Finding Information — GCSE English

What is retrieval?

• Retrieval means finding specific information directly stated in a text.
• This is one of the most important reading skills at GCSE.
• Questions often ask you to: "Find two things...", "Give one example of...", "List three..."
• You do not need to give opinions — just find what the text says.
• Always use evidence from the text in your answer.

Key Words

• Retrieval — Finding information that is directly stated in the text
• Skim reading — Reading quickly to get a general idea
• Scan reading — Reading quickly to find a specific piece of information
• Evidence — A quotation or reference from the text that supports your point

How to approach retrieval questions

• Step 1: Read the question carefully — note exactly what is asked.
• Step 2: Identify the key word(s) in the question.
• Step 3: Scan the text for those key words.
• Step 4: Find the specific information and write it clearly.
• Do not add extra opinions or interpretations — just state what the text says.

Using quotations effectively

• Use short, precise quotations from the text.
• Introduce with: "The text states...", "According to the text...", "The writer says..."
• You can also paraphrase — restate the idea in your own words.
• When listing points, use clear, numbered points.
• One point per mark — do not repeat the same point twice.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Do not copy out entire paragraphs — be selective.
• Do not give opinions ("I think...") in retrieval answers.
• Make sure your answer matches what the question asks.
• Do not confuse retrieval with inference — retrieval is directly stated.
• Always re-read your answer to check it answers the question.

Worked Examples

Practice Questions

• In retrieval, you are finding information that is:
  Answer: Directly stated in the text
  Retrieval means finding information that the writer has directly stated, not implied.
• A retrieval question asks "Find two examples." How many marks is it likely worth?
  Answer: 2 marks
  One mark per valid point is typical for retrieval questions.
• Which is the best opening for a retrieval answer?
  Answer: The text states that...
  Retrieval answers should reference the text, not personal opinion.
• What is "scan reading"?
  Answer: Reading quickly to find specific information
  Scan reading involves moving your eyes quickly over the text to find a key word or idea.
• The question asks for "three features." You give the same point three times. What happens?
  Answer: Only one mark awarded
  Repeating the same point does not earn extra marks. Each point must be distinct.