How to Approach the RUAE Questions (SQA National 5 English): Revision Note
Exam code: X824 75
This section is designed to help you develop your close and careful reading skills to prepare for the Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (RUAE) paper. It consists of:
Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation paper overview
Understanding the exam questions
Top tips for a Grade A
Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation paper overview
1 non-fiction passage of approximately 800-1000 words
8-9 questions
30 marks
1 hour
Keep in mind that these questions are designed to assess your skills in understanding, analysis and evaluation.
Understanding | Analysis | Evaluation |
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These questions test your understanding of what the writer is communicating to the reader | These questions focus on how the writer conveys their message | These questions require you to judge how effectively the writer uses language and structure |
Understanding the exam questions
The most effective approach to prepare for your RUAE exam is to familiarise yourself with the types of questions that will appear and to practise answering them regularly. Each one tests a specific skill.
You will come across similar types of questions throughout the RUAE paper. Here are some of the most common question types:
“Your own words” questions | Word choice questions | Sentence structure questions |
Language questions | Link questions | Conclusion questions |
Let’s look at each of these question types in more detail.
“Your own words” questions | |
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These test your ability to understand and summarise ideas accurately. For these questions, the wording might include:
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How to approach these questions | |
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Word choice questions | |
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These test your analytical skills by asking you to comment on connotations and effects. For these questions, the wording might include:
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How to approach these questions | |
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Examiner Tips and Tricks
When analysing word choice, avoid simply giving synonyms for a selected word, as this is often too general and does not fully answer the question. Always focus on why the word or word or phrase is effective.
Sentence structure questions | |
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These explore how the writer’s sentence patterns, punctuation or structure shape meaning. For these questions, the wording might include:
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How to approach these questions | |
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Examiner Tips and Tricks
When discussing sentence structure, make sure to include a relevant analytical comment explaining its effect. Don’t simply name the feature and give an example.
Language questions | |
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These are broader and may combine word choice, imagery or tone. For these questions, the wording might include:
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How to approach these questions | |
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Examiner Tips and Tricks
Pay attention to the marks. Always check how many marks each question is worth and make sure your answer matches that. For example, for language questions, you’ll usually get 1 mark for a relevant quotation and 1 mark for a clear, accurate comment explaining its intended effect.
Link questions | |
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These test whether you understand the flow of ideas within the passage. For these questions, the wording might include:
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How to approach these questions | |
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Conclusion questions | |
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These test how well you can recognise an effective ending. For these questions, the wording might include:
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How to approach these questions | |
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Examiner Tips and Tricks
When attempting a conclusion question, think about what an effective conclusion should have. It should generally:
Summarise key ideas introduced earlier
Provide insight or reflection
Show development or change
End with a strong final statement
Top tips for a Grade A
Read the passage fully before starting the questions so you can understand the main ideas and overall argument
Read actively by skimming for main ideas, and then re-read closely to look for ideas and techniques
Focus on what each question is asking by reading it carefully and identifying its key command words
Highlight or underline important words or phrases in both the question and the passage to keep your answer relevant
Only use the line numbers given in the question:
If your evidence comes from outside this section, you won’t be awarded any marks for your answer
Check whether the question asks for your own words or quotations:
The question will always clearly state this
Quote briefly and accurately, choosing only the most relevant words or phrases
Note how many marks the question is worth and plan your response accordingly:
For a 2-mark question, you’ll usually need to give a quote and a supporting comment
Manage your time effectively so you can answer every question within the one-hour limit
Learn more
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