Observation

The candidates were required to read the passage and summarise in a given number of sentences, the main ideas in the passage. Many candidates performed below average in this section. Many of the candidates did not really understand the passage due to their poor reading skills, so, they resorted to copying portions of the passage. Also, some candidates could not distinguish main points from illustrations. Some candidates had limited vocabulary to replace key words in the passage.

Candidates must understand what the passage says and what the questions demand before they can summarize in their own words. Copying verbatim from the passage without regards to the demands of the question is not summary writing.