Discovery Step 3

Gina D. B. Clemen

American Cities
Summary-based Activities
by Kenneth Brodey
 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
American Cities Chapters 1-2
1 Scrambled word cloze
Read the summary of Chapters 1-2 of American Cities below.
Choose one of the words from the box to write in each space. The first
one has been done as an example.
Amsterdam century Chicago Crash encouraged
in Italy Manifest on rapidly to
century
During the nineteenth (0)…..............…….., America developed
(1)…..............…….. from a wilderness to a country with many cities. The
Founding Fathers, who settled (2)…..............…….. the north-east coast,
believed (3)…..............…….. work and education. They soon established
cities in this area, such as Boston and New York. After the American
Revolution, more cities grew in the Midwest, including
(4)…..............…….. . Then, in 1803, the President bought the ‘Louisiana
Purchase’ from France, which (5)…..............…….. hundreds of thousands
of people to settle in the vast new area of land. The idea of
(6)…..............…….. . Destiny led to further expansion.
New York City is the greatest example of urbanization. In 1614, the
Dutch founded New (7)…..............…….. , which later became New York
under the British. Railroads and canals linked New York to other
regions and this led (8)…..............…….. all kinds of commercial
enterprise. Different areas of the city developed differently. In the
Lower East Side today, Chinatown, Little (9)…..............…….. and the
Jewish areas show the importance of immigration. Germans, British
and Irish also arrived in great numbers. In the 1920s, New York was a
very prosperous city until the Wall Street (10)…..............…….. in 1929.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
1 2
S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
2 Scrambled word cloze with distractors (i)
Read the summary of Chapters 1-2 of American Cities below. Fill each
space with a word from the box. There are five words you do not need
to use. The first one has been done as an example.
Amsterdam at Boston century Chicago Crash Crisis to
encouraged in Italy made Manifest on quick rapidly
During the nineteenth (0) …..............…….. , America developed
(1) …..............……..from a wilderness to a country with many cities. The
Founding Fathers, who settled (2) …..............……..the north-east coast,
believed (3) …..............……..work and education. They soon established
cities in this area, such as Boston and New York. After the American
Revolution, more cities grew in the Midwest, including
(4) …..............……... Then, in 1803, the President bought the ‘Louisiana
Purchase’ from France, which (5) …..............……..hundreds of thousands
of people to settle in the vast new area of land. The idea of
(6) …..............…….. Destiny led to further expansion.
New York City is the greatest example of urbanization. In 1614, the
Dutch founded New (7) …..............…….., which later became New York
under the British. Railroads and canals linked New York to other
regions and this led (8) …..............……..all kinds of commercial
enterprise. Different areas of the city developed differently. In the
Lower East Side today, Chinatown, Little (9) …..............……..and the
Jewish areas show the importance of immigration. Germans, British
and Irish also arrived in great numbers. In the 1920s, New York was a
very prosperous city until the Wall Street (10) …..............……... in 1929.
 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S

3 Scrambled word cloze with distractors (ii) 4 Multiple choice cloze

Read the summary of Chapters 1-2 of American Cities below. Read the summary of Chapters 1-2 of American Cities below.
Fill each space with a word from the box. There are ten words you do Choose the best word (A, B, C or D) for each space. The first one has
not need to use. The first one has been done as an example. been done as an example.

about American Amsterdam at Boston century Chicago A

During the nineteenth (0)…..............…….., America developed
Crash Crisis encouraged Holland in Italy made (1)…..............…….. from a wilderness to a country with many cities. The
Manifest on quick rapidly to up Village Founding Fathers, who settled (2)…..............…….. the north-east coast,
believed (3)…..............…….. work and education. They soon established
century
During the nineteenth (0) …..............…….., America developed cities in this area, such as Boston and New York. After the American
(1) …..............…….. from a wilderness to a country with many cities. The Revolution, more cities grew in the Midwest, including (4)…..............……..
Founding Fathers, who settled (2) …..............…….. the north-east coast, . Then, in 1803, the President bought the ‘Louisiana Purchase’ from
believed (3) …..............…….. work and education. They soon established France, which (5)…..............…….. hundreds of thousands of people to
cities in this area, such as Boston and New York. After the American settle in the vast new area of land. The idea of (6)…..............…….. .
Revolution, more cities grew in the Midwest, including Destiny led to further expansion.
(4) …..............…….. . Then, in 1803, the President bought the ‘Louisiana New York City is the greatest example of urbanization. In 1614, the
Purchase’ from France, which (5) …..............…….. hundreds of thousands Dutch founded New (7)…..............…….. , which later became New York
of people to settle in the vast new area of land. The idea of under the British. Railroads and canals linked New York to other regions
(6) …..............…….. . Destiny led to further expansion. and this led (8)…..............…….. all kinds of commercial enterprise.
New York City is the greatest example of urbanization. In 1614, the Different areas of the city developed differently. In the Lower East Side
Dutch founded New (7) …..............…….. , which later became New York today, Chinatown, Little (9)…..............…….. and the Jewish areas show the
under the British. Railroads and canals linked New York to other importance of immigration. Germans, British and Irish also arrived in
regions and this led (8) …..............…….. all kinds of commercial great numbers. In the 1920s, New York was a very prosperous city until
enterprise. Different areas of the city developed differently. In the the Wall Street (10)…..............…….. in 1929.
Lower East Side today, Chinatown, Little (9) …..............…….. and the 0 A century B age C decade D time
Jewish areas show the importance of immigration. Germans, British
1 A quick B fastly C rapidly D speedly
and Irish also arrived in great numbers. In the 1920s, New York was a
very prosperous city until the Wall Street (10) …..............…….. in 1929. 2 A at B in C next D on
3 A on B for C about D in
4 A Chicago B Philadelphia C Washington D Boston
5 A made B encouraged C provoked D let
6 A American B Western C Manifest D Great
7 A Holland B Rotterdam C Venice D Amsterdam
8 A into B for C to D up
9 A Italy B France C Village D Greenwich
10 A Crisis B Depress C Crash D Fall
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing © 2009 Black Cat Publishing

