Comprehension
Comprehension in NECO English Language Paper 2 presents a passage of roughly 400–500 words followed by questions testing literal understanding, inference, vocabulary in context, pronoun reference, figures of speech and the grammatical function of words. Marks go to answers that show understanding, not to answers lifted word for word from the passage.
Reading the passage
- First read: identify the topic and the writer's attitude.
- Second read: mark topic sentences, connectives (however, therefore, moreover) and unusual expressions.
- For each question, locate the relevant sentence before you write.
Answering
Answer in complete sentences, in your own words, and match length to the marks: a one-mark question needs one clear statement; a three-mark question needs three distinct points.
Worked example
Passage sentence: The old man's decision was a bitter pill for the family to swallow. Question: What does the writer mean by this expression? Weak answer: It was a bitter pill. (lifting) Strong answer: The family found the old man's decision very difficult to accept. Reasoning: bitter pill is an idiom for something unpleasant that must be endured, and to swallow signals acceptance; the context - a family reacting to a decision - fixes the meaning.
Traps
- Copying whole clauses instead of paraphrasing.
- Answering a yes/no question with only yes or no, without the required explanation.
- Losing the antecedent when asked what this or they refers to.
- Giving two contradictory answers hoping one is right.