Narrative: Paired Texts

Methods in this video

Tap a time to jump to where the video teaches that method.

1. 1

   Check both texts

   ▶ 0:50

   When to use it: A two-text question: the stem says both, which extract(s) or which group(s), or the options are A, B, Both and Neither (Selective).

   • Draw two columns and find a line in each text on its own.
   • Finding it in one text doesn't mean it's in both.
   • No line, no tick. Guessing from common sense doesn't count.
   • The line must say exactly what the question asks.
2. 2

   Find the evidence first

   ▶ 3:54

   When to use it: The first step for every story question: find the one or two sentences the question is about, then look at the options.

   • Circle the key words; every one must match. Pick the most specific one as your locator word.
   • Find the echo in the text: the question often uses other words, so look for the idea.
   • The right answer uses other words too. If an option copies the text, take a second look.
3. 3

   Read feelings from actions and words

   ▶ 5:04

   When to use it: The question asks how a character feels, what they think or why they act, and the text doesn't say it directly.

   • When feelings aren't stated, look at what the character does and says.
   • Ask who they are talking to, and why.
   • Look at this moment, not at how the character was first described.
   • Feelings can change. Look at what they do last.
4. 4

   Put the two moments side by side

   ▶ 6:07

   When to use it: A question asks what a line suggests or why a detail is significant, and the line alone doesn't tell you.

   • If one line doesn't show what it suggests, look back for the same thing earlier.
   • Write before on the left and now on the right.
   • Where it changes, that's what it suggests.
5. 5

   Watch the small words

   ▶ 6:56

   When to use it: The evidence or the question has a small word like although, but, no, only, eventually, when or most.

   • What comes after although or but is what matters.
   • No and not turn the meaning around.
   • When, most and main in the question tell you where to look.
6. 6

   Put the clues together

   ▶ 7:48

   When to use it: The question asks what a whole paragraph tells us, or about the whole text: the evidence isn't in one sentence.

   • List what each sentence says.
   • Ask what they add up to.
   • The answer is often bigger than any one sentence.