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 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
5 Open cloze
Complete the summary of Chapters 1-2 of American Cities below.
Write ONE word for each space. The first one has been done as an
example.
century
During the nineteenth (0)…..............…….., America developed
(1)…..............…….. from a wilderness to a country with many cities. The
Founding Fathers, who settled (2)…..............…….. the north-east coast,
believed (3)…..............…….. work and education. They soon established
cities in this area, such as Boston and New York. After the American
Revolution, more cities grew in the Midwest, including (4)…..............……..
. Then, in 1803, the President bought the ‘Louisiana Purchase’ from
France, which (5)…..............…….. hundreds of thousands of people to
settle in the vast new area of land. The idea of (6)…..............…….. .
Destiny led to further expansion.
New York City is the greatest example of urbanization. In 1614, the
Dutch founded New (7)…..............…….. , which later became New York
under the British. Railroads and canals linked New York to other regions
and this led (8)…..............…….. all kinds of commercial enterprise.
Different areas of the city developed differently. In the Lower East Side
today, Chinatown, Little (9)…..............…….. and the Jewish areas show the
importance of immigration. Germans, British and Irish also arrived in
great numbers. In the 1920s, New York was a very prosperous city until
the Wall Street (10)…..............…….. in 1929.
6 Put the sentences in order
The sentences A-J refer to information in Chapters 1-2 of American
Cities. They are in the wrong order. Put them in the right time order
and number them 1-10.
A The term Manifest Destiny was first used.
B The Founding Fathers arrived and settled on the north-east
coast.
C The Dutch founded New Amsterdam in 1614.
D The Wall Street Crash occurred.
E In 1664, the British re-named the city New York.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
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S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
F Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic Ocean.
G The French government presented the Statue of Liberty to
New York.
H The first British colony, Jamestown, failed.
I The Roaring Twenties began.
J In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase occurred.
7 Correct the mistakes!
This is an oral activity, so do not give the students any photocopies.
Tell them you are going to read a summary, but with some mistakes.
When they hear a mistake they should correct it.
In the summary below there are 10 mistakes to read out, all written
in italics. As a quick reminder to you, the correct version is given in
brackets.
During the nineteenth century, America developed rapidly from a
desert (wilderness) to a country with many cities. The Founding
Mothers (Fathers), who settled in Jamestown (on the north-east
coast), believed in work and pleasure (education). They soon
established cities in this area, such as Boston and New York. After the
American Revolution, more cities grew in the Midwest, including
Philadelphia (Chicago). Then, in 1803, the President bought the
‘Louisiana Purchase’ from Italy (France), which encouraged hundreds
of thousands of people to settle in the vast new area of land. The idea
of Manifest Fate (Manifest Destiny) led to further expansion.
New York City is the greatest example of agricultural development
(urbanization). In 1614, the Dutch founded New Amsterdam, which
later became New London (New York) under the British. Railroads and
airports (canals) linked New York to other regions and this led to all
kinds of commercial enterprise. Different areas of the city developed
differently. In the Lower West (East) Side today, Chinatown, Little
Germany (Little Italy) and the Jewish areas show the importance of
immigration. Germans, British and Irish also arrived in great
numbers. In the 1820s (1920s), New York was a very prosperous city
until the Brick Street (Wall Street) Crash in 1929.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S

