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Highway to success with Charles Dube
WE start today’s article from where we left last week, showing how to improve comprehension answers. Learners will recall that we showed various ways of answering different questions. Today’s piece starts on taking note of how much to write as an answer depending on marks allocated. Learners should do just the right amount to get marks.
The idea is to look at the number of marks. Usually at the bottom of each question it is shown how many marks you can get for it. For a 1 mark question you only need to make one point, find one phrase or give one word. If the question is worth 2 marks you will need to have two bits to your answer. The sample for 3 mark questions, you will need to make three points. It is emphasised that you will not get three marks for a one-word answer.
If the question says, “Write down 4 phrases . . .” you should write exactly four phrases. Some examination questions come with answer spaces showing you how much to write. This gives the learner a massive clue as to how much she or he needs to write. If the lines go all the way across the page write a sentence. If you cannot fit your answer into the space chances are that you have written too much. Read through the question again and check exactly what was required.
It is important to understand what questions mean. Work out what the question wants you to do. Look out for key words in the question. Different questions need answering in different ways. It is worth looking out for key words in the question to help you decide how to answer it. When examiners ask questions about language learners have to write about the words that a writer chooses to describe things.
To achieve this learners have to write about descriptions. Write about the words a writer uses to describe whatever he chooses. Watch out for questions that ask for your opinion. Some of them ask specifically for what you think. Experts say, “It’s normally a bad idea to write ‘I think’ or ‘In my opinion’ in reading question answers. The only time you should is if the question specifically asks what you think.
In answering opinion questions you just have to remember to give reasons for what you think. Say what you think. Do not give your opinions unless the question asks you to. Another suggestion given is to always use the question pointers. Often a question will be followed by some pointers telling the learner what to put in the answer. When the question says, “State . . .’’ it means say clearly. When a question says, “Comment . . .” it is asking you to give your views on something.
Some questions require that you use your own words. Use own words to show that you understand the question. When you give your answer, do not just copy out what the piece says word for word. Quotes help learners earn more marks as they show exactly where the answer comes from. Quotes have speech marks. Explain why you are using the quote. There two ways of using the quote. You can put the explanation before the quote or you can give the quote first.
Quotations are frequently used in Literature answers. Talking of Literature in English, learners think more of the Shakespeare text. Top of their minds is the language used, that they are not going to understand it. But the trick of doing it is to show the examiner that you understand what is going on. To show you understand the bits of the play, you need to write about the way the characters are feeling and write about Shakespeare’s choice of words.
Even if you are studying a play learners should not forget to write paragraphs. Every time they introduce a new idea, they should start a new paragraph. They should try to sound interested in the play, even if they do not like it. They should show the examiners that they are keen by using lots of interesting words and phrases in their answers.
In a nutshell, for students to succeed in Shakespeare, “they should show they get what is going on, use lots of quotes from the play, and write clearly in proper paragraphs with interesting words.” Learners have to write about set scenes in detail and show that they know them thoroughly. Read scenes through before attempting to answer the questions. They should keep looking back to them as they write their answers.
Before answering the question learners should check exactly what the task is asking for. On essay questions it is advisable to plan the essay before writing as this will get your ideas straight and points will be arranged in sensible order and such an arrangement means you will not forget anything important. Finally, you need to write your answer well. Watch your paragraphs, sentences and spelling.
“Think about what you want to say, and make sure your sentences are clear. Every time you make a new point, start a new paragraph. Take care with spellings.”
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Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter