Visual Text Comprehension makes up 8 marks in Booklet A of Paper 2. It is absolutely possible to secure the 8 marks in this section. One important thing is for children to be able to understand the what the visual text is saying as well as what the questions are asking for. In order to do that, it is vital to know the vocabulary that are commonly used in the visual text and in the questions posed. Here is my Visual Text Comprehension: Essential Vocabulary list of 12 words for this section!
1. annual
Once a year
2. biannual
Twice a year
3. biennial
Once every two years
4. alternative/ alternatively
Another choice or option
e.g. You can call the hotline for more information. Alternatively (As another choice), you can visit the website below.
5. compulsory
A must
6. mandatory
A must
7. Inaugural
The first or first of many planned events
E.g. The Guest-of-honour, Mrs Fernandez, will light the torch for the opening ceremony of the inaugural event. (First time the event is taking place)
8. organiser
the person or group who plans and arrange the event
9. sponsor
the person or group who supports by giving money or other help (e.g. prizes)
10. purpose (of an event or of the poster)
Why the event is held or why the poster is put up
Note that there is a difference between:
the purpose of organising an event (Why is the event held?)
e.g. to foster in pupils a love for the English language through the Scrabble competition
the purpose of a poster/ advertisement. (Why is the poster put up?)
e.g. to encourage schools to take part in the Scrabble competition.
Read the question carefully!
11. aim/ objective (of an event)
What the event hopes to achieve
e.g. for people to know more about how to prevent the breeding of Aedes Mosquitoes
12. fact or opinion
Fact: something that is known to be a truth and to exist. Supported by evidence.
e.g. The Art Activity will be an hour long. (Fact – The activity is held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) – Opinion: based on thoughts and beliefs about something
e.g. All children will enjoy the Art activity and develop their skills in painting. – (Opinion – A belief that the activity can do that but not all children may enjoy the activity or become better at painting.)
What can your child do with this list? First and foremost, it will be good for your child to be able to understand the meanings of the words above. Secondly, this list can always be expanded with more words that your child comes across when doing the visual text comprehension. In fact, even if it is new vocabulary that surfaced when your child is reading a real poster, advertisement or brochure, encourage him or her to add the word to this list!
Have a good time of revision for CA1 and do let us know if you have found the tips and materials helpful or if there are other areas that you are hoping to see tips on!