8 Rub out 11 Build it up

On the board / the interactive whiteboard, copy a short paragraph
from the summary. Gradually, rub out individual words and even two-
and three-word phrases. Begin by rubbing out some of the important
content words. After each time you rub out some words get the whole
class to read out the text, supplying the missing words from their
memory. Eventually, when all the words on the board have been
rubbed out, the class will – amazingly! – remember all the text.
9 Dictogloss
Sit the students in groups of two to five. Tell them that you are going
to read out a summary twice, and that they may note down key words
or short phrases. Read the text once at normal speed, pause for a
minute, then read it again.
Tell the students to work together in their groups and use their notes
to write a text which is grammatically and lexically correct but which
doesn’t have to be the same as the original: the aim of their writing is
to produce a correct text, not to show they have perfect memories!
Then students compare their written texts. Groups should try to point
out any errors in the texts of other groups.
Finally, show or give the students the original text; ask them to
identify any differences with their own texts, and ask them if they
think the differences are important.
Put the students in groups of two to five. Make sure that each group
has a copy of the summary and a red pen or access to computer. Tell
them that they must add two details, which they must choose
themselves, to the summary. Tell them that the details they add can
be words, phrases or even sentences. Tell them they shouldn’t write
fewer than five words, and that there is no upper limit, but they
probably won’t need more than about 25 words.
When they have finished, they should compare their versions. They
should decide which are the most interesting added details, and why.
12 Rewrite it
Tell the students to rewrite the summary changing some of the
information. They should use their imagination to add details – which
can be words, phrases or sentences – and change some of the words
and phrases that are already there.

10 Cut it down
Put the students in groups of two to five. Make sure that each group
has a copy of the summary and a red pen/highlighter or access to
computer. Tell them that they must cut 15 words from the summary:
their shortened version must still be grammatically correct. They can
change punctuation, but they mustn’t add any words.
When they have finished, they should compare their shortened
versions. They should decide which are the best cuts, and why.
Next, ask students to cut another 15 words of the summary, and
proceed as above.

© 2009 Black Cat Publishing © 2009 Black Cat Publishing

7 8
 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
SUMMARY
During the nineteenth century, America developed rapidly from a
wilderness to a country with many cities. The Founding Fathers, who
settled on the north-east coast, believed in work and education. They
soon established cities in this area, such as Boston and New York.
After the American Revolution, more cities grew in the Midwest,
including Chicago. Then, in 1803, the President bought the ‘Louisiana
Purchase’ from France, which encouraged hundreds of thousands of
people to settle in the vast new area of land. The idea of Manifest
Destiny led to further expansion.
New York City is the greatest example of urbanization. In 1614, the
Dutch founded New Amsterdam, which later became New York under
the British. Railroads and canals linked New York to other regions and
this led to all kinds of commercial enterprise. Different areas of the
city developed differently. In the Lower East Side today, Chinatown,
Little Italy and the Jewish areas show the importance of immigration.
Germans, British and Irish also arrived in great numbers. In the 1920s
New York was a very prosperous city until the Wall Street Crash in
1929.
KEY
1, 2, 3, 5: 1 rapidly; 2 on; 3 in; 4 Chicago; 5 encouraged; 6 Manifest;
7 Amsterdam; 8 to; 9 Italy; 10 Crash
4: 1 C; 2 D; 3 D; 4 A; 5 B; 6 C; 7 D; 8 C; 9 A; 10 C
6: 1 H; 2 C; 3 B; 4 E; 5 J; 6 A; 7 G; 8 I; 9 F; 10 D
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
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S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
American Cities Chapters 3-4
1 Scrambled word cloze
Read the summary of Chapters 3-4 of American Cities below.
Choose one of the words from the box to write in each space. The first
one has been done as an example.
bridges crime for largest skyscraper
sleeps the their to windy York
York
New (0) …..............…….. City never (1)…..............……... . The five boroughs
occupy islands which are connected by tunnels and
(2) …..............…….. . Lower Manhattan contains Wall Street and Ground
Zero where the Twin Towers stood. Chinatown and Little Italy have
(3) …..............…….. own atmospheres and annual celebrations. Orchard
Street and 7th Avenue are famous
(4) …..............…….. shopping, Greenwich Village and Soho for artists and
writers, Harlem for the African-American community, Brooklyn,
Queens and the Bronx for their multicultural atmosphere. There are
many famous landmarks and also lots of great places
(5) …..............…….. eat!
Chicago, in the Midwest, grew dramatically to become the world’s fifth
(6) …..............…….. city at the end of the century. The railroads made it
an important centre. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed most of
the city. When the city was rebuilt, the world’s first (7) …..............……..
was constructed. From 1920 to 1933, in the period of Prohibition,
Chicago gained a reputation for
(8) …..............…….. . However, many famous Americans have lived in the
(9) …..............…….. city’. Tourists visit the city to see
(10) …..............…….. architecture, the Millennium Park, and
the many other attractions.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
2 Scrambled word cloze with distractors (i)
Read the summary of Chapters 3-4 of American Cities below. Fill each
space with a word from the box. There are five words you do not need
to use. The first one has been done as an example.
an bridges crime elevators foggy for its larger largest
skyscraper sleeps the their to windy York
York
New (0) …..............…….. City never (1) …..............…….. . The five boroughs
occupy islands which are connected by tunnels and (2) …..............…….. .
Lower Manhattan contains Wall Street and Ground Zero where the
Twin Towers stood. Chinatown and Little Italy have (3) …..............……..
own atmospheres and annual celebrations. Orchard Street and 7th
Avenue are famous (4) …..............…….. shopping, Greenwich Village and
Soho for artists and writers, Harlem for the African-American
community, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx for their multicultural
atmosphere. There are many famous landmarks and also lots of great
places (5) …..............…….. eat!
Chicago, in the Midwest, grew dramatically to become the world’s fifth
(6) …..............…….. city at the end of the century. The railroads made it
an important centre. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed most of
the city. When the city was rebuilt, the world’s first (7) …..............……..
was constructed. From 1920 to 1933, in the period of Prohibition,
Chicago gained a reputation for (8) …..............…….. . However, many
famous Americans have lived in the ‘ (9) …..............…….. city’. Tourists
visit the city to see (10) …..............…….. architecture, the Millennium
Park, and the many other attractions.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
11
S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
3 Scrambled word cloze with distractors (ii)
Read the summary of Chapters 3-4 of American Cities below.
Fill each space with a word from the box. There are ten words you do
not need to use. The first one has been done as an example.
after airport an bridges crime dies elevators
foggy for its robbers larger largest skyscraper
sleeps the their to where windy York
York
New (0)…..............…….. City never (1)…..............……... . The five boroughs
occupy islands which are connected by tunnels and (2)…..............…….. .
Lower Manhattan contains Wall Street and Ground Zero where the
Twin Towers stood. Chinatown and Little Italy have (3)…..............……..
own atmospheres and annual celebrations. Orchard Street and 7th
Avenue are famous (4)…..............…….. shopping, Greenwich Village and
Soho for artists and writers, Harlem for the African-American
community, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx for their multicultural
atmosphere. There are many famous landmarks and also lots of great
places (5)…..............…….. eat!
Chicago, in the Midwest, grew dramatically to become the world’s fifth
(6)…..............…….. city at the end of the century. The railroads made it
an important centre. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed most of
the city. When the city was rebuilt, the world’s first (7)…..............……..
was constructed. From 1920 to 1933, in the period of Prohibition,
Chicago gained a reputation for (8)…..............…….. . However, many
famous Americans have lived in the ‘ (9)…..............…….. city’. Tourists
visit the city to see (10)…..............…….. architecture , the Millennium
Park, and the many other attractions.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
12
 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S

