A child can read the words yet still answer the wrong question. First ask who or what the question asks about. Then ask them to point to the part of the passage that supports an answer. Circling a keyword alone will not solve every type of reading question.
Work out what the question asks
Notice a word such as who, where, why or not. Your child can restate the question in simple English or another familiar language; the aim is to know whether to look for a person, place, reason or something that did not happen.
Do not select an answer just because it repeats one word in the text. The passage may mention several people or events; read the surrounding sentences.
Support the answer with the passage
For a direct question, locate the sentence that states the answer. For an inference, identify one or two details that make it reasonable rather than relying on a guess from general knowledge.
If an answer misses the question, compare the question and the passage detail your child chose. Are they about the same event?
- Restate the question.
- Point to one or two relevant details in the text.
- Write the answer and reread it against the question.
Worked example: two questions from one passage
This passage and its questions are original.
Try it: point to the supporting words
Read the question, then find the evidence.
Try it yourself
Read: Leo packed his library book on Thursday. He returned it on Friday because the due date was that day.
- When did Leo return the book? Which words support the answer?
- Why did he return it on Friday? Which words support the answer?
Show an explained answer
- On Friday. He returned it on Friday states the time. Thursday was when he packed it.
- Because it was due that day. The passage says because the due date was that day.
