English (Core) · Reading Skills

Reading Exam Checklist

Use this quick checklist in the exam hall, in order, for each of the two passages in Section A (22 marks).

Before you write anything

Note the passage type — discursive/literary or case-based factual — so you know whether to chase tone and idea or data and numbers.
First read = skim for the central idea and the writer's stance; settle the one-sentence "what it's about" in your head.
Second read = scan with the questions in front of you; underline the exact line or figure each question targets.

For the discursive / literary passage

Separate stated facts from implied meaning; label each question as comprehension, interpretation, analysis or inference.
For tone, name the attitude and point to the word that creates it.
For inference, anchor to one stated fact and take exactly one justified step — never two.

For the case-based factual passage

Read the visual's title, axis labels, units and legend before any individual value.
Decide whether the question wants you to read off, compare, find a trend, or calculate.
Quote every figure with its unit and its year/category; turn vague impressions into precise numbers.

For vocabulary items

Find the meaning in context, in the paragraph named; test it by re-reading the original sentence.
Match the part of speech; read idioms and phrasal verbs as whole units, not word by word.

Answer discipline (every question)

Make every answer evidence-based — defensible by a specific line or figure, never by opinion or outside knowledge.
Write in complete sentences, in your own words; match answer length to the marks. …