TIPS FOR READING PASSAGE

READING PASSAGE

 

The first component is reading a passage given to the student. The passage can be an excerpt taken out of any written article. The most common genres are mainly narrative and factual.

Examiners grade the student’s reading ability mainly on:

• Fluency
• Enunciation
• Pitch

Reading fluency comes with the ability to recognise words and being familiar with the passage flow. Students should use the 5 minutes waiting time to read and familiarise themselves with the article. This is also a good time for them to practice pronouncing difficult words.

Many students have problem with PRONUNCIATION. This is a problem most are not aware of at all. An easy way to resolve this is to practice reading tongue twisters. When practicing, remind yourself to exaggerate the pronunciation of each letter in each word. This helps you to work on relaxing the facial muscles, making it easier to pronounce words clearer in the future. While reading, do take note on the way ‘tr’, ‘d’, ‘t’, ‘thr’ should sound. 

 

I always emphasize on punctuation when it comes to reading. The purpose of punctuation in a passage is to guide the reader to pause or project an intention intended by the writer. When a pause is made where there is no punctuation, the intention is changed and can potentially confuse the listener, in this case, the examiner. 

 

Many students tend to ‘swallow’ their words at the end of the sentence or rush them. Thus the last words always end up being inaudible. One way to overcome this is to train the child to read the word louder and slower. You can start by underlining the word so it is easier to focus on.