Mastering Comprehension for 7+, 8+, and 11+ Exams

Comprehension tests are all about understanding what you read and showing that you can find key details quickly.
Many students panic when they see a big chunk of text — but with the right approach, you’ll discover it’s not as scary as it looks.

Step 1: Read the Questions First

Before diving into the passage, skim through the questions. This gives your brain a “treasure map” — you’ll know what to look out for as you read.

Step 2: Highlight Key Information

When reading the text, underline or note down names, dates, or unusual words. These are often clues that will answer direct questions.

Step 3: Use Evidence from the Text

Don’t just guess! If the question asks, “Why was the character upset?” you should point to the sentence that shows the reason.
Examiners love when you quote the text to back up your answer.

Step 4: Watch Out for Trick Questions

Sometimes a question might test whether you’re paying attention. For example, if the text says “The boy never liked football,”
and the question asks “What was the boy’s favourite sport?” — the correct answer is that he didn’t like it at all!

The PEE Method (Point, Evidence, Explain)

One of the best ways to structure your answers is the PEE method:

• Point – Start by making your main point. (e.g. “The character felt upset.”)
• Evidence – Back it up with a quote or detail from the text. (e.g. “This is shown when it says ‘he burst into tears.’”)
• Explain – Finally, explain how your evidence supports your point. (e.g. “This proves he was upset because crying shows sadness.”)

This simple structure makes your answers clear, logical, and examiner-friendly.

Quick Practice Tip

Take any short story or article, read it once, and then ask yourself:
Who? What? Where? When? Why? These 5 questions will help you break down any passage.

Final Thought

Comprehension isn’t about reading fast — it’s about reading smart. The more you practise these steps, the more confident you’ll feel in the exam.