Questions are phrased in different ways so as to test the following:
1. Understanding of the Main Idea
2. Content of the Passage
3. Vocabulary
4. Inferences and Opinions
1. Understanding of the Main Idea
The main idea is the central topic around which other information revolves. The question below tests whether you have siphoned out the main idea. Question: What would be a suitable title for the passage?
2. Content of the Passage
Some questions want you to recognise facts and other relevant information given in the passage. They are usually Wh–questions. Most of the time, answers are straightforward and can be found in the passage.
Examples of Wh - questions:
• What colour had the frog turned into?
• What do monkeys feed on when suffering from a stomachache?
• Where was the concert held?
• How did Ali rescue the cat?
• When did the orphans leave the home?
3. Vocabulary
You need to understand the meaning of certain words or phrases as they are used in a passage; or you need to pick out words or phrases that mean a certainthing. Do the following :a) Read the sentence in which the word or phrase occurs. If you clearly have no idea what it means, read the paragraph in which it appears. That may giveyou an idea. b) When you give the meaning of a word or phrase be sure it is in the same formor tense as the word or phrase in question.
4. Inferences and Opinions
Some questions ask you to 'infer' from the facts in the passage. Sometimes, you are asked for an opinion. When you infer, you give an answer that is based on the clues found in thepassage. When you give an opinion, you state what you personally think of something.
