Comprehension Strategies (Primary)

1)  Read questions first.  Circle the key words to find out:-

Who	Characters	Andric, Mr Morand, students,classmates, parents
Actions		Think of an excuse Did not submit homework Did not complain about Mr Morand Skip PE lessons Borrow Science worksheets from classmates.
Problem	Look for feelings or “trouble” words	Tremendous relief
Solution		Skip PE lessons Borrow Science worksheets

2)  Make logical deductions.  Do not worry if there are “gaps” in your deductions.  “Gaps” are questions that you think of that are not pointed out in the questions but can only be answered when reading the text.  Actually, the more gaps you have before reading, the better your comprehension of the passage.    

Make Logical Deduction	Sample (Ai Tong English SA1 2010)
Eg Who did something and got into trouble of what and finally what happened in the end	Andric did not do homework? Why? And was afraid of Mr Morand.  Why? So, he decided to skip PE lessons from who? and borrow Science worksheets to copy? Was he discovered for it?  How? Was he punished? How?
Gaps are the questions raised before reading the passage. Words in bold and bigger fonts are the “gaps”.

3) Read the passage twice. 

Reading the first time:  Ask more “gap” questions.

Reading the second time: Aim to answer ALL “gap” questions from the questions and the passage.

Create a suitable title for the passage.

4) Wh words

Who	People	Name
When	Time
Where	Place
Why/ Explain why/ What was the reason	Reason
	Why do you think…?	Reason + General Knowledge
Which	Which word/phrase has the same meaning as “xxx”?	The word is “XXX”.  (Use ‘cut and paste strategy) to check.
What	What	Object/ Reason
	What ----do	Action
	What does “xxx” refer to?	It refers to xxxxx.  (Usually, the answer is in front of the “xxx”.  DO NOT answer with inverted commas.)
	What was the relationship between the author and XXX?	He/she was his/her xxx.
	What was xxx’s occupation?	Xxx was a zzz (job type).
	What can you conclude about …character?
How	How did x FEEL? How did  x  ACTION? How do you know that …? How could you tell that…? Explain how…?	Feelings Describe Action in steps. Evidence + General Knowledge The process/action
Quote	Quote the word/phrase/sentence that indicates/shows that	The sentence is “Sentence.”

5)   Look for key words in the question and find the exact words, synonyms or similar ideas in the passage and circle them. 

Find the answers which are usually nearby.

Choose relevant part.

Underline the answers.

6) When answering the questions…strategies to be discussed in class...