ELT365 · Day 166 — The one-question rule for gist tasks

Idea — One gist question sends learners in with a clear, single purpose. More than one and learners start reading for detail; the gist pass becomes confused and slow.

Example — Weak: ‘Read and answer: What is the article about? Who is it written for? What examples are given?’ That is three tasks, not one. Write one question and trust the task.

Try — Take your next listening or reading gist task. Count the questions. If more than one, cut all but the most essential.

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