Reading

Detail, not just gist

Whilst reading for gist is quick and useful, studying for detail is essential when one word can completely change the interpretation of the message or direction of a project.

Detail comes from understanding how words connect, identifying an appropriate meaning and then connecting everything together.

PhD student finds lost city in Mexico jungle by accident

Task

Source

BBC

Article

Article date

29 October 2024

[2-12] = page number-line number

Line numbers

Reference

R001

  • We use the present perfect to connect past with present; here the centuries-forgotten city [distant past] was recently discovered [recent past/ present time].

  • ‘Peak’ refers to the city’s largest extent at 30-50,000 people, calculated between 750-850 AD.

  • In the past, the site housed a large Maya population, and still does. ‘Mostly’ shows the area is still important, the (original) people have not really left.

  • There is no hidden treasure. Valuable items, like jade masks, were found, but no hidden treasure (either through hearsay or historical record).

  • Using the point is shows the importance of what was missed: it was assumed the area was not settled, when in reality the opposite is true.

  • Suggest means current evidence indicates the Maya civilisation collapsed from 800 AD onwards; hard evidence is unavailable to provide a precise date.

  • Opening up is a verb with adverbial. If unsure the difference between phrasal verb and verb with adverbial, remove the second element and, if it makes sense, it is the verb + adverbial.

  • The downside of modelling and advertising is its effect on young and impressionable people, forcing unrealistic expectations down sensitive throats, while surreptitiously extracting cash from their pockets.

Read the article, then answer the questions.

  • Answer the questions first before expanding to show answers!

  • NOTE new words: Day one of the holistic adventure comprises a wholesome afternoon tea, one of Dior’s signature treatments, pre-dinner drinks and a healthy feast planned out by Ferguson.

  • NOTE phrases: The news follows hot on the heels — or tracks — of the launch of the Royal Scotsman's Dior spa.

  • NOTE phrasal verbs: ‘Traditionally, storks are considered harbingers of hope, joy and rebirth,’ says The White Stork Project. ‘We hope their return to the UK will signal a transformation, a reconnection with nature that will enthuse and inspire others and help bring about the landscape restoration we so desperately need.’

  • NOTE how the writer expresses themselves: There is more than one way to notice the advent of spring. Traditionally, it is when the sun enters the northern hemisphere. Some people like to wait for the first call of the cuckoo. I like to think it’s when the property photographers get out there and start taking nice pictures.

  • NOTE punctuation: On day two, there’s the option to head out on a private hike; on day three, sit down to a locally-foraged lunch.