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 which meaning is appropriate and then connecting everything together.

The Anderson shelter: Good for gardening, good for storing wine, and great for hiding from bombs

Source

Article

Article date

11 November 2024

[2-12] = page number-line number

Line numbers

Reference

R004

  • The Anderson shelters were [2-9] a last line of defence against the Luftwaffe’s deadly bombing raids.

  • A nice spot means a particular place or point: the gardens would not be big but the shelter raised the ground offering a small amount of more space.

  • Shelters were distributed to lower-come families because they were in areas likely to be targeted by German bombers — with the very first being installed in Islington, London, in February 1939 — they were later sold for £7 each (about £500 today). [2-28 to 2-30]

  • The shelters were commissioned in November 1938 in expectation of war and originally distributed to low-income households in areas likely to be targeted by German bomber [2-26 to 2-30]: the rich could afford to move outside populated areas.

  • The shelters were prone to flooding, especially in areas where the water table was high [2-43 to 2-45]

  • Run = be in charge of; manage.

  • Confine = restrict someone within the limits of the small space of the shelter

  • It’s cosy (giving a feeling comfort and safety), but could become claustrophobic because it’s a confined space.

  • Come along = arrive

  • Anderson Shelters became enshrined in the public consciousness, such was the respect it had, Anderson Shelter shaped Christmas cakes were made. [3-28 to 3-34]

  • The shelters have been studied for use in current conflict zones [3-66 to 3-71]

Task

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.