Rt/L2.5 Read critically to evaluate information and compare information, ideas and opinions from different sources

Tips and four tasks designed to help Level 2 Functional English learners think about how they can identify BIAS in texts.

A L1/2 Functional English Card match activity. Serves as a tactile supplement/plenary to identifying the contrasts in the tone of language used in factual, opinionated and biased statements.

This is a news article about the sinking of the Costa Concordia. It is focused on an account of the situation as reported by the local mayor.
The article is accompanied by questions about what might be inferred from the account, what might be the mayor’s opinion and whether or not the account is biased. The questions have been used with adults studying for Edexcel Functional Skills at Level 2.

This is a news article about the death of Whitney Houston followed by a series of questions which ask the reader to decide whether statements in the artice are true, false or inferred.

I have used it with several groups of adult learners who were working towards Edexcel level 2 Functional Skills. They really enjoyed discussiong the article. I did make an answer sheet but I changed it so many times in the light of discussion with different groups that I decided it was best to let them make up their own minds.

This is a topical lesson, looking at the Japanese tsunami disaster and its coverage in the media.

It introduces students to identifying facts and opinions. It also allows students to discuss their own views (appropriately) about this disaster. Students are also given the opportunity to write their own newspaper article based around the facts of the events.

A challenging set of tasks (and points for discussion) based on two opposing articles from a Sunday paper. Designed to assess whether students are working at level 2 standards and can follow an argument, recognise bias, distinguish between fact and opinion, etc.

Living in Poverty is a thought provoking article from the Nursing Times. It is used in this literacy initial assessment for possible Access to Healthcare students. The accompanying questions are designed to check whether students are working at level 2 standards and can follow an argument, summarise information, recognise bias, distinguish between fact and opinion, and write using supporting evidence.

An excellent series of activities (help sheet, sample text, card match game & teaching notes) covering this difficult topic. First used in a Level 2 ESOL reading class but also ideal for Literacy.