Appendix 4
Language Skills and Language Development Strategies for Key Stage 4
Reading
Understand, Interpret and Analyse a Variety of Written and Multimodal Texts
use linguistic and contextual clues, knowledge of features of different text types and knowledge of the world to determine the meaning of the text
identify main and supporting ideas
relate cause to effect
relate evidence to conclusions
recognise the rhetorical functions performed by sentences in the development of a text
follow and evaluate the development of a point of view or argument
distinguish different points of view and arguments
discriminate between different degrees of formality
appreciate the stylistic variations between text types
interpret how linguistic and structural devices as well as visual elements achieve certain effects
understand and appreciate the tone, mood and intention of the writer and his/her attitude to the theme or topic*
understand the different types of meaning of words, and the semantic associations that exist among words*
detect faulty or misleading arguments*
evaluate critically views and attitudes*
Writing
Present Information, Ideas, Views, Attitudes and Feelings Clearly, Coherently and Appropriately in a Variety of Written Texts
plan and produce coherent and structured texts
organise and integrate information and ideas, and create written and multimodal texts appropriate to the context, purpose and audience
present different views and arguments clearly and logically
present and elaborate main ideas and supporting details through exemplifications, paraphrases, explanations, etc.
relate events and their causes and effects
adjust the balance of ideas and the length of text to meet the requirements of different text types
draft, revise and edit a piece of writing
use appropriate discourse markers to signal the development of ideas
use appropriate linguistic and structural devices, a variety of structures, an appropriate range of vocabulary and visuals to achieve desired purposes
use the salient features of a range of text types appropriately
use persuasive devices effectively*
use appropriate style and register in writing*
*Note: These items are more demanding and require considerable teacher support.
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Language Development Strategies
Develop thinking skills
- use reasoning skills (e.g. analysing for a particular purpose, making inferences, using induction and deduction, drawing conclusions)
- explore and speculate about possibilities
- analyse data and situations systematically for better understanding or to solve problems - generate criteria and principles for action and judicial thinking
Develop reference skills
- use the library and the Internet regularly to collect information and develop research skills - identify relationships (e.g. grouping/differentiating, cause/effect, priority/sequence/order,
similarities/differences) between the ideas expressed within texts
Develop information skills
- collect, evaluate and store information systematically - identify biased and stereotypic information
- make appropriate and ethical use of information from different sources for specific purposes
- adapt materials, text types and systems for supporting and illustrating various topics - employ graphic forms (e.g. pie charts, animations, maps) to organise information and aid
the presentation of ideas
- make notes from spoken and written sources using abbreviations as far as possible (e.g.
i.e., &)
- take down main points and important supporting details - make precise and concise notes
Develop enquiry skills
- ask for advice and suggestions on how to complete an assignment, and take note of such advice and suggestions
- use appropriate tones and approaches when asking for information and explanation - repeat questions and seek clarification politely and pleasantly
- use appropriate opening remarks and formulaic expressions
- request explanation when there is misunderstanding, or pose questions in a polite and pleasant way
- understand the use of different tones and degrees of formality - ask follow-up questions appropriate to the occasion
- ask for information or material, both formally and informally, by writing simple notes or letters
Plan, manage and evaluate one’s own learning
- set meaningful and realistic goals, and determine what resources are available for improving one’s language proficiency
- seek or create opportunities to learn and use English in natural, realistic settings such as making use of community resources and support
- make arrangements for broadening and deepening one’s learning (e.g. researching job prospects, finding out about opportunities for further education locally and overseas) - evaluate one’s own progress and note one’s strengths and weaknesses
- make use of appropriate learning strategies to achieve learning goals
- identify ideas and data that support opposite views, weighing pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages
- look for ideas and information by using printed texts, online bibliographic databases, the Internet and the media
Develop self-motivation
- identify tangible goals for self-development
- take every opportunity to practise as much as possible, and try to look out for or create these opportunities
- develop endurance, tolerance and resilience in the face of hardships
- overcome shyness and inertia by deliberately urging oneself to face challenges
Work with others
- communicate to the point (e.g. explaining precisely and clearly, giving clear and precise descriptions, justifications or illustrations)
- ask others for help and offer help to others
- employ negotiation skills to solicit support, bargain, reach consensus, compromise or solve problems
- listen to different opinions and respond appropriately
- express views and suggestions, draw conclusions and make decisions
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Appendix 5
Attitudes Specific to English Language Learning for Key Stages 1 – 4 (Primary 1 – Secondary 6)
Attitudes to be developed at Key Stage 1
(Primary 1 – 3)
Attitudes to be developed at Key Stage 2
(Primary 4 – 6)
Attitudes to be developed at Key Stage 3
(Secondary 1 – 3)
Attitudes to be developed at Key Stage 4
(Secondary 4 – 6)
Enjoyment of reading
Confidence in using English
Keenness to participate in activities leading to improvement of knowledge and skills in the language
Sensitivity towards language use in the process of
communication
Appreciation of the beauty of the language
Enjoyment of reading independently
Awareness of English as an international language of communication
Respect for the different cultures of the English speaking world
An awareness of the use of English to achieve different purposes through the employment of appropriate tone, style and register
An awareness of the potential influences (both positive and negative) of language use on other people’s feelings and
direction of thinking
A serious attitude towards learning English
An open-minded attitude towards different cultures, ideologies and points of view and a willingness to share ideas with different people
A serious attitude towards language learning with an attempt to improve one’s capability
A critical attitude towards the ideas and values encountered in spoken and written English texts
An awareness of the value and power of language
A cautious and critical attitude towards the use of language to achieve the desired effect
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