Notes for Paper 2 (Reading) common pitfalls - IB | RevisionDojo
Paper 2 (Reading) common pitfalls Notes
Paper 2 (Reading): Common Pitfalls
When the exam asks for the writer’s tone and I only found their topic.
Why it matters
Even strong readers lose marks in Paper 2 not because they don’t understand the text, but because they fall into avoidable traps.
Examiners look for evidence of comprehension, not just word-spotting.
Knowing the common pitfalls helps you read with purpose, manage time effectively, and turn understanding into marks.
Pitfalls to avoid
1. Lifting entire sentences without adjusting grammar
Examiners want your response, not a copy. If the sentence does not fit grammatically with the question, you will lose marks.
Solution:
Always rephrase in your own words.
If you copy part of a sentence, make sure it matches the question format (e.g., turn a statement into a noun phrase if the question asks “What is…”).
Example
“The company banned smoking inside to promote a healthier workplace.”
Why did the company ban smoking?
Wrong: “The company banned smoking inside to promote a healthier workplace.”
Right: “To promote a healthier workplace.”
2. Misidentifying tone
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Note
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Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident
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Tip
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris.
Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum.
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What is a common mistake strong readers make in Paper 2?
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Note
Introduction to Paper 2 (Reading) Pitfalls
Paper 2 (Reading) is designed to test your comprehension skills, not just your ability to find words in a text.
Many students lose marks not because they don't understand the text, but because they fall into common traps.
Understanding these pitfalls can help you maximize your score and demonstrate your true reading ability.
AnalogyThink of Paper 2 like a treasure hunt - it's not just about finding the treasure (answers), but showing how you found it and understanding its value.
DefinitionComprehensionThe ability to understand and interpret what you read.
ExampleIn a recent exam, a student who understood the text perfectly still lost marks because they copied answers directly from the passage without rephrasing.