4 Multiple choice cloze 5 Open cloze

Read the summary of Chapters 3-4 of American Cities below. Complete the summary of Chapters 3-4 of American Cities below.
Choose the best word (A, B, C or D) for each space. The first one has Write ONE word for each space. The first one has been done as an
been done as an example. example.
A
New (0) …..............…….. City never (1) …..............……... . The five boroughs York
New (0)…..............…….. City never (1)…..............……... . The five boroughs
occupy islands which are connected by tunnels and (2)…..............…….. . occupy islands which are connected by tunnels and (2)…..............…….. .
Lower Manhattan contains Wall Street and Ground Zero where the Twin Lower Manhattan contains Wall Street and Ground Zero where the
Towers stood. Chinatown and Little Italy have (3)…..............…….. own Twin Towers stood. Chinatown and Little Italy have (3)…..............……..
atmospheres and annual celebrations. Orchard Street and 7th Avenue are own atmospheres and annual celebrations. Orchard Street and 7th
famous (4) …..............…….. shopping, Greenwich Village and Soho for Avenue are famous (4)…..............…….. shopping, Greenwich Village and
artists and writers, Harlem for the African-American community, Soho for artists and writers, Harlem for the African-American
Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx for their multicultural atmosphere. community, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx for their multicultural
There are many famous landmarks and also lots of great places atmosphere. There are many famous landmarks and also lots of great
(5) …..............…….. eat! places (5)…..............…….. eat!
Chicago, in the Midwest, grew dramatically to become the world’s fifth Chicago, in the Midwest, grew dramatically to become the world’s fifth
(6) …..............…….. city at the end of the century. The railroads made it an (6)…..............…….. city at the end of the century. The railroads made it
important centre. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed most of the an important centre. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed most of
city. When the city was rebuilt, the world’s first (7) …..............…….. was the city. When the city was rebuilt, the world’s first (7)…..............……..
constructed. From 1920 to 1933, in the period of Prohibition, Chicago was constructed. From 1920 to 1933, in the period of Prohibition,
gained a reputation for (8)…..............…….. . However, many famous Chicago gained a reputation for (8)…..............…….. . However, many
Americans have lived in the ‘ famous Americans have lived in the ‘ (9)…..............…….. city’. Tourists
(9) …..............…….. city’. Tourists visit the city to see (10)…..............…….. visit the city to see (10)…..............…….. architecture, the Millennium
architecture , the Millennium Park, and the many other attractions. Park, and the many other attractions.
0 A York B Washington C London D Boston
1 A sleeps B dies C stops D cries
2 A bridge B escalators C bridges D elevators
3 A its B an C the D their
4 A with B for C after D on
5 A for B about C where D to
6 A large B larger C largest D most large
7 A airport B skyscraper C tower D baseball stadium
8 A criminal B gangster C crime D robbers
9 A sunny B windy C foggy D snowy
10 A the B their C city’s D an
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing © 2009 Black Cat Publishing

