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ScotlandEnglishQuick questions
Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation
Quick questions on Understanding questions: answering in your own words - SQA National 5 English
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is read the marks before you read the question?Show answer
The mark allocation is the most useful clue in the question. A 2 mark question usually needs two clear points; a 4 mark question usually needs four. SQA marks U questions point by point, so count the points you make against the marks available. This stops you under-answering (one point for three marks leaves marks unclaimed) or padding (five points for two marks wastes time you need elsewhere).
What are re-express in your own words?Show answer
The phrase "in your own words as far as possible" is an instruction, not a suggestion. Markers want evidence that you understand the idea, which you can only show by saying it differently. Change the vocabulary and the phrasing while keeping the meaning exact. The phrase "as far as possible" exists because some terms (proper nouns, technical words with no synonym) cannot be reworded; those you may keep.
What is q1?Show answer
A U question is worth 4 marks and directs you to lines 12 to 19. How many distinct points should you aim to make, and how should each be expressed? [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
The passage states a campaigner "refused to back down despite mounting criticism". Re-express this idea in your own words. [1 mark]
What is q3?Show answer
Why does answering "in your own words" earn marks that copying the passage does not? [2 marks]
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