Read the Reading Strategy. Then complete these tasks.
1 Look at question 1 in exercise 4. Read the second paragraph of the text.
2 Circle the correct option and identify the sentence of the paragraph which gives the answer.
3 Which words are used in the sentence instead of the words in the correct option?
A perfect companion
A: Hello there.
B: How are you?
A: I am doing very well. How are you?
B: Fine.
A: Glad to hear it. What's for today?
B: Nothin'.
A: Fair enough. What do you want to study?
B: I dunno.
A: You don't know what you want to study?! Lazy humans!
B: Say what I need to study.
A: You have not yet told me what you want to study.
This conversation is between a visually-impaired student, Nick, and his digital tutor named Ann Sullutor.
Ann Sullutor is the brainchild of a 22nd century scientist modelled on and named after the dedicated tutor of Helen Keller. You can have conversations with Ann Sullutor via a wristwatch or any piece of jewellery. The idea of the digital tutor was to help disabled children study in mainstream schools.
Early in the morning, Ann Sullutor wakes up from a full charge of energy, ready for a 20-hour non-stop working day. Nick is quite independent in familiar situations, but if he comes across something unexpected, he can turn to Ann Sullutor for help by using his voice to control the watch on this wrist. Similarly, if he is in an unfamiliar place, he can get directions from Ann through a tiny set of earphones. In an emergency, for example, if there is an obstacle or unexpected vehicle, Nick receives a tiny vibration as a warning. Ann sends reports to the child's parents on a regular basis or on demand.
Registered in the school system and equipped with an immense database, Ann can easily keep track of Nick's schedule and curriculum. During class, Ann gives off a warning beep when Nick is distracted, quicky converts the new material into braille or dictates what the teacher has just written on board. Ann is there to bridge the gap between Nick and his classmates. In Nick's individual sessions, Ann suggests lessons depending on his preference and ability. She can adapt the lesson to aid Nick's learning process, but she doesn't jump in immediately to offer him a hand. Nick has to work on his own for a while before Ann makes a few suggestions. She may even ask Nick to read some extra materials to get a grasp of the topic. Nick often complains about Ann's persistence and strictness. In his fury, Nick sometimes does wish to turn Ann off for a while, which can only be done by his parents.
Ann Sullutor is much more than a beautifully-designed gadget for a visually-impaired child. She can make a perfect companion to any child that needs a tutor or a friend to talk with.
Reading Strategy In a multiple-choice question, the correct option will match the meaning of the text but use different words. It is therefore important not to automatically assume that a multiple-choice option which contains words from the text is correct. |
1. Here's a suggested division of the letter into six paragraphs:
Paragraph 1: Introduction and purpose of the letter Paragraph 2: Information about the group Paragraph 3: Dates of stay and availability Paragraph 4: Inquiring about food and drink Paragraph 5: Requesting suggestions about places to visit in Bristol Paragraph 6: Conclusion and expectation of reply
2. Examples of short forms and corrected versions:
- "we're" (we are) - "We are"
- "I'll" (I will) - "I will"
- "can't" (cannot) - "cannot"
3. Words and phrases that could be expressed in a more formal way:
- "friends" - "travel companions"
- "I would be grateful if you could inform me" - "Please inform me"
- "I would certainly be interested" - "I would be interested"
- "recommendations" - "suggestions"
- "receiving a reply" - "receiving a response"
4. Words and phrases that could be expressed in a more formal way:
- "ask about" - "inquire about"
- "soon" - "in the near future"
- "sort out" - "arrange"
- "tell me about" - "inform me about"