Comprehending - Method
In the Leaving Certificate exam, it is a general rule of thumb that 5 marks are given for a point made that is backed up by evidence from the text, but for a 20 mark question, 3 paragraphs can be sufficient.
Avoid waffle!
- Read the questions first, underlining the key word(s) or phrase(s) in the question.
- Read the passage carefully.
- Locate the passages in the text where the likely answer is to be found and read them again carefully.
- Underline any possible quotations you may wish to use in your answer.
- Plan your answer briefly.
- Answer the questions.
In the Leaving Certificate exam, it is a general rule of thumb that 5 marks are given for a point made that is backed up by evidence from the text, but for a 20 mark question, 3 paragraphs can be sufficient.
- Make a point.
- Back it up with evidence from the text. (Evidence can be in the form of a quotation or a specific reference with a clear explanation).
- Expand / Elaborate on your point.
Avoid waffle!