This volume contains 80 comprehension exercises for use in schools. They are graded by length and difficulty so that they can profitably be used in the run-up to GCSE and then on through to A-Level. They may function as practice for examination conditions or as a classroom reader. To each passage is appended some vocabulary - though not too much beyond the more unfamiliar words; for part of the technique of comprehension is to extract further meanings from the questions asked. These questions follow each passage: they primarily test comprehension of content; some call for a personal response and therefore lend themselves to class discussion; they also include from the outset questions on grammar and syntax, so that students build a sound linguistic foundation. Only by understanding the usual rules, can they spot the unusual. Any student who can successfully tackle the later passages in the volume will be well able to face A-Level.
