Quick questions on Identifying relevant points explained: O-Level English

The summary question tells you what to look for, so read it first. It will name a focus (for example, "the reasons people moved to the city and the problems they faced") and usually a section of the passage (for example, "paragraphs 3 to 5"). Knowing the focus before you read means you can scan actively for relevant points and skim past everything else, which saves time and stops you summarising material that earns no marks. Reading the passage first, then the question, wastes a reading.

A point is relevant only if it answers the focus the question sets. The marked section may be full of facts, but only those matching the focus count. If the focus is "the benefits of cycling", then "it keeps students fit" is relevant but "the school bought a new bike rack" is not, because a facility is not a benefit. Test every candidate point against the focus: does this actually answer what the question asked?

A practical method: as you read the marked section with the focus in mind, underline or number each relevant point in the passage. This turns the long passage into a short list of points to work from, makes it easy to count whether you have enough, and stops you missing points buried mid-paragraph. The selection stage is where most summary marks are won or lost, so it is worth doing carefully before any writing begins.

Explain why you should read the summary question before reading the passage. [2 marks]

A focus asks for "the dangers of the activity". The passage says "It is thrilling and builds confidence, but it can cause serious injury." Which part is relevant?

Explain how to tell a summary point from an example of that point. [2 marks]