Answering Comprehension Questions — Types and Techniques

Knowing the type of comprehension question tells you WHERE to look and HOW to answer:

• Literal: go back, find the exact line
• Inferential: reason from surrounding clues
• Vocabulary: use context, not memory
• Main idea: think about the whole passage

1. Literal / Factual Questions

• The answer is directly stated in the passage
• Key words in the question: Who, What, When, Where, How many
• Method: Find and quote the relevant sentence or phrase

Q: "What did Ravi find in the drawer?" A: "Ravi found an old photograph." (from passage)

2. Inferential Questions

• The answer is NOT directly stated — you must reason from clues
• Key words: Why, How, What does this suggest, What can you infer
• Method: Find clues → reason → state conclusion with evidence

Q: "Why was Ravi surprised?" A: "Ravi was surprised because he had never seen the photograph before, suggesting it was kept hidden."

3. Vocabulary in Context

• Tests the meaning of a word as used in the passage (may differ from dictionary meaning)
• Method: Re-read the sentence; substitute each option; choose what makes sense

Q: "What does 'elusive' mean in line 12?" Choices: (a) easy to catch (b) hard to find (c) very large (d) dangerous Method: The passage says the butterfly was "difficult to photograph" → 'hard to find' fits.

4. Main Idea / Title Questions

• Tests understanding of the overall point of the passage
• A detail is not the main idea; the main idea covers the WHOLE passage

Q: "What is the best title for this passage?" Wrong: "Ravi's Drawer" (too narrow — just one scene) Right: "A Family Secret Uncovered" (covers the whole story)

5. Personal Response / Opinion

• Asks for YOUR view, with justification from the passage
• Key words: Do you think, In your opinion, Would you agree
• Method: State opinion → give reason from passage → may add personal reason

Q: "Do you think keeping family secrets is harmful? Why?" A: "Yes, because in the passage, Ravi's distress shows that hidden truths can cause confusion and hurt feelings. Honesty usually builds stronger relationships."

Read the question → ask yourself:

1. Can I point to a line in the passage that says this? → Literal
2. Does it ask me to figure out something not directly said? → Inferential
3. Is it asking what a specific word means here? → Vocabulary
4. Does it ask for the "main point" / "best title"? → Main idea
5. Does it say "In your opinion" or "Do you think"? → Personal response

Passage: "Mia arrived at the audition trembling. She had practised for weeks, but now, under the blinding lights, every note she had memorised seemed to vanish."

1. (Literal) How long had Mia practised? → ____
2. (Inferential) Why did Mia tremble? → ____
3. (Vocabulary) What does "blinding lights" suggest? → ____
4. (Main idea) Write a title for this passage in 4–5 words. → ____
5. (Personal) Do you think Mia will perform well? Give a reason. → ____

1. You read: "The old man shuffled slowly, leaning heavily on his stick." Q: "Was the old man healthy?" What question type is this?
2. Correct this answer: Q: "What is the main idea?" A: "The passage is about a dog."
3. A student writes: "I think the answer is…" for a literal question. What's wrong?
4. Find the answer: "elusive" in "The truth remained elusive, hidden behind layers of deception." What does it mean?
5. Stretch: Write one question of each type (literal, inferential, vocabulary) about any passage in your textbook.