Text A: Written Extract (Grade 11 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes
Text A: Written Extract
Introduction to comprehension
In Paper 1 of your NSC English FAL exam, you will encounter a comprehension section featuring a written extract. This extract is accompanied by a series of questions designed to test your understanding of the text. To approach this section successfully, you need to follow a systematic three-step reading process that will help you understand the text thoroughly and answer questions accurately.
The comprehension section tests multiple skills: your ability to understand both explicit and implicit information, identify main ideas, interpret language use, and respond accurately to different question types. Mastering the three-step process will significantly improve your performance.
Step 1: Skim and scan the text and questions
The first step in tackling any written extract is to gain a quick overview of what you're reading. This involves two important techniques: skimming and scanning.
Skimming the text
Skimming means reading quickly through the text to get a general understanding of its content without focusing on every detail. When you skim, you should look for several key features:
Structural elements help you understand how the text is organised. Start by counting the number of paragraphs in the extract. This gives you an idea of the text's length and structure. Pay close attention to the title, as it often provides important clues about the passage's main focus and purpose. Similarly, observe any headings and sub-headings that divide the text into sections.
Author and publication information can provide useful context. Check who wrote the text and, if given, where it was published. This information helps you understand the text's background and intended audience.
Important textual features guide your understanding. Look for key words, names, and topic sentences throughout the extract. Topic sentences are particularly important because they reveal the main idea of each paragraph. As you skim, identify any difficult or unfamiliar words that you might need to pay special attention to during your careful reading.
Opening and closing paragraphs deserve particular attention. The introductory paragraph typically sets the tone for the entire extract and introduces the main subject. The final paragraph usually summarises the key points or provides a conclusion. Understanding these two paragraphs helps you grasp the overall message of the text.
Scanning the questions
After skimming the text, you should scan through the questions. This helps you determine which parts of the text require your closest attention. Look specifically for names of people or places mentioned in the questions, as these will guide you to relevant sections of the text. Pay careful attention to question words and instructions, such as "explain," "identify," or "quote." These tell you exactly what type of answer is expected.
Exam tip: Spend approximately five minutes on this initial skimming and scanning step. This time investment helps you approach the text strategically rather than reading aimlessly.
Step 2: Read the text carefully
Once you've completed your initial overview, it's time to read the text attentively. This careful reading allows you to fully understand the content and prepare for answering questions accurately.
Using the 'WH' questions
As you read, consider the fundamental 'WH' questions that help you understand any text comprehensively:
-
WHO refers to the characters in a fiction text or the people discussed in a non-fiction piece. Identify all the important individuals mentioned and understand their roles or significance in the text.
-
WHAT concerns the main idea or central message of the extract. Ask yourself what the text is primarily about and what key points the writer is making.
-
WHERE relates to the setting or location. Determine where the events take place or where the situation being discussed occurs.
-
WHEN addresses the time element. Consider when the events happen or the time period being discussed. This might be explicitly stated or implied through context.
-
WHY explores the purpose behind the text. Think about why the text was written and what the author wanted to achieve or communicate.
-
HOW examines the writer's methods of expression. Consider how the writer presents ideas through their choice of tone, style, and language use.
Understanding literal and figurative meanings
As you read carefully, you must distinguish between literal and figurative language. Literal meaning refers to the exact, straightforward meaning of words. Figurative meaning involves language that creates a particular effect or conveys meaning beyond the words' basic definitions.
Worked Example: Identifying Figurative Language
If you read "the story touched my soul," this is figurative language. It doesn't mean the story physically touched anything; rather, it expresses that the story had a deep emotional effect on the reader.
Understanding this distinction is crucial for comprehension questions, as you may be asked to interpret both types of meaning.
Step 3: Answer the questions
After thoroughly understanding the text, you're ready to tackle the questions. However, don't rush into writing answers immediately.
Preparing your answers
Begin by reading all the questions carefully before you start answering. This gives you an overview of what's being asked and helps you organise your thoughts. Make rough notes of your initial ideas for each answer. These notes can help you structure your responses more effectively.
Tips for answering comprehension questions
Mark allocation guidance: The number of marks assigned to a question tells you how many points you need to make. If a question is worth two marks, you should provide two distinct points in your answer. This prevents you from writing too little or too much.
Identifying key information: Key words and topic sentences indicate the main idea of a paragraph. Use these to guide your answers, especially when questions ask you to summarise or identify main points.
Using your own words: Unless a question specifically asks you to quote from the text, you should rephrase information in your own words. This demonstrates your understanding of the content rather than just your ability to copy.
Working with synonyms and antonyms: When providing synonyms (words with similar meanings) or antonyms (words with opposite meanings), ensure you use the same part of speech as the given word. For example, if you're given a noun, your synonym or antonym should also be a noun.
Avoiding conjunction starters: When answering questions, don't begin your sentences with conjunctions like 'but' or 'because'. Start with the main point instead.
TRUE/FALSE questions: When answering true or false questions, always justify your answer by explaining why unless the question specifically states otherwise. Your justification should refer to evidence from the text.
Consecutive words: If a question asks you to quote consecutive words from the text, provide the exact phrase as it appears without adding extra words. Consecutive means the words follow one another in sequence.
By following this three-step process systematically, you can effectively understand written extracts and answer comprehension questions with confidence in your Paper 1 exam.
Key Points to Remember:
-
Follow the three-step process: Skim and scan first (5 minutes), read carefully second, then answer questions. This structured approach saves time and improves accuracy.
-
Use the 'WH' questions as your guide: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, and HOW help you understand any text comprehensively during your careful reading.
-
Pay attention to mark allocation: The number of marks tells you how many points to make. Two marks mean two points, three marks mean three points, and so on.
-
Distinguish between literal and figurative language: Understanding the difference helps you interpret questions correctly and provide appropriate answers.
-
Use your own words unless asked to quote: Paraphrasing demonstrates understanding, but always quote exactly when required, especially for consecutive words questions.