Tips for the Reading Section

1. Skim passage

· Read the title, subtitles, look at pictures, read captions.

· Get an idea of what the article might be about.

2. Read the questions

· This is the information you are looking for and NOTHING ELSE!

· Use a different highlighter colour for each question or part of question

3. Use the clues they give you

· Look at the English glossary words. Find and mark them in the text as you read through.

· Look at the English translations of the questions, mark new vocab words that you can identify. These may also give you some clues to working out vocabulary. Find and mark them in the text as you read through.

4. Read the passage

· 1st time – read quickly, skipping over words/phrases you don’t understand. Don’t get stuck on trying to figure out a single word or phrase.

· Use highlighters to mark bits you will use for your answers. You can use the same piece of information to answer more than one question.

· 2nd time – go back and re-read difficult sections. LOOK FOR DETAILS. Take note of tenses (present/past/future) and subject of verb – this will help you figure out the sentence.

5. Create an outline for your answers in the notes section / back of exam paper

· Look at the text and find the details you have marked for each answer.

· Group them into topics that make sense.

· Order the topics from your outline to create a paragraph that flows.

· Go back through the text to ensure you have used all of the details you marked for each question.

6. Write your paragraph

When writing your answer remember the 4 levels of SOLO Taxonomy (see image below)

· Write full sentences in English that answer the question as accurately as possible.

· Include nice linking words and as many details as possible.

· Do not write in Spanish.

· You could quote / refer to people in the text

Marta says that she likes…

Marta says “I like …

· Ask yourself:

o Have I written as accurate answer as possible? Using the correct tense etc. DON’T SUMMARISE!

o Have I transferred my notes into my answers?

o Is the information relevant to the question?

o Am I presenting the information in a logical order?

Extended Abstract Answers (for excellence)

Use phrases to link ideas and add your own inferences/interpretations/conclusions.

....therefore...

....due to...

....while...

....which implies that...

....which could mean that...

....which suggests that...

7. Proof-Read (VERY IMPORTANT!)

· Use common sense. If the answer feels incomplete or incorrect, it likely is. Go back to your notes and see what you can add or infer. Make and educated guess if necessary.

· Take care with numbers – use common sense – for example a population is most likely to be 7 million instead of 7 thousand.

· Questions to ask yourself:

o Have I answered all parts of the question? (Why, how, who, where, etc.)

o Have I written my answers in the right place?

o Have I removed any ambiguous, irrelevant or alternative answers?

o Does my answer make sense?

o Have I STATED THE OBVIOUS for the examiner? Don’t leave out information that you assume is obvious.

o DO NOT LEAVE ANY QUESTION BLANK. You will get awarded points even for single words.