Strategies for Tackling IB Reading Comprehension Exercises

The IB English B reading comprehension exercises require students to engage with different types of texts and
respond to a variety of question formats, including true/false, multiple-choice, short-answer, matching
headings, and vocabulary-in-context questions. Based on the M12 Question-booklet and M12 Text-booklet,
here are some viable and supportive strategies to help students effectively tackle these tasks:

1. General Strategies for IB Reading Comprehension

a) Preview the Questions First

 Before reading the text, skim through the questions to identify what information you need to focus on.

 For example, if there is a question about the author’s feelings towards scuba diving, look for sections
where emotions or personal opinions are mentioned.

b) Skim for General Understanding, Then Scan for Details

 First Read: Skim the passage quickly to get the main idea.

 Second Read: Scan for key words from the questions and underline relevant details.

 Example: In Text A (Scuba Diving), if a question asks about the author’s initial fears, look for words
indicating doubt or hesitation.

c) Understand the Question Type

 True/False Questions: Focus on wording. Look for absolutes like always, never, must, which often
indicate false statements.

 Multiple-Choice Questions: Eliminate wrong answers by cross-checking the text.

 Justification Questions: Provide direct quotations (or paraphrase when required).

d) Use Context Clues for Vocabulary Questions

 If asked to find a synonym, read the sentence before and after the word in question to determine its
meaning.

 Example from Text A: If you need to match “hooked” (line 17) with a synonym, look at the context—it
means addicted or fascinated.

2. Strategies for Specific Question Types

a) True/False + Justification Questions (e.g., Questions 13–18 in Text B)

 Identify the key idea in the statement.

 Locate the specific evidence in the text.

 If false, determine what is incorrect.

 Example:

o Statement: Mark became disabled in a recent waterskiing accident.

 o Justification: The text states that the accident happened "some 36 years ago" (which is not
recent).

b) Multiple-Choice Questions (e.g., Questions 23–28 in Text C)

 Eliminate incorrect options first.

 Identify keywords in the question and match them with the text.

 Paraphrase the text mentally to check for meaning.

 Example:

o Question: What does “screaming bloody murder” mean?

o Strategy: Look at the surrounding sentences. The mother was screaming while being attacked
→ answer = yelling for help loudly.

c) Matching Headings (e.g., Questions 8–12 in Text B)

 Read the paragraph first without looking at the options.

 Summarize the main idea in a few words.

 Compare your summary with the given headings.

 Example:

o Paragraph about Mark Hunter’s success in public speaking → heading: Mark wins 2009 World
Championship of Public Speaking.

d) Referencing Questions (e.g., Questions 19–22 in Text B)

 Look at the word in context.

 Identify the closest noun before it.

 Example:

o Phrase: “his wheels” (line 16)

o Refers to: Mark Hunter’s wheelchair

e) Fill-in-the-Gap Questions (e.g., Questions 34–37 in Text C)

 Determine what part of speech is missing (noun, verb, adjective, etc.).

 Read before and after the blank to understand context.

 Example:

o Sentence: Unlike those parents, who often talked down to their children, my mother … me as a
real human being.

o Correct Answer: treated

f) Vocabulary-in-Context Questions (e.g., Questions 32–33 in Text C)

 Find the word in the text and read the sentence before and after it.

 Substitute different words in the sentence to see which makes sense.

 Example:

o Word: “clutching” (line 16)

o Options:

 A. change

 B. pressured

 C. process

 D. holding on to ← correct

g) Written Response Questions (e.g., Text D: Web Addiction Task)

 Organize your ideas before writing.

 Summarize key points from the text without copying full sentences.

 Use linking words (first, moreover, however) to create flow.

 Example:

o Task: Write guidelines for internet use based on Text D.

o Approach:

 Introduction: Mention internet addiction as a growing problem.

 Guideline 1: Limit daily screen time.

 Guideline 2: Balance online and offline activities.

 Guideline 3: Be aware of mental health risks.

3. Time Management Tips

 Allocate time per question type:

o Skimming (2–3 min)

o First round of answering (10–15 min)

o Revising answers (5 min)

 Answer easier questions first to build confidence.

 Don’t spend too long on one question—move on and return later.

Written responses
1. Understanding Answer Length Based on Question Type

a) Justification Questions (e.g., True/False + Justification)

 Length: 1 sentence (or a short phrase) from the text.

 Key Strategy: Quote only the necessary part of the text that directly proves your answer.

 Example (from Text B - Right on the Mark):

Question:
Mark became disabled in a recent waterskiing accident. (True/False? Justify.)
Answer:

o False.

o Justification: “the waterskiing accident that put him in a wheelchair some 36 years ago.”

o ✅ Why this works? It is short, to the point, and directly disproves the statement.

Common Mistake:
🚫 Writing too much or copying a whole paragraph. Keep it brief and precise!

b) Short-Answer Questions (e.g., “What is one problem a person might have while diving?”)

 Length: 5–10 words or one short sentence.

 Key Strategy: Answer only what is asked—don’t add extra explanations unless required.

 Example (from Text A - Scuba Diving):

Question:
What is one problem a person might have while diving?
Answer:
Some people have trouble with their ears. (7 words)

🚀 Pro Tip: If the question asks for one reason, don’t list multiple reasons—stick to just one!

c) Vocabulary-in-Context Questions (e.g., “Find the word that means ‘superior.’”)

 Length: 1 word.

 Example:
Question: Find the word that means “superior” in Text A.
Answer: top-notch

🚀 Pro Tip: If asked to explain a word’s meaning, add a brief definition:

“Top-notch means excellent or superior.” (5–7 words)

d) Reference Questions (e.g., “What does ‘his wheels’ refer to?”)

 Length: 2–4 words.

 Example (from Text B - Right on the Mark):

Question:
 What does “his wheels” refer to?
Answer: Mark Hunter’s wheelchair. (3 words)

🚀 Pro Tip: Use full nouns, not pronouns. Instead of saying "It means his." ➝ Say "It refers to Mark Hunter’s
wheelchair."

e) Written Response Tasks (e.g., Guidelines on Internet Use - Text D)

 Length: 100+ words (usually a paragraph or bullet points).

 Example:
Task:
Write a set of guidelines for students on the appropriate use of the internet.
✅ Good answer (structured and concise, around 100 words):
Guidelines for Healthy Internet Use:

1. Limit your screen time – Spending too much time online can affect mental health.

2. Use the internet for learning, not just entertainment.

3. Maintain real-life interactions – Don’t replace face-to-face communication with social media.

4. Be mindful of internet addiction – If you feel like you can’t control your internet use, seek help.

🚀 Pro Tip:

 Organize information in bullet points if possible.

 Avoid copying large chunks from the text—paraphrase instead!

2. General Rule of Thumb for Answer Length

Question Type Ideal Length Example

Justification (True/False) 1 sentence (quote directly) “…put him in a wheelchair 36 years ago.”

Short Answer 5–10 words “Some people have trouble with their ears.”

Vocabulary-in-Context 1 word (or 5-word explanation) “Top-notch means excellent.”

Reference Questions 2–4 words *“His wheels” = Mark Hunter’s wheelchair

Long Response (100+ words) A paragraph or bullet points 4–5 clear guidelines on internet use