a question asks, “Why did the character leave the house?” you can read while focusing on actions or events related to that decision.
- Read the Passage Carefully
Now, read the passage all the way through without trying to answer any questions yet. Pay attention to the main idea of each paragraph, the tone of the writer, and how the ideas are connected. Do not rush this part — understanding the general message is key to answering most questions.
You may underline or highlight key words, especially if you’re allowed to mark your text.
- Understand What Each Question Is Asking
After reading, return to the questions and read each one properly. Identify the type of question you’re dealing with. Some may ask for specific facts, while others require interpretation or summarising.
Here are common types of questions:
- Literal questions ask you to find facts directly stated in the text.
- Inferential questions require you to read between the lines and understand implied meanings.
- Vocabulary questions test your understanding of word meanings based on context.
- Opinion or critical thinking questions may ask for your judgement based on the passage.
- Refer Back to the Text
Don’t rely on memory alone. Go back to the passage to locate where the answer is. For literal questions, the answer will often be in a single sentence or paragraph. For more complex questions, you might need to look across multiple sentences to understand the full meaning.
Always match your answer with evidence in the passage to avoid guessing.
- Answer in Your Own Words When Required
Some questions will ask you to explain something “in your own words.” Avoid copying entire sentences from the passage. Instead, rewrite the idea using simple, clear language that still carries the same meaning.
Example:
Passage: “The storm caused massive destruction in the coastal village.”
Question: What happened to the coastal village?
Answer: The village was badly damaged by the storm.
- Use Complete Sentences
Where possible, answer using full sentences to show understanding and maintain proper grammar. Avoid one-word or fragmented answers unless the question clearly asks for them.
Example:
Question: Where did the event take place?
Answer: The event took place in the town hall.
- Review Your Answers
Once you’ve completed all the questions, go back and read your answers. Check for spelling, grammar, and clarity. Make sure every answer makes sense and relates directly to what the question is asking.
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