Revision questions specify an aim: emphasise a contrast, illustrate a process, introduce an idea or remove redundancy. Judge an option by that aim. More detail is useful only when it advances the writer’s purpose.
A reliable method
Identify the requested goal
Rewrite the goal in a few words before reading the options. A contrast requires both sides; a similarity requires a shared feature. Accuracy alone is not enough if the answer does not serve the goal.
Read both sides of a transition
‘However’ introduces contrast, ‘therefore’ a consequence and ‘for example’ an instance of a general idea. A shared topic does not automatically imply the same logical relationship.
Use only relevant notes
For synthesis, select facts that achieve the specified purpose. Do not add an inference such as better quality or greater success when the notes give only different sizes or dates.
Check clarity, position and tone
Place a definition near the term it explains and an example after the claim it illustrates. Prefer concise wording that preserves meaning, rather than the shortest wording regardless of meaning.
Worked examples
Notes say Route A is 1.2 km with steps; Route B is 1.8 km and step-free. Write a sentence emphasising the difference in access.
- The goal is access, so the presence or absence of steps is relevant.
- Both routes must appear to express the comparison.
- ‘Unlike Route A, Route B is step-free’ directly fulfils the goal. It does not claim that B is suitable for every visitor.
Answer: Unlike Route A, Route B is step-free.
‘The planted basin slowed runoff. _____ fewer drains overflowed during the pilot storms.’ Choose a transition.
- The second statement describes a consequence of slowing runoff.
- ‘As a result’ signals that relationship.
- ‘However’ would imply a contrast, and ‘for instance’ would present an example rather than this consequence.
Answer: As a result,
Now use the method yourself.
Mark this guide as read, then use the method in topic practice before the checkpoint.