ESOL Rt/L1.3a Understand how main points and specific detail are presented and linked

Understand how main points and specific detail are presented and linked, and how images are used to infer meaning that is not explicit in the text (i) Recognise common text structure, e.g. texts structured around main points which are expanded or illustrated with specific detail (ii) Decide where it is enough to note only the main points and where it is important to read detail carefully - and approach texts accordingly (iii) Use knowledge of a range of features of organisational structure, format and layout to aid understanding (iv) Make use of images and information in graphical form to add to information in the printed text, e.g. icons on a computer (v) Recognise where images are being used to persuade, or to convey the force and emotion of a situation or event

This lesson gives students the opportunity to discuss fundraising and practise reading skills (scanning and reading for detail). The reading text focuses on Mick Cullen, also known as ‘SpeedoMick’, and his long distance walks for charity. The lesson encourages students to try to empathise with Mick and better understand his background, character and motivations. Themes of mental health are also prominent and so it is advised you check with your learners first/use your own professional judgement before doing the optional video task.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L2.11 Identify when main points are sufficient & when specific details are important
FE L1.1 Identify relevant information & lines of argument in explanations & presentations
FE L2.1 Identify relevant information from extended explanations or presentations
FE L2.2 Follow narratives & lines of argument
FE L1.3 Respond effectively to detailed questions
FE L2.3 Respond effectively to detailed or extended questions & feedback
FE L1.6 Follow / understand discussions & make contributions relevant to situation & subject
FE L2.8 Make relevant and constructive contributions to move discussion forward
ESOL
ESOL Rt/L1.3a Understand how main points and specific detail are presented and linked
ESOL Rt/L1.5a Use skimming, scanning and detailed reading in different ways for different purposes
ESOL Rt/L2.3a Identify the main points and specific detail in different types of text of varying lengths & detail
ESOL Rt/L2.7a Use different reading strategies to find and obtain information, e.g. skimming, scanning, detailed reading
ESOL Lr/L1.1a Extract information from texts of varying genre, e.g. radio, TV
ESOL Lr/L1.5a Respond to questions on a range of topics
ESOL Lr/L2.1a Extract information from extended texts in a non-face-to-face context, e.g. radio
ESOL Lr/L2.3a Respond to detailed or extended questions on a range of topics
ESOL Sd/L1.2a Express views and opinions
ESOL Sd/L1.1c Express likes, dislikes, feelings, hopes, etc.
ESOL Sd/L2.2c Express views, opinions, feelings, wishes
Context
Voluntary & Charity
Mental health, awareness & psychology

A simplified version of a news report taken from ABC's Behind the News. Dating from 2020 it talks bout US Gun Laws from an Australian perspective. The reading text also comes with comprehension questions, a cloze passage, dictionary activities and a writing prompt. There are related tasks at two levels E3/L1 and L1/2.

Editor's notes

Also ideal for stimulating discussion (and thus great practice for the FS speaking and listening assessments). The L1-2 questions provide the opportunity to write longer answers and include a  writing prompt.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L2.11 Identify when main points are sufficient & when specific details are important
FE E3.11 Use strategies to find meaning of words e.g. dictionary, context, word types
FE L1.13 Use reference materials & appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, inc. to find word meanings
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose
FE L2.27 Use language & register (e.g. persuasive techniques, supporting evidence, specialist words) to suit audience & purpose
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E3.1a Understand how meaning is built up in a variety texts of more than one paragraph
ESOL Rt/E3.4a Extract the main points and ideas, and predict words from context.
ESOL Rt/L1.3a Understand how main points and specific detail are presented and linked
ESOL Rw/E3.5a Use variety of reading strategies to read/understand unfamiliar words
ESOL Writing: text focus (composition)
ESOL Rw/L1.1a Use reference material to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.3a Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary
Context
News, Politics & Government items