Answering in your own words

Hello, and welcome to Myriora English! Some reading questions don't give you choices. You have to write the answer yourself. Today you'll learn how much to write, and what to put in it.

Start by looking at the marks. One mark usually needs one clear point. Two marks usually need a point, and the evidence for it. Papers can differ, so read the question carefully.

Here's a question for two marks. How does Zara feel, and how do you know? First, make your point. Zara feels frightened. Then give your evidence from the passage. Her knees trembled, and she looked back at the ladder. That's a point, and the evidence for it.

Some questions say, in your own words. That means you shouldn't copy the sentence. The passage says her knees trembled. In your own words, you could write: her legs were shaking. It's the same idea, in different words.

Let's try one together. The water seemed a long way down. How could you say that in your own words? Here's a tip: keep the idea, and change the words. Say it out loud!

You could say: it looked very far below her. There's more than one good answer, as long as the idea stays the same.

Here's a common mistake. Copying a big part of the passage, and hoping the answer is in there. Pick only the words you need. Then say what they show.

Your turn! Read the passage and the question. Which answer has a point and evidence? Pick the right card. You've got fifteen seconds, or pause the video. Go!

Time's up! It's the second card! It makes a point, that he feels angry, and it gives the evidence.

Quick review. Look at the marks before you write. Make your point. Back it up with evidence. In your own words means don't copy. See you next time!