The Kate Languages Podcast - S5 Ep3 - Exploiting One Text

Exploiting One Text: A Time-Saving Approach to Language Teaching

In this episode of the Kate Languages Podcast, I shared with you a teaching methodology I've been developing and implementing for quite some time now: exploiting one text. This approach has been a game-changer for me, saving time and reducing stress while ensuring thorough language practice for students.

Before I dive in, I want to clarify that I didn't invent this concept. It's the result of years of discussions, pedagogical exploration, and practical application in my teaching. I've incorporated it into my evening classes, one-to-one sessions, and it often forms the basis of my advice to other teachers.

So, what exactly is 'exploiting one text'?

The core idea is to select one high-quality text and use it to practise every language skill through various activities, typically spanning one or two lessons. Here's how it works:

1. Start at the end

Begin by determining what you want your students to produce. For instance, if you're aiming for a 40-50, 80-90, or 150-word piece of writing (GCSE style), choose a writing task with bullet points and a model answer. The model answer becomes your starting text.

2. Identify key vocabulary

Examine the model answer and extract the essential vocabulary. This could be topic-specific words or even grammar points you want to focus on.

3. Introduce vocabulary

Start your lesson by introducing or reintroducing this key vocabulary. Use pictures, games, crosswords - whatever works best for your class.

4. Listening practice

Use the model answer as a listening text. You can read it aloud or use a recording. Conduct typical listening activities like listening for gist.

5. Dictation

With the new GCSE including dictation from 2026, it's crucial to practice this skill. Use the text for a gap-fill or full dictation exercise.

6. Reading comprehension

The transcript from the dictation now becomes your reading text. Use it for comprehension questions, true/false exercises, or any other reading activity.

7. Translation into English

Use the same text for translation practice into English.

8. Grammar focus

If applicable, use the text to highlight and practise specific grammar points.

9. Translation into the target language

Create sentences or a short paragraph using key vocabulary from the text for students to translate into the target language.

10. Speaking practice

Turn the bullet points from your writing task into questions for a role-play activity. You could also use a related photo for description practice.

11. Writing task

Finally, return to your original model answer and bullet points. Show students how the model answer addresses each point and guide them in adapting it to create their own piece of writing.

This approach allows you to cover listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills, along with vocabulary, grammar, and translation practice, all from one carefully chosen text. It's efficient, thorough, and helps students engage deeply with the language.

If you're planning to use this over two lessons, I'd suggest focusing on passive skills (vocabulary, listening, reading) in the first lesson, and productive skills (speaking, writing) in the second.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic, I ran a workshop all about "exploiting one text" in February 2024, the recording of which can be purchased here.