How to Answer a Factual Passage | English Grammar Advanced - Class 10 PDF Download

Introduction 

A factual passage typically presents a series of facts, data, or information on a specific subject. The aim is to check the reader's understanding and ability to extract and interpret key details.

Key Steps to Answering a Factual Passage

1. Read the Passage Carefully:
   • First Reading: Read the passage quickly to get a general understanding.
   • Second Reading: Read again slowly and underline key points, such as important dates, names, places, and definitions.
   • Highlight Key Information: Focus on facts like figures, comparisons, and logical connections.

2. Understand the Question:
   • Identify Question Type: Determine whether the question is asking for:
     • Specific Information (dates, names, events)
     • Inferences (meaning implied by the author)
     • Explanations (why something happened, how it works)
     • Summarization (briefly stating main ideas)

                     Focus on Key Words: Look for keywords or phrases in the question that directly relate to the passage content.

3. Answering the Question:
   • Be Precise and Concise: Provide a direct response based on the passage. Avoid adding unnecessary information.
   • Use Information from the Passage: Extract the information directly from the passage or paraphrase it.
   • Quote or Paraphrase Accurately: If the question asks for a specific detail, quote it accurately. If it asks for a general explanation, paraphrase the relevant part.
   • Avoid Personal Opinion: Factual passages require answers based solely on the information given. Do not include opinions unless asked.

4. Types of Questions and How to Answer:

   • Who/What/Where Questions:

     • Directly mention the fact or person mentioned in the passage.
     • Example: "Who was the first president of India?"
       Answer: "The first president of India was Dr. Rajendra Prasad."

   • When/Why Questions:

     • Look for dates, events, or reasons given in the passage.
     • Example: "Why did the event occur?"
       Answer: "The event occurred because of the political instability in the country."

   • How Questions:

     • Describe the process or explain how something works.
     • Example: "How is photosynthesis carried out?"
       Answer: "Photosynthesis occurs when plants convert sunlight into energy using chlorophyll."

   • True/False or Correct the Statement:

     • Verify the statement against the passage and correct accordingly.
     • Example: "The first human landing on Mars was in 1999."
       Answer: "False. The first human landing on Mars is yet to occur."

5. Organize Your Answer:
   • Structure: Follow the structure of the question. If the question asks for multiple points, list them clearly.
   • Keep it Short and to the Point: Avoid unnecessary elaboration. Provide enough information to answer the question completely.

6. Check Your Answer:
   • After answering, recheck the passage and your answer.
   • Make sure your response is directly supported by the passage.
   • Ensure proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Examples of Passage-Based Questions

• Identify-Type Question: Passage: "The Great Wall of China was built over several centuries to protect China from invasions."
  Question: "What was the purpose of the Great Wall of China?"
  Answer: "The purpose of the Great Wall of China was to protect China from invasions."

• Explanation-Based Question: Passage: "Photosynthesis in plants involves converting sunlight into chemical energy, which is used for growth."
  Question: "Explain the process of photosynthesis."
  Answer: "Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, which helps them grow."

Conclusion

Answering a factual passage requires:

• Close reading and understanding of the passage.
• Extraction of specific information and interpretation.
• Clear and concise responses based on facts from the text.

By following these steps, you can effectively answer factual passage questions.