SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECTION (SOR)
Subject: English
Grade: 11
Section: SA 6 "Reading for Pleasure"
Learning Objectives:
11.W.1 - plan, write, edit and proofread work at text level independently on a wide range of general and curricular topics.
11.W.6 - write coherently at text level using a variety of connectors on a wide range of familiar general and curricular topics.
11.R4.2 - understand specific information and detail in extended texts on a wide range of familiar and unfamiliar general and curricular topics.
TASK 1. READING (3 points)
Instructions: Read the text below and complete the tasks that follow.
The Power of a Good Book
In an age dominated by digital screens and fleeting social media updates, the act of reading a physical book for pleasure might seem like a quaint relic of the past. However, numerous studies and personal testimonies suggest that this 'relic' holds immense power. Engaging with a novel, a biography, or a collection of essays is not merely a pastime; it is a complex cognitive and emotional workout.
Firstly, reading for pleasure enhances empathy. When we immerse ourselves in a character's journey, we step into their shoes, experiencing their joys, fears, and dilemmas. This practice of perspective-taking can translate into a better understanding of people in our real lives. Secondly, it is a proven stress-reliever. The focused attention required to follow a narrative allows the mind to disengage from daily anxieties, lowering heart rate and easing muscle tension, often more effectively than other forms of entertainment. Furthermore, regular readers tend to have improved vocabulary, better writing skills, and a sharper memory. The brain visualizes settings, remembers plot lines, and connects themes, keeping neural pathways active.
Ultimately, the pleasure derived from a good book is unique. It offers a deep, uninterrupted connection to another mind—the author's—and to worlds both real and imagined. It is a personal adventure that fosters growth, relaxation, and joy, proving that this simple activity remains profoundly relevant.
1.1. Answer the following questions based on the text. (2 points)
a) According to the text, what are TWO cognitive or emotional benefits of reading for pleasure mentioned besides stress relief?
b) How does the author describe the act of reading in the final paragraph?
1.2. Decide if the following statements are TRUE or FALSE according to the text. (1 point)
a) The text claims reading for pleasure is less effective at reducing stress than other leisure activities.
b) The text suggests that reading only helps with understanding fictional characters, not real people.