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 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
6 Put the sentences in order
The sentences A-J below give information about events in Chapter 4
of American Cities. They are in the wrong time order. Put them in the
right order and number them 1-10.
A The Galena and Chicago Union railroad opened.
B Upper and middle class people began leaving the centre for the
suburbs.
C Al Capone was the criminal head of Chicago.
D The Millennium park opened.
E A place called Chicago existed.
F Chicago had a population of 350.
G The first skyscraper was built.
H A huge fire destroyed most of Chicago.
I Urban improvement has taken place.
J Two French explorers explored the area around Lake Michigan.
7 Correct the mistakes!
This is an oral activity, so do not give the students any photocopies.
Tell them you are going to read a summary, but with some mistakes.
When they hear a mistake they should correct it.
In the summary below there are 10 mistakes to read out, all written
in italics. As a quick reminder to you, the correct version is given in
brackets.
New York City never sleeps. The sixteen (five) boroughs occupy islands
which are connected by tunnels and elevators (bridges). Lower
Manhattan contains Wall Street and Ground Zero where the Twin
Towers stood. Chinatown and Little Italy have their own atmospheres
and monthly (annual) celebrations. Orchard Street and 27th (7th )
Avenue are famous for shopping, Greenwich City (Greenwich Village)
and Soho for artists and writers, Harlem for the African-American
community, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx for their multicultural
atmosphere. There are many famous landmarks and also lots of great
places to sleep (eat)!
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
15
S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
Chicago, in the Deep South (Midwest), grew dramatically to become
the world’s largest (fifth largest) city at the end of the century. The
railroads made it an important centre. In 1871, the Great Chicago
Flood (Fire) destroyed 25 % (most) of the city. When the city was
rebuilt, the world’s first baseball stadium (skyscraper) was
constructed. From 1920 to 1933, in the period of Prohibition, Chicago
gained a reputation for peace (crime). However, many famous
Americans have lived in the ‘sunny (windy) city’. Tourists visit the city
to see the architecture, the Millennium Zoo (Park), and the many other
attractions.
8 Rub out
On the board / the interactive whiteboard, copy a short paragraph
from the summary.
Gradually, rub out individual words and even two- and three-word
phrases. Begin by rubbing out some of the important content words.
After each time you rub out some words get the whole class to read
out the text, supplying the missing words from their memory.
Eventually, when all the words on the board have been rubbed out, the
class will – amazingly! – remember all the text.
9 Dictogloss
Sit the students in groups of two to five. Tell them that you are going
to read out a summary twice, and that they may note down key words
or short phrases. Read the text once at normal speed, pause for a
minute, then read it again.
Tell the students to work together in their groups and use their notes
to write a text which is grammatically and lexically correct but which
doesn’t have to be the same as the original: the aim of their writing is
to produce a correct text, not to show they have perfect memories!
Then students compare their written texts. Groups should try to point
out any errors in the texts of other groups.
Finally, show or give the students the original text; ask them to
identify any differences with their own texts, and ask them if they
think the differences are important.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
16
 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
10 Cut it down
Put the students in groups of two to five. Make sure that each group
has a copy of the summary and a red pen/highlighter or access to
computer. Tell them that they must cut 15 words from the summary:
their shortened version must still be grammatically correct. They can
change punctuation, but they mustn’t add any words.
When they have finished, they should compare their shortened
versions. They should decide which are the best cuts, and why.
Next, ask students to cut another 15 words of the summary, and
proceed as above.
11 Build it up
Put the students in groups of two to five. Make sure that each group
has a copy of the summary and a red pen or access to computer. Tell
them that they must add two details, which they must choose
themselves, to the summary. Tell them that the details they add can
be words, phrases or even sentences. Tell them they shouldn’t write
fewer than five words, and that there is no upper limit, but they
probably won’t need more than about 25 words.
When they have finished, they should compare their versions. They
should decide which are the most interesting added details, and why.
12 Rewrite it
Tell the students to rewrite the summary changing some of the
information. They should use their imagination to add details – which
can be words, phrases or sentences – and change some of the words
and phrases that are already there.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
17
S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
SUMMARY
New York City never sleeps. The five boroughs occupy islands which
are connected by tunnels and bridges. Lower Manhattan contains Wall
Street and Ground Zero where the Twin Towers stood. Chinatown and
Little Italy have their own atmospheres and annual celebrations.
Orchard Street and 7th Avenue are famous for shopping, Greenwich
Village and Soho for artists and writers, Harlem for the African-
American community, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx for their
multicultural atmosphere. There are many famous landmarks and also
lots of great places to eat!
Chicago, in the Midwest, grew dramatically to become the world’s fifth
largest city at the end of the century. The railroads made it an
important centre. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed most of
the city. When the city was rebuilt, the world’s first skyscraper was
constructed. From 1920 to 1933, in the period of Prohibition, Chicago
gained a reputation for crime. However, many famous Americans
have lived in the ‘windy city’. Tourists visit the city to see the
architecture, the Millennium Park, and the many other attractions.
KEY
1, 2, 3, 5: 1 sleeps; 2 bridges; 3 their; 4 for; 5 to; 6 largest; 7 skyscraper; 8 crime
9 windy; 10 the
4: 1 A; 2 C; 3 A; 4 B; 5 D; 6 C; 7 B; 8 C; 9 B; 10 A
6: 1 E; 2 J; 3 F; 4 A; 5 H; 6 G; 7 C; 8 B; 9 I; 10 D
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
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 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S

