IB English Language B Reading Skills 10 /9/2014

William Shakespeare

Reading Techniques Skimming Scanning Comprehension Questions Content, Inference and Vocabulary questions, Summary question

Skimming Skimming is reading quickly to discover what the material is about: look at headings, sub-titles or topic sentences. look for important words or phrases that are repeated several times Now read the following text using the skimming technique outlined above. You only have 30 seconds so don’t try to read the whole text.

Skimming Paragraph 1 Summary of Shakespeare’s Life Paragraph 2 Early Years, childhood Paragraph 3 The height of his career – the plays Paragraph 4 Publication of his work Paragraph 5 Shakespeare’s reputation throughout the years

Scanning Scanning is examining a passage more closely to discover the answer to a question or to locate information. You may be looking for a key words or phrases and rejecting the information you don’t want.

Scanning April 1564 Mainly comedies and histories The nineteenth century

Vocabulary Poet Playwright Pre-eminent Collaborations Narrative To translate Records Speculation Peak of sophistication Tragedy Respected scholarship

Content Questions 1. The first type focuses on looking for facts, data or figures. You do not have to rewrite these answers in your own words. Do not copy whole sections of text in the hope that the correct answer is in it. 2. The second type of content question you must read and understand the organisation of the entire passage.

Content Questions 26 April April 1616 Because it is the same date as his birthday. Latin Grammar and the Classics

Paraphrasing In paraphrasing we not only use our own words, not those of the original writer. We also add clarity to the writer’s vision by clarifying the meaning. There are two techniques involved: Substitution Re-ordering

Paraphrasing

Don’t give money to people because you will probably lose a friend and your cash. People who may be nice are not always so. If something appears to be good/treasure/great opportunity etc then beware

Paraphrasing Some people are born into greatness but some achieve through their hard work and or chance It is sad to say goodbye We are the only person who can fix our problems You never can tell who you will fall in love with The poor are not acknowledged in their lives, whereas the famous are feted. If you do nothing, you will get nothing in return so work hard! It is best to seem to be nice even if you are not

Inference Because a “second best bed” implies that Shakespeare possibly did not love and respect his wife. 1d 2c 3d 4a

Vocabulary Questions Vocabulary questions are used by examiners to check that you understand the meaning of words as they are used in the text. You may be asked to write a short phrase in your own words or locate a phrase with the same meaning in the text. Use contextual clues and hints in the passage to help you. Try substituting your meaning into the text sentence. Does it fit? Read the text and try to answer the following vocabulary questions.

Vocabulary Questions More important than others of its kind Someone who is a very skillful performer The act of working with another person or group Interesting because it is strange or mysterious