Supporting a reading answer means making a point and then showing the exact words that prove it. The routine below works for any passage in any language, including Punjabi.
It sits in the SPM subjects and learning resources collection. When your answer is written, use revising an original short response with a checklist to tidy it up.
What is the three-part routine?
Write a claim, choose the evidence, and add an explanation. The claim answers the question.
The evidence is a few words from the passage. The explanation says how those words prove the claim.
Keep the order the same every time, so you never forget a part when you are nervous.
Worked example: original passage
The passage is an original paraphrase, given in English here so the method is visible. Your paper will present it in Punjabi.
Passage (paraphrase). “Harpreet carried the bag of vegetables for her grandmother down the crowded lane. Her grandmother was slow because her knees hurt. Harpreet walked beside her and did not rush ahead, although her friends were waiting at the corner.”
Question. What does the passage show about Harpreet’s character?
Claim. Harpreet is patient and caring toward her grandmother.
Evidence. The words “did not rush ahead, although her friends were waiting” show the detail.
Explanation. She could have gone to her friends but chose to stay at her grandmother’s pace, which shows she puts her grandmother’s comfort first.
In the real paper, the evidence words would be quoted in Punjabi exactly as written.
The mistake: copying the whole sentence
A common slip is to copy the whole sentence “Harpreet walked beside her and did not rush ahead, although her friends were waiting at the corner.” It contains the evidence but also the words that do not prove the point, such as “walked beside her”.
| Step | Weak answer | Stronger answer |
|---|---|---|
| Claim | (missing) | She is patient and caring |
| Evidence | The whole sentence copied | “did not rush ahead, although her friends were waiting” |
| Explanation | (missing) | She chose her grandmother’s pace over her friends |
The stronger answer is shorter and shows more understanding. The marker can see which part of the sentence carried the proof.
How to choose evidence
- Underline the words in the passage that answer the question.
- Shrink them to the fewest words that still prove the point.
- Check that a reader who has not seen the passage can see why those words prove your claim.
If you cannot shrink the evidence, your claim may be too broad. Narrow the claim first.
What can be taught online?
Reading method, choosing evidence and explaining it can all be practised in one-to-one online lessons, with the teacher giving feedback on your written answers. Assessment rules, paper format and any school-based tasks remain with your school and the examination authority, so check current details with your teacher and the Lembaga Peperiksaan website.
Check yourself
Passage (original paraphrase). “Jas watched the rain stop, then ran to the garden and lifted the fallen tomato plants one by one. By evening the rows stood straight again.”
Question. What does the passage show about Jas? Write a claim, evidence and explanation.
Answer
Claim: Jas is hardworking and cares for the garden.
Evidence: “lifted the fallen tomato plants one by one”.
Explanation: The phrase “one by one” shows he did the work patiently, plant by plant, and did not leave it for later. The rows standing straight by evening shows his effort had a result.
What to study next
Practise writing your own answers, then use the structured-answer self-review tool to check each part. Continue with revising an original short response using a checklist.
If you want a teacher to give individual feedback on your Punjabi reading answers, see online one-to-one Punjabi tuition.