American Cities Chapters 5-6 2 Scrambled word cloze with distractors (i)
Read the summary of Chapters 5- 6 of American Cities below. Fill each
1 Scrambled word cloze
space with a word from the box. There are five words you do not need
Read the summary of Chapters 5-6 of American Cities below.
to use. The first one has been done as an example.
Choose one of the words from the box to write in each space. The first
one has been done as an example. became been cool environment fires free
million freedom got mild reflects takes thousands
became been environment fires free mild
was 1837 1937
reflects takes thousands was 1937
became
In 1848, the Spanish settlement of Yerba Buena (0) …..............……..
became
In 1848, the Spanish settlement of Yerba Buena (0) …..............……..
American and got a new name - San Francisco. Gold (1) …..............……..
American and got a new name - San Francisco. Gold (1) …..............……..
discovered and in 1849 thousands of people travelled to the area.
discovered and in 1849 thousands of people travelled to the area.
Businesses developed and the railroad brought new importance to the
Businesses developed and the railroad brought new importance to the
city.
city.
San Francisco is an amazing city. It has (2) …..............…….. destroyed
San Francisco is an amazing city. It has (2) …..............…….. destroyed
several times by earthquakes and (3) …..............…….. . In 1906 a terrible
several times by earthquakes and (3) …..............…….. . In 1906 a terrible
earthquake killed (4) …..............…….. but the city was rebuilt quickly.
earthquake killed (4) …..............…….. but the city was rebuilt quickly. The
The most recent earthquake occurred in 1989. The Golden Gate Bridge
most recent earthquake occurred in 1989. The Golden Gate Bridge was
was completed in (5) …..............…….. and became a symbol of San
completed in (5) …..............…….. and became a symbol of San Francisco.
Francisco. The city is famous for its liberal attitudes and its ‘ (6)
The city is famous for its liberal attitudes and its ‘(6) …..............……..
…..............…….. thinkers’.
thinkers’.
It has foggy windy summers and (7) …..............…….. winters. It is built on It has foggy windy summers and (7) …..............…….. winters. It is built
43 steep hills with nineteenth-century cable cars as transportation. on 43 steep hills with nineteenth-century cable cars as transportation.
But there is also a modern subway system. There are popular areas But there is also a modern subway system. There are popular areas
around the bay and a ferry which around the bay and a ferry which (8) …..............…….. you to Alcatraz, the
(8) …..............…….. you to Alcatraz, the famous prison island. famous prison island. Tourists also enjoy Chinatown, Union Square
Tourists also enjoy Chinatown, Union Square and the Haight. The and the Haight. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (9)
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (9) …..............…….. the interest of …..............…….. the interest of San Franciscans in the (10) …..............……. .
San Franciscans in the (10) …..............…….. .

