Paper 2: comprehension skills
H1 General Paper - syllabus 8881, 2027
Every Paper 2 question type, from language use and inference to the 120-word summary, connection questions and the 12-mark application question.
- How Paper 2 works
Paper 2 has three passages and four kinds of question. The summary and the AQ carry the most marks and all the language marks.
- Language use and illustration questions
Quote the exact words, say what they mean, explain the feeling they create, then link that feeling to the writer's point.
- Inference and evaluation questions
An inference is what the words suggest but do not say. Give the meaning, then point to the words that show it.
- The summary question
Find every relevant point, leave out the examples, and rewrite the points in your own words within 120 words.
- Connection questions across passages
Identify one specific idea from Passage 3 in your own words, then explain exactly how it supports or undermines the claim.
- The application question (AQ)
Build three observations. Each starts from a passage idea, tests it against Singapore with reasons and evidence, and ends in a weighed judgement.
What you will be able to do
I can break a passage into its parts and explain how they work together to make the writer's point.
Syllabus 8881, 3.1.1. analyse arguments to understand the parts of the given texts and how the parts relate to one another to convey an overall meaning
Taught in Language use and illustration questions, Inference and evaluation questions
I can weigh an issue in Singapore and the wider world and explain what it means for people and society.
Syllabus 8881, 3.1.2. analyse and evaluate issues of local, regional and global significance, and their implications on the individual and society (where relevant)
Taught in The application question (AQ)
I can compare ideas across passages and judge whether one supports or undermines another.
Syllabus 8881, 3.1.3. evaluate and synthesise arguments and evidence across texts
Taught in Connection questions across passages
I can build a clear argument that rests on accurate evidence and my own reasoning.
Syllabus 8881, 3.1.4. formulate cogent, informed and insightful arguments
Taught in The application question (AQ)
I can write in a tone that suits the task and an exam reader.
Syllabus 8881, 3.2.1. demonstrate proficient and effective use of the English language appropriate to the purpose, context and audience
Taught in The application question (AQ)
I can present ideas accurately, in a clear order and without wasted words.
Syllabus 8881, 3.2.2. present ideas, information, arguments and perspectives in an accurate, coherent and succinct manner
Taught in The summary question
I can choose precise words and explain what a writer's choice of words does.
Syllabus 8881, 3.2.4. use and demonstrate understanding of a range of vocabulary
Taught in Language use and illustration questions
I can describe how Paper 2 is set out, what each part is worth and how to plan my time.
Syllabus 8881, Paper 2 description. Three passages of continuous prose will be set. The passages will allow for comparative analysis. The length of the passages will be approximately 1200 words in total. There will be a total of 8 or 9 questions in this paper.
Taught in How Paper 2 works
I can answer literal questions on Passage 1 accurately and in my own words.
Syllabus 8881, Paper 2 questions: Passage 1. Questions cover literal comprehension, inference, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of ideas based on Passage 1 (9-11 marks).
Taught in How Paper 2 works
I can work out what a writer suggests but does not say, and show where the passage implies it.
Syllabus 8881, Paper 2 questions: Passage 1. Questions cover literal comprehension, inference, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of ideas based on Passage 1 (9-11 marks).
Taught in Inference and evaluation questions
I can explain how a writer's words and examples support a point, using quote, meaning, effect and link.
Syllabus 8881, Paper 2 questions: Passage 1. Questions cover literal comprehension, inference, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of ideas based on Passage 1 (9-11 marks).
Taught in Language use and illustration questions
I can judge whether part of a passage, such as its ending, does its job, and explain why.
Syllabus 8881, Paper 2 questions: Passage 1. Questions cover literal comprehension, inference, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of ideas based on Passage 1 (9-11 marks).
Taught in Inference and evaluation questions
I can find the relevant points in a passage and summarise them in my own words within 120 words.
Syllabus 8881, Paper 2 questions: summary. Summary based on Passage 2 (8 marks).
Taught in The summary question
I can find an idea in one passage that supports or undermines a claim in another, and justify the link.
Syllabus 8881, Paper 2 questions: connections. Connections of ideas across two passages: Passages 1 and 3, and Passages 2 and 3 (4-6 marks).
Taught in Connection questions across passages
I can apply passage ideas to Singapore with my own examples and reach a weighed judgement.
Syllabus 8881, Paper 2 questions: application. Application based on a theme related to the reading passages (12 marks).
Taught in The application question (AQ)
I can write my summary and application answer in clear, accurate English, because they carry the language marks.
Syllabus 8881, Paper 2 scheme of assessment. Language: 15 marks (based on the responses to the summary and application questions).
Taught in How Paper 2 works, The summary question, The application question (AQ)