Rt/L1.3

Identify the main points and specific detail, and infer meaning from images which is not explicit in the text
(a) Understand that some texts are structured around main points that are expanded or illustrated by specific detail
(b) Understand that in some texts and situations only the main points are essential to get the meaning, whereas in others every detail requires careful reading
(c) Understand that images can be used to convey additional information to that in the printed text

Based on a 2010 BBC News article about Firhall village in the Scottish Highlands.The exercises include comprehension exercises, anagrams based on different parts of speech, finding alternative vocabulary and a short writing task.

Level
Level 1
English
Adult Literacy: writing composition (Wt)
Rw/L1.3
Rw/L1.2
Rt/L1.3
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts

A comprehension exercise in response to the earthquake and consequent tsunami in Japan. To be used along with research tasks or discussion.

Introduce the lesson with a discussion about the events surrounding the earthquake and some BBC footage.

The students need to be given the information without the questions to encourage them to read fully – this is not a scanning exercise. Then, when they have finished reading they can answer the questions, either in short on the sheet or in full on separate paper – differentiate accordingly.

Level
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - writing
Rw/L2.1
Rw/L1.3
Rt/L1.3
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
Functional English reading
Context
News, Politics & Government items

Based on a 2009 BBC News article. Exercises include comprehension questions, anagrams, vocabulary exercises and a short writing task.

Level
Level 1
English
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
Rt/L1.3
Adult Literacy: Reading at word level (phonics & vocabulary)
Adult Literacy: writing composition (Wt)

Children in Need is a topical comprehension about the BBC appeal. 12 questions which require reading in detail.
Text updated August 2011
Note there is now also an ESOL E2-E3 version available.

Level
Level 1
English
Rt/L1.3
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
Context
Voluntary, Charity and Community

A topical comprehension activity based on a 2008 BBC news report. Writing task, comprehension questions, anagrams and homophone work.

Level
Level 1
English
Homophones, homographs & confusables
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
Rt/L1.3
Adult Literacy: writing composition (Wt)
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies
Context
News, Politics & Government items

A great warm-up activity. Students work in pairs to find information in holiday brochures. Easily adapted for your own brochures. Covers scanning, organisational features, detailed reading, etc. at E3-L2.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Rt/E3.4
Rt/L1.3
Rt/L2.3 Identify the main points and specific detail
Rt/E3.5
Rt/L1.4
Rt/L2.6 Use organisational features and systems to locate texts and information
Rt/E3.6
Rt/E3.7
Rt/E3.8
Rt/L1.5
Rt/L2.7 Use different reading strategies to find and obtain information, e.g. skimming, scanning, detailed reading
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

A topical comprehension activity based on a 2007 BBC news report. Proof reading (misspelt homophones) and comprehension questions.

Level
Level 1
English
Homophones, homographs & confusables
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
Rt/L1.3
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies
Context
Education and teaching
Health, Social care, Early years

A topical comprehension activity based on a 2008 BBC news report. Find the main points, general comprehension questions and vocabulary / synonyms exercise.

Level
Level 1
English
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
Rt/L1.3
Adult Literacy: Reading at word level (phonics & vocabulary)
Context
News, Politics & Government items

Covers alphabetical ordering, adjectives, reading comprehension, sentences and web research for E2-L2.

Sadly the original background history (on which the comprehension is based) is no longer available on the Swizzels Matlow or Love Heart sites. However related information can be found at the following sites which can make a good introduction to the assignment.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Adult Literacy: writing - punctuation & grammar (Ws)
Adult Lit Ws/E2.2 Use Adjectives
Rw/E3.4
Rw/E2.4
Rt/L2.7 Use different reading strategies to find and obtain information, e.g. skimming, scanning, detailed reading
Rt/L2.3 Identify the main points and specific detail
Rt/L2.1 Trace and understand the main events of continuous descriptive, explanatory and persuasive texts
Rt/L1.5
Rt/L1.4
Rt/L1.3
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
AL Rt/E3.1 Understand longer texts
Context
Retail Hospitality Customer service
History, culture, museums, libraries

Provides valuable practice in skimming, scanning and reading in detail for Level 1 learners.

Level
Level 1
English
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
Rt/L1.3
Rt/L1.4
Rt/L1.5
Adult Lit Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences
Context
Sport and fitness