Reading Skill Definition
Retrieval requires you to find Find and copy…
and select specific information
from the text.
Explanation requires you to
present reasons or justification
for ideas discussed in the text.
Analysis requires you to
identify, infer and explain the
effect of language choices and
writer’s craft (the decisions
that the writer has made).
Summary requires you to
identify and prioritise the main
ideas of a text in order to
reduce its size. Summaries are
usually presented in your own
words (paraphrased).
Comparison requires you to
consider the similarities and
differences between the
writers’ ideas about a topic or
about how they have crafted
their writing.
Synthesis requires you to draw
together the main ideas about
a topic from a range of texts.
Example Question Stems Method
1. Scan the whole text for key
What is… markers, e.g. words, numbers,
List three reasons… symbols connected to the
How many… question.
Which of the following… 2. Validate the correct answer by
‘trying out’ different options
and eliminating those that
don’t fit.
Explain what… Interactive Reading
Explain why… 1. Scan the text for relevant
details.
2. Circle, underline and annotate.
3. Use explanatory connectives
(because, as).
4. Do not give your own opinions;
stick to the views of the writer.
Explain how… Interactive Reading
How does the writer… 1. Scan the text for relevant
How does Text A try to details.
persuade people… 2. Circle, underline and annotate.
How does Text A attempt 3. Step back from the text and
to convey… think about what the writer
DOES to create meaning
4. Use analytical connectives
(infers, implies, suggests).
Summarise what the writer Interactive Reading
says about… 1. Read through line by line.
Summarise why… 2. Underline key passages that link
Summarise the reasons… to the question.
Summarise how… 3. Eliminate repetition.
4. Present your findings in your
own words.
Compare what the writers Interactive Reading
of Text D and Text E say 1. Scan the text for relevant
about… details.
2. Identify points of comparison
Compare and contrast the 3. Work Text 1 (quote-infer)
writer’s views on… 4. Work Text 2 (quote -infer)
5. Use comparative connectives
(similarly, however, likewise)
Synthesise what Text A, Interactive Reading
Text B and Text C say 1. Identify relevant ideas across all
about… texts
2. Create summary statements
3. Identify links (avoid repetition)
4. Bullet point your findings under
key headings.