Reading and signal words 19-09 4VWO

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 5

Reading and signal words 

Lessongoals:

Analyze Text Structure: Students will be able to explain how different paragraphs are structured to present information, distinguishing between introductory, explanatory, and supportive paragraphs.

Develop Exam Skills: Students will practice answering various exam-style questions based on the reading, including main idea, inference, and function questions.

Connect to Real-World Issues: Students will engage with and discuss real-world issues, such as school hair policies, to understand how current events impact society

www.bbc.co.uk

What was discussed in today's Newsround?

Analysis

Step 1: Understand the Gist (Main Idea)

Paragraph 1: This paragraph introduces the main issue, which is that Emma Clarke, a voiceover artist for the London Underground, has lost her job after making critical comments about the Underground system. It's clear that she is a well-known figure to commuters, as she is the voice behind the famous “mind the gap” announcements. The key detail is that her job loss is a result of her public criticism.

Paragraph 2: This paragraph provides more context, explaining the situation in detail. It includes a specific quote from Clarke, who clarifies that her comments were taken out of context. The focus here is on her defense and the misunderstanding about what she meant.

Analysis

Step 2: Identify Key Details

Paragraph 1 Key Details:

Who: Emma Clarke, a voiceover artist for London Underground.

What happened: She lost her job after criticizing the Underground system.

Why: Her public criticism led to her being dismissed from her role.

Reaction from her employer: Transport for London (TfL) will not give her more work.

Analysis

Step 2: Identify Key Details

Paragraph 2 Key Details:

What Clarke said: In a newspaper interview, Clarke criticized the system and clarified later that her comments were taken out of context.

Her defense: She explained that she never intended to call the Northern Line dreadful, but instead that the thought of hearing her own voice on the Tube was what she found dreadful.

Media involvement: This paragraph introduces the media’s role in amplifying the controversy by quoting Clarke’s words.

Analysis

Step 3: Analyze Structure and Purpose

Structure:

The first paragraph serves as an introduction to the problem (Emma Clarke’s dismissal) and the reason behind it (her criticism of the Tube).

The second paragraph is more explanatory, giving context to Clarke’s comments and explaining her side of the story.

Purpose:

Paragraph 1’s purpose is to inform the reader about Clarke’s dismissal and its immediate cause (the criticism).

Paragraph 2’s purpose is to show Clarke’s defense, explaining that her comments were misunderstood and taken out of context.

Analysis

Step 4: Evaluate Tone and Language

Tone:

Paragraph 1 has an objective tone, simply reporting the facts of the case. There is no emotional language, and the information is presented in a straightforward manner.

Paragraph 2 introduces a more defensive tone, especially from Clarke’s perspective. She feels her words were misinterpreted, and the tone reflects her desire to clear up the misunderstanding.

The phrase “taken out of context” suggests that Clarke feels unfairly treated by the media, an important detail for understanding her position.

Analysis

Step 5: Connect to Possible Exam Questions

Main idea question: “What is the main issue discussed in paragraph 1?”

Answer: Emma Clarke losing her job after criticizing the London Underground.

Inference question: “What can be inferred about Clarke’s attitude towards her dismissal?”

Answer: Clarke believes her comments were misunderstood and taken out of context.

Function question: “What is the function of paragraph 2 in relation to paragraph 1?”

Answer: Paragraph 2 provides additional explanation and context for the situation introduced in paragraph 1.

How does the writer introduce the conflict between Emma Clarke and Transport for London in the first two paragraphs?

1. By criticising London Underground for its lack of humour.
2. By describing their mutual interest in public transport.
3. By highlighting their remarkable relationship.
4. By outlining its cause and effect.

Now

Please go to Classroom and do the reading practice. You will have 30 minutes to finish it. 

Finished early? -> Study for upcoming test!

Homework

Do the Writing Exercise: The Day I Worked for an American Company in the Netherlands available in classroom for upcoming Friday.