subject: How To Use Texts and Tasks [print this page] How To Use Texts and Tasks How To Use Texts and Tasks
There are various methods on how to use texts and tasks. It is important that you know how to make use of the texts and deliver the tasks properly. Below provides some of the tips that could assist you when you are using texts that could make your teaching easier.
Types of text
Brochure
Flier
Instruction booklet
Leaflet
Manual
Notices
Pamphlet
Signs
Stories
Graded readers
Easy readers
Elementary level readers
Fax
Report
Formal letter of application
Formal letter of complaint
Informal letter of application
Informal letter of complaint
CV or Curriculum vitae
Resume
Application form
Immigration Form
Contract
Email
Junk mail
Search results
Spam mail
Website
Forums
Online forum
Catalogue
Interactive menu
Menu
Subtitles
Types of tasks
Answer the questions
Correct the wrong statements
Fill in the table
Gap fill/Cloze
Guessing the meaning from context
Matching paragraphs to headings
Multiple choices
Prediction tasks
Putting items into order
Summarizing
True/False
True/False/Not given
Other useful vocabulary to talk about texts
Scanning
Skimming
Reading for gist
Reading for general understanding
Reading for overall understanding
Reading for detailed comprehension
Reading for specific information
Speed reading
Jigsaw text
Phonics
Whole word recognition
First letter recognition
Word shape
Paragraph
Topic sentence
Headline
Caption
Heading
Paragraph heading
Extensive reading
Reading for pleasure
Self Access Centre
School library
Lending library
Vocabulary pre-teach
Underline
Classroom language for prediction tasks and other lead-ins
"From the headline; picture; or caption, what do you think does it say?"
"From what you know about the topic, what do you think does it mean?"
"From the first sentence or paragraph, what do you think is it about?"
"From the list of vocabulary from the text, what do you think will include?"
"From the paragraph headings what do you think the text will say?" (Discuss with your partner)
"Answer the questions from your discussion, read through, and then check."
"Let us first take a look at some vocabulary that you might need in order to understand the text."
"Quickly read through and just check your answers."
"Try to answer the questions from your own knowledge, read through and check."
General tips for reading
"How do we approach this task?"
"It is usually best to read through the whole text first. However, in this exam, you do not have the time."
"It would be easier for you to see the questions and text at the same time, if you take out the staple."
"Just ignore the words that you do not know."
"Read through all the questions first"
"The questions are all in the same order as the text apart from the summary question."
"The questions are usually in the similar arrangement as the text apart from the attitude question."
"Write your answers on the answer sheet at the end, so you can write anything on the question paper."
Tips for scanning
"Before you begin scanning, where do you think is the information in the text located?"
"The easiest ones to scan for are the numbers and words with capital letters."
"What words from the question will you probably find in the text and would be easy for you to scan for?"
Tips for multiple choice questions
"Cross off the choices that you think are not true."
"If there are similar words in the text, it is probably a trick question."
"If there are the same words in the text, it does not necessarily indicate that it is the correct option."
"Only change your answers if you are sure they are incorrect."
"Remove the wrong answers first."
"Underline the information in the text that conveys why option A is correct/wrong."
"What word from the sentence has the same meaning as the word in option B?"
"You will not lose any points for a wrong guess."
Tips for matching tasks
"If you still have time, read through the section that you have not matched yet to any of the heading. Make sure that it does not match any of them."
Tips for self study reading
"It is almost always better to read a graded reader rather than an authentic text."
"It is important to read for enjoyment rather than try to learn the vocabulary."
"Refrain from using your dictionary while you are reading. The meaning the words might come up later."
"When you have reached Advanced level, it is worth having an encyclopedia and a dictionary. Most of the topics you do not know will be about culture."
Miscellaneous instructions and tips
"Place your pens down the first time you read."
"Please leave a few minutes, for you to transfer your answers to the answer sheet."
"The text will continue on the next page."
"Underline the information in the text."
"You can write on the text."
"You cannot write on the text."
Checking answers
"Check your answers with the answer key and ask me if you have any questions."
"Compare your answers with your partner."
"Does that indicate (exactly) the same as...?"
"Select any question that you are sure of the answer."
"What paragraph or line number does it say in the text?"
Discussion questions/thinking points for teachers
What do you think of the tips given above? Select two tips that you strongly agree with and two that you disagree with.
