Ministry of Education

Secondary Engagement Programme

September 2020

WEEK FOURTEEN: Lesson Two

Subject: English A
Grade: Seven
Topic: Comprehension
Sub-Topic: Prose Extract – Reading Skill

Objective: After reading a given passage, students will present the correct answer for each given
question.

Concept: While reading is most vital to our learning and is the gateway to knowledge, we may
read with a different purpose in mind.

Content
Reading Skills - Skimming
While reading is most vital to our learning and is the gateway to knowledge, we may read with a
different purpose in mind.
1. We may read to get a general idea of the theme or topic. This is known as skimming.
2. We may read for specific information or details. This is known as scanning.
3. We may set out to gain an in-depth knowledge or picture of what we read. Here we go
beyond general ideas to significant details and supporting information or facts.

Skimming
When we skim, we read quickly to get the gist or the general theme of the passage, chapter,
article or web-page.
This type of reading (skimming) is certainly much faster than normal reading. Some readers
skim about three times faster than normal reading. In doing so, details are not registered in our
memory nor do we expect to understand fully or retain all that we read.
The purpose of the exercise of skimming is to find the main theme and ideas in the piece of
writing quickly.

148
Read the passage below carefully and answer the questions that follow in complete sentences.
The “character qualities” or “character traits” that make up a person’s character vary from person
to person. These traits are built into a person’s life through habit or constantly exhibiting certain
values. For example, good character is doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do. If
someone is honest, that person actually shows several more basic qualities like truthfulness,
dependability and diligence. A person with the character quality of tolerance will be more
accepting of others – less prejudiced, patient, forgiving, responsible and sensitive.

Our character, therefore, is what really determines our success and guides our responses to any
situation or circumstances in our life. It is why we do things we do and it is why we do things the
way we do them. The way someone responds in a given situation determines the results he gets.
If someone handles conflict by being just as rowdy as another ‘party’ involved, then chances are
the situation can escalate and develop into a non-favourable situation. However, if one
demonstrates alertness during confrontations then qualities of attentiveness, decisiveness,
discernment, initiative, courage and persuasiveness may result with the potential of resolving the
situation.

Courage enables people to do the right thing even when it’s unpopular, difficult or dangerous.
Many world leaders have had the courage to change the rules to achieve justice. Two such
people include Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. Do you have the courage to
practise responsibility, self-respect and compassion?

1. What does it mean to have a “good character”?

2. State three qualities a tolerant person may exhibit.
3. Determine the meaning of the following words as used in the passage
(a) Rowdy
(b) Party
(c) Escalate
4. How do you handle conflict or confusion?
5. List two qualities you exhibit when making a decision.
6. Name a world-renowned person, not mentioned in the passage, who has had the
“courage” to change the rules to achieve justice.

149
Answer Sheet

1. To have a “good character” means to think positively, morally and act responsibly. / Any
other suitable answer.
2. Patience, lack of prejudice, forgiveness, responsibility sensitivity.
3. (a) rowdy – disorderly, loud, noisy, boisterous, obnoxious
(b) party – person, individual, someone
(c) escalate – intensify, increase, heighten, grow, worsen
4. Be alert, attentive, decisive, discerning, proactive (use initiative), courageous, persuasive
5. Alertness, discernment, courage, decisiveness, use of initiative, persuasiveness
6. Malala, Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr.

150