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.

Trump Is Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Russian Oligarchs

Task

Source

Article

Article date

28 February 2025

[2-12] = page number-line number

Line numbers

Reference

R009

  • ‘Deep pockets’ refers to ‘the possession of abundant financial resources’. It can be used in both positive and negative situations.

  • We use ‘hold to account’ means ‘to make someone accept they are responsible for something and explain their actions or decisions’.

  • (c) to mean ‘draw special attention to’.

  • ‘Bucking the trend’ means to oppose or resist (something oppressive or inevitable)

  • ‘Pocket change’ means a small amount of money (this is relative: £100 may be a small amount of money to some, but not to others).

  • When we say ‘in someone’s mind’ it refers to what they think, not perhaps the conventional or accepted view.

  • ‘Let alone’ - used to indicate that something is far less likely or suitable than something else already mentioned.

  • ‘Actor’ refer to participants in an action or process, not those in the film or entertainment.

  • We use ‘poster child’ (North American English) to refer to ‘a person or thing that epitomises or represents a specified quality or cause’.

  • We use ‘outed’ to mean ‘revealed or made public’.

  • To be ‘asleep at the wheel’ means not attentive or alert. Often used for those in leadership or responsibility where they are not leading in an acceptable or responsible manner.

  • In this context, ‘hang on’ means ‘remain firm or persevere, especially in difficult circumstances’.

  • ‘By and large’ is a common phrase to mean ‘on the whole; everything considered’.

  • The full expression is ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ which means ‘every difficult or sad situation has a comforting or more hopeful aspect, even though this may not be immediately apparent’.

  • ‘Small comfort’ is another way to express ‘little’ comfort.

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.