Find facts and select relevant details
Read Afrikaans notices, instructions and articles for precise information, then select only details that answer the question.
Exam scope and assessment notes
This is an original starter sequence, not a complete 130-guided-hour course or a timed specimen paper. Browser speech synthesis is supplemental practice, not Cambridge audio; an Afrikaans voice may be unavailable or use unsuitable pronunciation, accent or pacing. No speaking component is assessed in 0548. Writing examples are self-review models, not Cambridge marks or grades. A qualified Afrikaans teacher should review the original language before this is described as publication-ready.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which approach best answers a question about a named detail?
What you will learn
- R1: understand specific factual information.
- R3: identify and select details for a specific purpose.
Read with a purpose
Cambridge reading texts can include instructions, notices, advertisements, leaflets, articles, blogs, reviews and web pages. Read the question first to know whether you need a time, place, reason or comparison.
Skim for the general topic, scan for names, numbers and repeated key words, then read the relevant sentence carefully. The nearest matching word is not always the answer: check whether the question asks who, when, where or why.
Original Afrikaans example: «Die biblioteek sluit om vyfuur, maar leerders kan boeke tot Vrydag terugbring.» The library closes at five, but learners may return books until Friday. The closing time and return deadline are different facts.
Check the scope of the question
Underline the required information before writing. If a question asks for two details, keep both and remove background that does not answer it.
When a question asks for a short Afrikaans response, use a clear word or phrase from the text when it fits. Do not copy a whole paragraph.
This skill supports Paper 1 reading tasks; the lesson question is original and does not reproduce a Cambridge paper.
Sources for this lesson
Pause and explain
Which fact answers the return question?
Worked example
Text: «Die biblioteek sluit om vyfuur. Leerders kan boeke tot Vrydag terugbring.» By when may learners return books?
Show the worked solution
- Find the phrase with «tot».
- Distinguish it from the library closing time.
- Answer with the date or time the text gives.
Answer Learners may return books until Friday. The library closes at five, but that is not the return deadline.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Read: «Die bus vertrek om 08:15 vanaf die hoofingang.» Give the departure time and place.
Give me a hint
Look for «om» before a time and «vanaf» before a starting point.
Compare my reasoning
- Locate the time phrase.
- Locate the place phrase.
- Give both requested details.
The bus leaves at 08:15 from the main entrance («die hoofingang»).
Look for these in your work
- Finds the exact time
- Finds the starting place
- Includes both details
A notice says: «Die uitstappie is op 14 Mei. Bring water en 'n hoed saam.» What two items should learners bring?
Give me a hint
Scan after the verb «bring» and list only the named objects.
Compare my reasoning
- Find the instruction.
- Identify each object after «bring».
- Do not add useful but unstated items.
Learners should bring water and a hat («water en 'n hoed»). The notice does not mention food or sunscreen.
Look for these in your work
- Selects both named items
- Answers the question asked
- Avoids adding unsupported details
A website lists a workshop on Tuesday at 15:00 and registration closes Monday. A learner asks when the workshop takes place. What should you answer, and which detail is irrelevant?
Give me a hint
Separate the event time from the registration deadline.
Compare my reasoning
- Identify the event date and time.
- Identify the deadline.
- Answer with the requested event information.
The workshop takes place on Tuesday at 15:00. Monday is the registration deadline, not the workshop time.
Look for these in your work
- Separates two dates
- Gives the event time
- Explains the distractor
Common mistakes
- Taking a nearby number instead of the detail asked for
- Copying a full sentence when one phrase is enough
- Ignoring whether the question asks for one detail or two
What can you explain now?
Which fact answers the return question?
Compare with the explanation
The Friday deadline
The passage separates the library's closing time from the last day for returning books.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
Explain one decision that helped you answer: r1: understand specific factual information.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.