© 2009 Black Cat Publishing © 2009 Black Cat Publishing

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 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S

3 Scrambled word cloze with distractors (ii) 4 Multiple choice cloze

Read the summary of Chapters 5 and 6 of American Cities below. Read the summary of Chapters 5-6 of American Cities below.
Fill each space with a word from the box. There are ten words you do Choose the best word (A, B, C or D) for each space. The first one has
not need to use. The first one has been done as an example. been done as an example.

became been being cool environment fetches flames A

In 1848, the Spanish settlement of Yerba Buena (0)…..............……..
fires free million freedom got mild natural reflections American and got a new name - San Francisco. Gold
reflects takes thousands was 1837 1937 (1)…..............…….. discovered and in 1849 thousands of people travelled
to the area. Businesses developed and the railroad brought new
became
In 1848, the Spanish settlement of Yerba Buena (0)…..............…….. importance to the city.
American and got a new name - San Francisco. Gold (1)…..............…….. San Francisco is an amazing city. It has (2)…..............…….. destroyed
discovered and in 1849 thousands of people travelled to the area. several times by earthquakes and (3)…..............…….. . In 1906 a terrible
Businesses developed and the railroad brought new importance to the earthquake killed (4)…..............…….. but the city was rebuilt quickly.
city. The most recent earthquake occurred in 1989. The Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco is an amazing city. It has (2)…..............…….. destroyed was completed in (5)…..............…….. and became a symbol of San
several times by earthquakes and (3)…..............…….. . In 1906 a terrible Francisco. The city is famous for its liberal attitudes and its
earthquake killed (4)…..............…….. but the city was rebuilt quickly. The ‘(6)…..............…….. thinkers’.
most recent earthquake occurred in 1989. The Golden Gate Bridge was It has foggy windy summers and (7)…..............…….. winters. It is
completed in (5)…..............…….. and became a symbol of San Francisco. built on 43 steep hills with nineteenth-century cable cars as
The city is famous for its liberal attitudes and its ‘(6)…..............…….. transportation. But there is also a modern subway system. There are
thinkers’. popular areas around the bay and a ferry which (8)…..............…….. you
It has foggy windy summers and (7)…..............…….. winters. It is built on to Alcatraz, the famous prison island. Tourists also enjoy Chinatown,
43 steep hills with nineteenth-century cable cars as transportation. Union Square and the Haight. The Golden Gate National Recreation
But there is also a modern subway system. There are popular areas Area (9)…..............…….. the interest of San Franciscans in the
around the bay and a ferry which (8)…..............…….. you to Alcatraz, the (10)…..............…….. .
famous prison island. Tourists also enjoy Chinatown, Union Square 0 A became B got C made D went
and the Haight. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area
1 A had B got C was D was being
(9)…..............…….. the interest of San Franciscans in the
2 A been B being C nearly D been getting
(10)…..............…….. .
3 A fires B flames C floods D inflammations
4 A three thousands B million C multiples D thousands
5 A 1737 B 1837 C 1937 D 2000
6 A broad B wide C freedom D free
7 A cold B dry C mild D cool
8 A contains B fetches C sails D takes
9 A reflections B indicators C proofs D reflects
10 A environmental B nature C environment D natural
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 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
5 Open cloze
Complete the summary of Chapters 5-6 of American Cities below.
Write ONE word for each space. The first one has been done as an
example.
In 1848, the Spanish settlement of Yerba Buena (0)…..............……..
American and got a new name - San Francisco. Gold
(1)…..............…….. discovered and in 1849 thousands of people travelled
to the area. Businesses developed and the railroad brought new
importance to the city.
San Francisco is an amazing city. It has (2)…..............…….. destroyed
several times by earthquakes and (3)…..............…….. . In 1906 a terrible
earthquake killed (4)…..............…….. but the city was rebuilt quickly.
The most recent earthquake occurred in 1989. The Golden Gate Bridge
was completed in (5)…..............…….. and became a symbol of San
Francisco. The city is famous for its liberal attitudes and its
‘(6)…..............…….. thinkers’.
It has foggy windy summers and (7)…..............…….. winters. It is
built on 43 steep hills with nineteenth-century cable cars as
transportation. But there is also a modern subway system. There are
popular areas around the bay and a ferry which (8)…..............…….. you
to Alcatraz, the famous prison island. Tourists also enjoy Chinatown,
Union Square and the Haight. The Golden Gate National Recreation
Area (9)…..............…….. the interest of San Franciscans in the
(10)…..............…….. .
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
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S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
6 Put the sentences in order
The sentences A-J of the summary of Chapters 5-6 of American Cities
below are in the wrong order. Put them in the right order and number
them 1-10.
A At this time, thousands of people travelled to the area because
they wanted to become rich.
B Going on a visit by ferry to Alcatraz is one of the things they
can do.
C Nowadays, tourists enjoy visiting the city.
D However, in 1848, it became American.
E At the beginning of the 20th century century, a terrible
earthquake killed thousands.
F It had been called ‘the bridge that couldn’t be built’.
G But the city was rebuilt quickly
H The Spanish founded the settlement of Yerba Buena.
I After the re-building, the Golden Gate Bridge was completed.
J Another thing they can do is to ride in a cable car.
7 Correct the mistakes!
This is an oral activity, so do not give the students any photocopies.
Tell them you are going to read a summary, but with some mistakes.
When they hear a mistake they should correct it.
In the summary below there are 10 mistakes to read out, all written
in italics. As a quick reminder to you, the correct version is given in
brackets.
In 1848, the French (Spanish) settlement of Yerba Buena became
American and got a new name - San Francisco. Oil (Gold) was discovered
and in 1849 thousands of people travelled to the area. Businesses
developed and the railroad brought new importance to the city.
San Francisco is an amazing city. It has been destroyed a hundred
(several) times by volcanic eruptions (earthquakes) and fires. In 1906
a terrible earthquake killed thousands but the city was rebuilt quickly.
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 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
The most recent earthquake occurred in 2008 (1989). The Silver
(Golden) Gate Bridge was completed in 1800 (1937) and became a
symbol of San Francisco. The city is famous for its conservative
(liberal) attitudes and its ‘free thinkers’.
It has clear (foggy) windy summers and cold (mild) winters. It is built
on 7 (43 ) steep hills with nineteenth-century cable cars as
transportation. But there is also a modern subway system. There are
popular areas around the bay and a ferry which takes you to Alcatraz,
the famous bird island (prison island). Tourists also enjoy Chinatown,
Union Place (Union Square) and the Haight. The Golden Gate National
Recreation Area reflects the interest of San Franciscans in space (the
environment).
8 Rub out
On the board / the interactive whiteboard, copy a short paragraph
from the summary.
Gradually, rub out individual words and even two- and three-word
phrases. Begin by rubbing out some of the important content words.
After each time you rub out some words get the whole class to read
out the text, supplying the missing words from their memory.
Eventually, when all the words on the board have been rubbed out, the
class will – amazingly! – remember all the text.
9 Dictogloss
Sit the students in groups of two to five. Tell them that you are going
to read out a summary twice, and that they may note down key words
or short phrases. Read the text once at normal speed, pause for a
minute, then read it again.
Tell the students to work together in their groups and use their notes
to write a text which is grammatically and lexically correct but which
doesn’t have to be the same as the original: the aim of their writing is
to produce a correct text, not to show they have perfect memories!
Then students compare their written texts. Groups should try to point
out any errors in the texts of other groups.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
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S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
Finally, show or give the students the original text; ask them to
identify any differences with their own texts, and ask them if they
think the differences are important.
10 Cut it down
Put the students in groups of two to five. Make sure that each group
has a copy of the summary and a red pen/highlighter or access to
computer. Tell them that they must cut 15 words from the summary:
their shortened version must still be grammatically correct. They can
change punctuation, but they mustn’t add any words.
When they have finished, they should compare their shortened
versions. They should decide which are the best cuts, and why.
Next, ask students to cut another 15 words of the summary, and
proceed as above.
11 Build it up
Put the students in groups of two to five. Make sure that each group
has a copy of the summary and a red pen or access to computer. Tell
them that they must add two details, which they must choose
themselves, to the summary. Tell them that the details they add can
be words, phrases or even sentences. Tell them they shouldn’t write
fewer than five words, and that there is no upper limit, but they
probably won’t need more than about 25 words.
When they have finished, they should compare their versions. They
should decide which are the most interesting added details, and why.
12 Rewrite it
Tell the students to rewrite the summary changing some of the
information. They should use their imagination to add details – which
can be words, phrases or sentences – and change some of the words
and phrases that are already there.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
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 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S

