Understanding Questions Word Choice Questions Linking Questions Sentence Structure Questions Imagery Questions Use of Language Questions

Understanding Questions

In your own words Qs are not about translating passages of Close Reading word-for-word. We do NOT want a Joey from 'friends' scenario! You are being tested on your ability to paraphrase succinctly. Often the shortest answers (you can bullet-point) gain more marks than those who write a full paragraph. Try and answer this question using no more than 10 words. On the next slide you will get a chance to see the marking guidelines to check if you were correct.

The exam board – the SQA – deliberately choose newspaper articles that contain mature language and expect you to be able to paraphrase what you read. Understanding Qs are a big indicator of your ability. If you struggle with them it is a sign that you will need to read more quality non-fiction newspapers, magazines and books. Try to develop your vocabulary by asking about or looking up words you don’t understand. Reading the rest of the paragraph or passage for clues is also helpful. On the next slide is a table of expressions that pupils were expected to put into their own words in previous exams.

Put the following sentences into your own words… 1. The apartment was absolutely filthy, with an aroma no human could stand. 2. School was a breeze for Alan he was able to succeed with minimum application. His university years were a sad contrast. 3. The movie balances laugh out loud moments with sections that will truly melt your heart.

Understanding = In your own words In the darkness, he could see that the paint was peeling from the woodwork on their doors and windows and that the handsome white facades were cracked and blotchy from neglect. Describe what the house looks like. (2)  He went right up and peered through the glass into the room, and the first thing he saw was a bright fire burning in the hearth. On the carpet in front of the fire, a pretty little dachshund was curled up asleep with its nose tucked into its belly. The room itself, so far as he could see in the half darkness, was filled with pleasant furniture. There was a baby grand piano and a big sofa and several plump armchairs, and in one corner he spotted a large parrot in a cage. Describe why the room appeals to the man. (2) Now, the fact that his landlady appeared to be slightly off her rocker didn’t worry Billy in the least. After all, she not only was harmless—there was no question about that—but she was also quite obviously a kind and generous soul. What is Billy’s opinion of the landlady? (2)