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GUIDELINES: NSC ENGHL PI
SOURCE:
ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE: PAPER 1 – GRADE 12 JUST IN TIME REVISION BOOKLET 2022
QUESTION 1 - COMPREHENSION
1.1 COMPREHENSION SKILLS
COMPREHENSION STRATEGIES: 3R²S
R - READ the TITLE OR HEADINGS –
• Think about them, understand them. What is this article about?
• The TITLE helps you make sense of the article.
• What makes this title interesting?
• THE TITLE SUMS UP THE ARTICLE!
R - READ the FIRST paragraph carefully.
• The first paragraph sets the tone of the article and provides us with a basic sense of
what it is about.
• The major themes (markers) are introduced and developed.
S - SKIM the PASSAGE.
• This provides an overall idea or outline of the article.
R - READ the LAST paragraph carefully.
• The last paragraph usually sums up the article.
• It encourages a response from the reader and links to the introduction.
R - READ the PASSAGE using a pencil.
• Carefully reading, identifying and underlining the main ideas of each paragraph
forces you to focus on the important aspects of the article.
S - SKIM QUESTIONS.
• Underline the instruction words and key words in the QUESTIONS in pencil
R - RESPOND by starting with the KEY words in question.
R - READ your ANSWER carefully.
• Read the question again and respond to the question with your answer.
• Does your answer make sense?
S - SCRUTINISE the question again.
• This time FOCUS on the mark allocation.
• Hint: A question worth 3 marks probably requires the following:
PEELS METHOD
(Point, Evidence, Explain / Link / Substantiate)
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HOW TO APPROACH SECTION A: COMPREHENSION / QUESTION 1
• To begin with, there is terminology which is important to know and understand for the
comprehension section.
• This vocabulary is used to explain language in context, tone and style.
• You must be also able understand the question words (instructional verbs) and decode
the question in order to provide a complete response.
INSTRUCTIONAL VERBS [IMPERATIVES]
INSTRUCTIONAL MEANING
VERB
ACCOUNT FOR Give reasons for; explain (give an account of; describe), explain
why.
ALLUDE TO Refers to.
ASSESS. Make a judgement after careful consideration
COMMENT ON Give an opinion on, or an explanation for it.
COMPARE Highlight the differences and similarities between the two entities
CONTRAST presented and say if any of the shared similarities or differences are
more important than others.
• ‘Compare’ and ‘contrast’ often feature together in a question.
COMPARE Look for similarities and differences between; perhaps conclude
which is preferable; implies evaluation.
CONTRAST Bring out the differences between the entities involved.
CRITICISE Make judgements about a subject after careful thought. Support your
judgement with evidence or reasoning involved.
CRITICALLY Break down the topic into the main ideas and look at them in
ANALYSE terms of strengths and weaknesses.
CRITICALLY Give your verdict as to what extent a statement is true, or to what
EVALUATE extent you agree with them. Come to a conclusion, based on what you
judge to be the most important factors.
DEDUCE Reach a conclusion; infer.
DEFINE Give the precise meaning. Examine the different possible or often-
used definitions.
DETERMINE Find out something;
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DESCRIBE Provide a detailed explanation of the processes behind how and why
something happens.
DISCUSS Use reasoning, backed up by carefully selected evidence, to make a
case for and against an argument. Remember to arrive at a conclusion
DIFFERENTIATE / Look for the differences between the given entities.
DISTINGUISH
BETWEEN
EVALUATE Appraise the worth of something in the light of its truth or
usefulness; assess and explain; provide strengths and weaknesses.
EXAMINE Look at carefully; consider; break down the main points in more
. detail and describe each point carefully.
EFFECT State what the reaction is of…
(What is the effect
of…)
EXPLAIN Give reasons for a particular event or situation. State the ‘how’ and
‘why’, account for causes, results and implications. Use examples to
support your explanation.
ILLUSTRATE Explain the points that you are making clearly by using examples or
. other supporting information
JUSTIFY / Make a case by providing a body of evidence to support your ideas
GIVE EVIDENCE and points of view.
OUTLINE Describe or explain the main ideas or points without going into
details. Use a logical arrangement
PROVE Show that something is true or certain; provide strong evidence to
support your assertion.
REVIEW When you review, critically examine, analyse and comment on the
major points of a subject, in an organised manner.
REFLECT Think deeply or carefully about something; seriously consider …
STATE Present in a brief, clear form.
SUBSTANTIATE Make a case by providing a body of evidence to support your ideas
and points of view.
SUMMARISE Give a concise account of the chief points of a matter, removing
unnecessary detail.
SUPPORT Give reasons or evidence to substantiate your response.
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TRACE Follow the development of a topic / an issue, from its origin.
TO WHAT EXTENT This type of question calls for a thorough assessment of the evidence
… in presenting your argument. Explore alternative explanations where
they exist.
APPARENT Clearly visible; obvious.
CONTRADICTION A combination of statements, ideas, or features which are opposed to
one another.
REFERENCE(S)
• Eng. HL P1 Resource Pack: Comprehension and Visual Literacy / Gauteng Ed Dept. 2019
• The Unit for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching /UELT 2008 / University of Kent
• A 301 Academic Skills Centre Resource / www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/30
• Student Learning Services / Libraries and Learning Services / University of Auckland
ADD ON…
INSTRUCTIONAL VERBS (QUESTIONING WORDS)
INSTRUCTIONAL MEANING
VERB
ACCOUNT FOR Explain why, give the reason
ALLUDE TO Refer to
ASSESS Make a judgement
COMMENT Give an opinion
COMPARE Look for similarities AND differences
CONTRAST Show the similarities
CRITICISE Give your judgement by discussing the evidence
DEFINE Give the definition
DISCUSS Give the facts but also give an assessment
DESCRIBE Give details
DISTINGUISH Look for the differences
BETWEEN
EVALUATE Provide good points (strengths) and weaknesses
EXPLAIN Make clear
ILLUSTRATE Make clear
INTENTION Writer’s purpose
JUSTIFY Show why a decision or conclusion has been made
OUTLINE Give the main points
STATE Present in brief
SUBSTANTIATE Give examples by referring to an incident, word
SUMMARISE Give the main points
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IMPORTANT TERMS USED IN COMPREHENSION
TERM MEANING
Ambiguity More than one meaning, one less obvious
Contradiction Ideas which are opposed to one another
Irony What appears to be is in contrast with what is actually the case
Paradox Absurd or contradictory statement which proves to be true
Sarcasm Use of irony as ridicule
Satire Ridicule used to expose or criticize issue
SOURCE:
ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE: PAPER 1 – GRADE 12 JUST IN TIME REVISION BOOKLET 2022
