# Reading Task Design

## Lesson sequence

| Stage | Purpose | Example task |
|-------|---------|--------------|
| Lead-in / prediction | Activate schema, create a reason to read | Predict from title and picture |
| Pre-teach (max 4-6 items) | Remove words that block the tasks | Match words to pictures |
| Gist (fast, 1-3 min) | Overall idea | Choose the best title; match headings to paragraphs |
| Detail / specific information | Careful reading | Wh- questions, T/F/NG, complete a table |
| Inference and deeper meaning | Reading between the lines | Why...? What does the writer feel? |
| Vocabulary from the text | Guessing meaning from context | Find a word in paragraph 2 that means... |
| Post-reading response | Use the content | Discuss, write a reply, role play |

Set a time limit for gist so learners do not read word by word. Give the detail task before the second read.

## Question types (Barrett-style taxonomy, simplified)

| Type | Asks for | Stem examples | Level |
|------|----------|---------------|-------|
| Literal | Information stated in the text | Where...? When...? What did...? | All |
| Reorganisation | Combining stated information | Complete the timeline; which two people...? | A2+ |
| Inference | Unstated meaning, reasons, attitude | Why do you think...? How does the writer feel...? | B1+ (simple ones from A2) |
| Evaluation | Judging the text | Is the writer's argument convincing? Is this fact or opinion? | B2+ |
| Appreciation / response | Personal reaction | Would you like to...? Has this happened to you? | All |

## Writing good questions

- Follow the order of the text for detail questions.
- Paraphrase; do not copy the sentence with the answer, or learners just match words.
- One answer per question; say whether short answers are acceptable.
- Avoid yes/no questions that can be answered from general knowledge ("Is London in England?").
- True/false: roughly equal T and F; "not given" only from B1, with no more than one or two NG items.
- Multiple choice: three or four options, one correct, distractors based on the text (wrong paragraph, partly
  true, opposite).
- Spread questions across the whole text, not only the first paragraph.

## Number of questions

About one detail question per 30-50 words of text at A2-B1, fewer at higher levels where questions are deeper.
Six to eight questions is usually enough for one reading.

## Answer key

Give the answer and the line or paragraph that supports it ("para 2, line 3"). For inference questions give a
model answer and the evidence.