Reading Strategy:

Analysing the Questions

Analysing the question has 2 important functions. Firstly, we must read the question before we can
answer it! Secondly, the question uses key words, which give us clues about where to find the
answers in the text.

Step 1: Identify the key words of the question

The question key words are just the main words which make the question. For example:-

Question Where does Mr Smith live?

Key words where - Mr Smith - live

Question What do scientists claim was the purpose of their research?

Key words what - scientists - purpose - research

Question During their tests the researchers noticed that ..

Key words tests - researchers - noticed

Step 2: Identify the paragraph where the answer is located

(i) Read the question and note the key words.

(ii) Refer to the notes you made in the skimming stage. Do the key words from the question match
any of the notes you made in the skimming stage? If yes, you have likely found the paragraph
containing the answer.

Imaginary example:

Question key words = elephants - zoos - playing games

My skimming notes for paragraph X = elephants - zoos - games

Conclusion = the answer is located in paragraph X

(iii) If not, you need to scan for detail, which is the next stage of the strategy…..