When answering short-answer questions, it’s important to use words from the passage unless otherwise stated in the instructions.

  • Why This Is Important: Using words from the passage ensures accuracy and prevents misunderstanding. Paraphrasing may lead to errors if you change the meaning.
  • How to Apply It:
    1. Locate the exact words in the passage that match the information in the question.
    2. Avoid unnecessary paraphrasing unless specifically instructed to use your own words.
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  • Example: If the passage mentions “profits,” don’t write “earnings” unless the passage also uses that word.