Frequently Asked Questions Paper 1 –Paper 2

1. The importance of subheadings in non-fiction passages:

- They help the reader find information easily and quickly.
- They tell the reader what each paragraph is talking about.
2. How do we summarize any paragraph?
- Find the main ideas or key points and underline them.
- Write them in my own words.
- Take care of the number of words. Don't exceed the specified number.
3. Write a list, a fact and an opinion (for example: about dogs):
- List: Dogs eat bones, meat and bread.
- Fact: Dogs do not sweat by salivating. They sweat through the pads of
their feet.
- Opinion: Dogs are graceful creatures.
4. To compare between formal and informal texts.
- Informal language is written in a chatty style that makes it interesting
to the reader.
- Formal language is clear, precise and to the point.
5. Differences between formal and informal language in general.
Informal
Contractions
Abbreviations
Simple connectives
Simple / everyday Vocabulary
Active voice
Formal
Advanced Connectives
Simple sentences, Compound (conjunctive adverbs), and complex sentences.
Advanced Vocabulary
Passive voice
Third person is mostly use
Generalization point of view.
6. Why is the passive voice used in some texts?
Because the object is more important than the subject /or
Because the subject is unknown.
7. What is the importance of an illustration?
- It explains more about the text or paragraph.
8. Why are some words and phrases written in bold or in capital letters?
To stand out in front of the reader because they are important
Examples of connectives and reasons for using them.
Adding: moreover, in addition, furthermore

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 Sequencing: first, after, then, later on, finally, eventually
Contrasting: however, on the other hand, on the contrary, although
Cause and effect: as a result, therefore, consequently
9. Why does the author use the following modal verbs?
should/shouldn't: to give advice / to say the best way to do something
may: gives possibility / takes permission can: to express ability to do
something will: certain actions / future actions
must: for obligation mustn't: for prohibition
10. What is the meaning of technical vocabulary?
Vocabulary that is scientific and related to the topic (carnivores - predators -
heating - condensation - honeycombs)
11. What is a rhetorical question? Why is it used?
It is a question asked to the reader without an answer. It is used to let the
reader think about the answer.
12. Give an example of a conditional to persuade somebody to exercise
regularly.
If you exercise regularly, you will become fit.
13. Why do changes happen to tenses in reported speech?
Because we are reporting something that has happened in the past.
14. Identify 5 ways to start sentences (sentence openers):
- using an adverb
- using an -ing or -ed participle
- using a simile
- using a connective
- using a prepositional phrase
15. What is the difference between a biased and a balanced discussion?
A balanced discussion discusses an argument from different points of view
without giving the opinion of the writer; however, a biased discussion states
the opinion of the writer boldly supported with reasons and persuasive tools.
16. Whenever you are asked to explain the similarity / difference between
sentences:
You will have to Look for:
- Purpose
- Pronouns
- Verbs (tense, voice)
- Type of sentence
- Connectives
- Exclamation marks
- Formal and informal languages
17. Whenever you are asked to explain the similarity / difference between
paragraphs:
You will have to Look for:
- Purpose
- Audience

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 - Language (factual / descriptive)
18. Why are short sentences used in paper 1 (non-fiction)?
- To introduce a surprising/shocking fact. OR
- To make it clear and easier for the reader to understand.
19. Why does author use a dash ( ) lines…
- To emphasise a point
- To add extra information.
- To add relevant information
20. Why does the author use a semicolon ( ; ) lines…
- To join two related sentences
- To separate a complex list.
21. Why does the author use a colon ( : )in lines…..
- To related information
- To add extra information
- Introduce a list
- Gives a definition
- Gives information about something.
22. Why the phrase or the clause in line … is is put between 2 commas or 2
dashes.
- Because it is extra information.
23. Why does the author use a comma between the items in line….
- Separating a list.
24. Why does the author use inverted commas?
- To show that this sentence does not literally mean the same
- To show that it has a literal meaning different from the figurative
meaning
- To show that it was said by another person.
25. Why does the author use exclamation mark (!)
- To show surprise
- To show excitement
- To express feelings
26. What is the effect of using the short sentences?
- Paper 1
- To highlight the importance of something
- To emphasise a point
- To grab the reader attention
- Paper 2
- It creates suspense
- It creates tension
- It has a dramatic effect.
27. Why is the effect of using this long sentence complex – compound
complex..
- To add information
- To give description

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 - To build up descriptive details.
28. Why does the author use this question in line ….
Rhetorical question is used to grab the reader attention.
29. Why is the effect of repetition in line..
To emphasise a point (go back to the text ad check the point the author
needs to emphasise)
30. What is the effect of using alliteration-assonance- consonance?
In makes is easier for the reader to memorise or to recall it.
I helps the reader to remember it
It makes it memorable
31. What is the effect of using onomatopoeia?
It brings the sound alive which makes the reader feels that he is in a real
situation, so he will be more involved.
32. What is the effect of using simile – metaphor – imagery?
It makes the reader visualise the scene how does the thing described look like.
33. How do we know the point of view character in a story?
- First of all, you have to write a name of one of the characters in the
story.
34. How do we know?
- His/ Her thoughts and feelings are clearly described in the story.
- We can see all details of the story through his / her eyes.
35. If the story was written in the 1st person:
Pronouns 'I /We' will be used
Thoughts and feelings will be described more than the appearance.
36. If the story was written in the 3rd person:
Pronouns 'He /She / They' will be used
Appearance will be described more than thoughts and feelings.
37. When you are asked to support any of your answers with evidence, do
the following:
- look for the character's feelings, something said or done.
- watch out to write a word, or a phrase or a sentence
- put all evidence between speech marks
38. Explain why this paragraph is not part of the previous paragraph or the
next paragraph.
- setting has changed (either place or time)
- a new character is introduced
- a new event in the plot is taking place
39. What impression do you get about the character?
Characteristic (trait) Evidence (STEAL)

Best wishes !
Mr. Yasser
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