I have spent many years teaching comprehension passages, and I know for a fact that many teachers struggle with the best approaches to mastering comprehension skills. Over the last 20 years, I have employed the following nine irrefutable steps in reading passages, and they have yielded impressive results.
Reading comprehension is more than just scanning lines of text. It is about engaging with a passage, understanding its meaning and extracting the correct answers to questions set on it. For many students, comprehension questions remain one of the trickiest parts of KCSE English exams. Yet, they are among the most rewarding if approached strategically. To succeed, one must follow a deliberate process – step by step. The nine irrefutable steps outlined below provide a clear roadmap to mastering comprehension passages with confidence and accuracy. Have a look.
Step 1: Number the paragraphs on the left margin
Every passage is structured into paragraphs, each with its own focus. The first step is simple but powerful: number the paragraphs in the left margin. This step creates a mental map of the text, making it easier to locate information later. When a question directs you to a specific paragraph, you will not waste time scanning through the entire passage. Think of it as setting up street addresses before you begin exploring a town.
Step 2: Identify the number of sentences in each paragraph
After numbering paragraphs, count how many sentences each one contains. This exercise forces you to slow down and observe the passage’s structure. Some questions are framed in terms of “the second sentence of paragraph three” or “the last sentence of paragraph two.” Knowing the sentence count beforehand eliminates confusion and saves valuable exam time.
Step 3: Indicate sentence numbers in the right margin
Next, label the sentences in each paragraph by writing their numbers on the right margin. This is like adding house numbers to the streets you created earlier. For example, Paragraph One might have four sentences – mark them as S1, S2, S3 and S4. This system enables you to pinpoint information quickly. Instead of rereading everything, you can go straight to the sentence where your answer is hidden.
Step 4: Skim the passage silently
Now it’s time for your first reading, done silently and swiftly. This is called skimming—a quick review of the passage to grasp its general sense. At this stage, you are not seeking answers; you are simply acquainting yourself with the topic, tone, and flow. Skimming is like surveying a landscape before deciding which paths to take.
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Step 5: Read all the questions first
Before diving deeper into the passage, pause and read all the questions carefully. This step gives you a sense of what the examiner wants from you. Suppose you know the kind of questions asked – whether factual, inferential, or evaluative – you can read the passage with sharper focus the second time. Many students make the mistake of reading the passage deeply without knowing the questions, only to realise later that they overlooked crucial details. Reading questions early prevents this.
Step 6: Scan the passage with questions in mind
The second reading of the passage is more purposeful. This is known as scanning – reading slowly and attentively while keeping the questions in mind. Now you are looking for answers, guided by your earlier skimming and the list of questions. Scanning makes your reading targeted rather than random. For instance, if one question asks about the writer’s attitude, you’ll pay special attention to the author’s choice of words and tone.
Step 7: Underline key words in each question
Every comprehension question has clue words that reveal exactly what is being asked. Step seven requires you to underline those key words or phrases. For example, in the question, “Why did the villagers refuse to leave their land?” the key words are “why” and “refuse to leave their land.” Underlining ensures you focus only on what is essential, avoiding distractions and misinterpretations.
Step 8: Cross-reference each question
Once you know what is being asked, trace the answer back to its exact location in the passage. Indicate the paragraph (P) and sentence (S) where the answer is found. For example, you may mark an answer as (P3, S2), meaning paragraph three, sentence two. This cross-referencing technique not only helps you answer accurately but also proves to the examiner that you are methodical. It reduces the chances of vague or guesswork answers.
Step 9: Underline the answer cues in the passage
Finally, underline the actual words or parts of sentences in the passage that provide the answer. This last step reinforces your focus and ensures you do not misquote or misinterpret. For instance, if the passage says, “The villagers clung to their land because it carried the graves of their ancestors,” you underline “because it carried the graves of their ancestors” as your answer cue. This makes your response precise and anchored in the text.
Following these nine steps turns reading comprehension into a systematic process rather than a gamble. Students who ignore them often fall into common traps: overlooking instructions, misinterpreting questions, or giving answers not rooted in the passage. But those who master the steps read with confidence, answer with clarity, and score higher marks.
Moreover, the nine steps cultivate skills that extend beyond the classroom. Numbering, skimming, scanning, and cross-referencing are techniques used in real-life reading, whether reviewing contracts, analysing reports, or conducting research. Comprehension is not just an exam skill; it is a life skill.
Mastering a comprehension passage is like solving a puzzle. You must first organiseorganise the pieces (number paragraphs and sentences), then study the big picture (skim), understand the questions, and finally assemble the answers carefully (scan, underline and cross-reference). Each of the nine steps is a small act of discipline, but together they create a powerful strategy for success. With practice, these steps transform comprehension from a source of frustration into a journey of discovery. For any learner, embracing this method is not just about passing exams – it is about learning how to read with purpose and understanding truly.
By Ashford Kimani
Ashford teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North and serves as Dean of Studies.
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