SUMMARY
In 1848, the Spanish settlement of Yerba Buena became American and
got a new name - San Francisco. Gold was discovered and in 1849
thousands of people travelled to the area. Businesses developed and
the railroad brought new importance to the city.
San Francisco is an amazing city. It has been destroyed several times
by earthquakes and fires. In 1906 a terrible earthquake killed
thousands but the city was rebuilt quickly. The most recent
earthquake occurred in 1989. The Golden Gate Bridge was completed
in 1937 and became a symbol of San Francisco. The city is famous for
it liberal attitudes and its ‘free thinkers’.
It has foggy windy summers and mild winters. It is built on 43 steep
hills with nineteenth century cable cars as transportation. But there is
also a modern subway system. There are popular areas around the bay
and a ferry which takes you to Alcatraz, the famous prison island.
Tourists also enjoy Chinatown, Union Square and the Haight. The
Golden Gate National Recreation Area reflects the interest of San
Franciscans in the environment.

KEY
1, 2, 3, 5: 1 was; 2 been; 3 fires; 4 thousands; 5 1937; 6 free; 7 mild
8 takes; 9 reflects; 10 environment
4: 1 C; 2 A; 3 A; 4 D; 5 C; 6 D; 7 C; 8 D; 9 D; 10 C
6: 1 H; 2 D; 3 A; 4 E; 5 G; 6 I; 7 F; 8 C; 9 B; 10 J

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