Helping pupils with challenging reading texts for GCSE

I thought I would share the following resource which I have been using with my year 11s to help them improve their exam technique.  The tendency my students have is to snatch at one word, then build their answer around that one, single word, which inevitably leads to disaster.  Alternatively, they have no idea where to start.  Taking them step-by-step through the process, slowing them down so that they are forced to think about what they are reading - these have been useful.  Especially for AQA GCSE, where obscure answers are part and parcel of preparing for the A-A* type questions,

 I have a golden rule: Show me the evidence!!  You have to be guided by the words in the text.  We have just done a past paper question where the answer to the question, "How do you know the family are despairing of getting Louis to school on time?" was "They are thinking about having breakfast the night before"  Previous attempts at these types of obscure questions has led to blank expressions all round.  Although not all got it, some did because they had taken it step by step.

This template is also good for homework support.  If they have done all of these steps, you know that they have really engaged with the text.

Guided Reading Template

Stage 1.  Look at the clues which could set the scene.

1.  Is there any photo / picture?  What does it show? 

2.  What’s the title of the article?  Translate it here:

3.  What’s this article about?  Which topics might be included in this reading text?

Stage 2.  Skim read – getting the gist of what has been written

List the 3 most important things you have learned from the text.

1.

2.

3.

Stage 3.  Focus on the first line of each paragraph – find the theme of the paragraph.

Translate each first sentence, and then tell me what the probable theme of the paragraph is.

Paragraph number..	Translation	Probable theme
1.

Stage 4.  Find out what the key words are each question – underline them!

Stage 5. Find the section that gives you the answer to the question.

a. Underline the sentence or phrase which gives you the answer.

b. Translate as much as you can from that sentence into your exercise book.

German:

English:

Stage 6.  Answer the question, using your translation to help you!

Here is the link to the resource on TES