Factual question answers are responses derived directly from explicitly stated information within a text. They demonstrate a reader's comprehension of basic details and ideas presented.
In essence, factual questions aim to assess whether someone can identify and recall specific details presented in a reading passage, article, or any other form of text. They serve as the building blocks for higher-level comprehension skills.
Here's a breakdown:
- Directly from the Text: The answer isn't inferred or implied; it's explicitly stated.
- Basic Comprehension: Answering factual questions shows you understand the foundational elements of the text.
- Foundational Skill: It's the base upon which other, more complex comprehension skills are built.
Example:
Imagine a text stating: "The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by discharge of water and the longest."
A factual question would be: "What is the largest river in the world by discharge of water?"
The factual answer, directly from the text, is: "The Amazon River."
In contrast, a non-factual question might ask, "Why is the Amazon River so important to the rainforest?" - requiring more than simply recalling explicit details.
In conclusion, answers to factual questions are explicitly stated pieces of information retrieved directly from a source.
