ACING SECONDARY 2 ENGLISH COMPREHENSION THROUGH YOUR STRENGTHS

Ever wished that understanding your comprehension passages was as easy as magic? Sometimes, it feels like the questions are hiding behind tricky words or confusing statements, and no matter how much you study, you just can’t seem to get a perfect score. I know that feeling 😊. Comprehension passages can be like wading through knee-deep mud — hard to see what’s really important, and the meaning can seem hidden. And perhaps you’ve spent hours doing past exam papers or attending English tuition Bishan to prepare. It’s a lot of work, isn’t it? But here’s the truth: you don’t need to do all that if you understand a few simple tricks. The good news is that with a little smart thinking, you can ace your comprehension without stressing yourself out. Sounds impossible? Let me show you how.

Hack 1: Find the Answer Hidden in the Text

Many questions seem to suggest the answer is not in the text, but most of the time, it actually is—hidden in conversations, gestures, or clues. 

When reading a passage, your task is to look carefully. Sometimes, the answer is in what someone says but not obvious at once. Perhaps it’s in a dialogue where someone is hinting at a problem, or in a description where the real meaning is buried. When you “plough” a little, approaching the passage carefully, you’ll find the clues. When you read such questions, imagine what’s really going on behind the words. When you look for hints, the answer becomes clearer. 

Most of the time, the answer is hidden in small details or moments—like a gesture or a tone of voice—things you might miss if you rush. The key is to read slowly and look for those clues.  

Tip:

Ask yourself, “What is not being said directly? What emotion or meaning is being hinted at?” When you spot the clues, you’ll see what the question is really asking for.

Hack 2: Read the Passage Like a Story

Treat the passage as a story, not just a set of facts. Follow the flow of events and get involved. 

Many students find it easier to understand what they’re reading when they see it as a story unfolding. Who is the main character? Where is the story taking place? What is happening first? What might happen next? By imagining yourself in the story, you’ll understand it better. When you’re reading, forget about the questions for a moment. Just enjoy what the story is telling you. When you understand the ‘big picture,’ answering questions becomes much easier. 

Practise looking at the story from the character’s point of view. When you do this, it’s like you are walking in their shoes. You feel what they are feeling — maybe angry, sad, or excited. When you do that, the comprehension becomes natural. 

Tip:

When you see the character rushing out, or scowling, try to imagine what they are feeling at that moment. “What would I do if I was them?” Once you do that, everything else is easier to understand.

Hack 3: Find the Starting Point and Follow the Path

Every story starts somewhere, so find the beginning and then follow what happens. 

Most stories begin at a particular moment — maybe a problem, a situation, or an action. When you read a question, it’s important to figure out where the story started. Did the story begin with a crash, or a fight? Did it start with someone doing something, or with a question? Once you find the starting point, follow the story from there. Did things change or stay the same? Did time pass? Did the actions get bigger or smaller? When you “trace” the story from start to finish, everything makes more sense. 

Think of a story like a journey. If you know where it begins, you can find your way much faster. When you understand the path the story took, answering the questions becomes much smoother. 

Tip:

Ask yourself, “Where did the story start? What changed as it went along? Was it about time passing?” When you understand the flow, questions become simple to answer.

First, remember that some answers are buried in the text—you just have to find the clues. Second, treat the passage like a story and follow it from start to finish. Third, always figure out where the story began and how it developed—this will help you understand the sequence and make answering questions much easier. When you practise these simple techniques regularly, comprehension becomes less stressful and more manageable. So, next time you face a comprehension passage, be curious, be patient, and read the story the right way. If you do, success will follow!