Success Center
Directed Learning Activity (DLA)
READ 54
Lab Activity
#5
Learning
Styles
RL015.1
Directed Learning Activity – READ 54 Lab 5
(Combined Skills Using Reading Explorer 5, Unit 11B: “Cultural Encounters”)
Audience: Students enrolled in READ 54.
Description: In this series of Directed Learning Activities (DLAs), you will be exploring realworld topics related to culture, science, social studies, travel, and adventure. You will be using
reading strategies you may have already practiced in class, and you will discover new skills
that will make it easier for you to comprehend what you read.
Materials: To complete this DLA, you will need to check out a copy of Reading Explorer 5
and open the book to page 209, where you will see the title “Cultural Encounters.”
Step One: Before You Read
A. Matching
Look at the seven words labeled (a) through (g) on page 209. The words will appear in
the reading passage “When the Moors Ruled Spain.” Match each word with its definition by
writing the appropriate letter in the blank.
1._____a set of beliefs, or principles, that strongly influence the way a person lives and
works
2._____a person who is believed to speak for a divine authority
3._____a building where Muslims go to worship
4._____a place of worship associated with a particular holy person or object
5._____the activity of speaking to God
6._____the official leaders of the religious activities of a group of believers
7._____a very large and important church which has a bishop in charge
B. Skim and Predict
Look quickly (skim) through the article on pages 210-214 titled “When the Moors Ruled
Spain.” Check the topics you think the author discusses.
_____origins of the Moors
_____how the Moors came to Spain
_____Moorish architecture
_____Moorish poetry
_____Moorish paintings
_____how the Moorish era ended
Step Two: Reading Comprehension
Read the passage “When the Moors Ruled Spain” on pages 210-214. If you do not know
the meaning of a particular word, write the word down on a separate sheet of paper. If you need
clarification of the meaning of the word, ask an instructor or tutor to help you with it.
Some vocabulary words, however, are already defined for you. If you find a word with a
raised number at the end, you can find the definition at the bottom of the page. For example, look
at sentence 23 at the top of the second column on page 210 and find the word temperament1.
When you look at the bottom of the page, you will find the definition of temperament beside the
number 1.
It is important you read all captions (descriptions below pictures) to better comprehend
the passage.
Record your answers for page 215 below.
A. Multiple Choice
Choose the best answer for each question. The reading skill involved is labeled in
parentheses ( ) next to each number.
1. (Inference/Tone)_____
5. (Reference)_____
2. (Detail)_____
3. (Detail)_____
4. (Inference)_____
6. (Vocabulary)_____ 7. (Negative Detail)_____
8. (Detail)_____
B. Scanning: Inferring an Author’s Attitude
Read the strategy explanation at the top of page 216. Find the discussion of the topics
listed below in the article. Decide if the author’s attitude toward the topic is positive or negative.
Write a word or phrase the signals the author’s attitude. Look at the two examples given in the
strategy focus. Write (+) if the author’s attitude is positive towards the subject and (-) if the
attitude is negative.
Author’s Attitude
Words that indicate the
(+ or -)
author’s attitude
______________________________________________________________________________
Toledo in the two centuries
after its reconquest
______________________________________________________________________________
The rule of Ferdinand and
Isabella
______________________________________________________________________________
Topic
Andalucia
______________________________________________________________________________
Cordoba
______________________________________________________________________________
The cathedral inside the
Mezquita
______________________________________________________________________________
Arabic language and poetry
______________________________________________________________________________
Changes to the Alhambra
since its construction
______________________________________________________________________________
Tablaos show
______________________________________________________________________________
C. Critical Thinking
Answer the following questions. There is no right or wrong answer, so take your time to
think before you write. You must write at least three sentences each in response to questions 1
and 2.
1. Why do you think the author describes his own trip in this article about the history of
the Moors in Spain? Do you think including his personal experiences makes the article
stronger? Why or why not?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. Think of a nation or culture that has been influenced by being conquered, ruled, or
occupied by another culture. In what ways was the original culture changed?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Step Three: Vocabulary Practice
Record your answers for page 217 below. Complete the information using the correct
form of words in the red box. Remember, three words are extra.
A. Completion
1._______________
2._______________
3._______________
4._______________
5._______________
6._______________
7._______________
B. Words in Context
Complete each sentence with words from the red box at the top of page 217.
1._______________
2._______________
3._______________
4._______________
5._______________
6._______________
7._______________
8._______________
9._______________
10._______________
Step Four: Explore More
In this part of the activity, you will watch a short video. Go to one of the computers in the
Language Arts Success Center. Click on the icon labeled Reading Explorer 5. When prompted,
type in your first name. Then, on the menu, click on Unit 11. From the first drop down menu
after that, select, Explore More; from the second drop down menu, select Video Clip. Answer
the questions in Part A first. You will then watch the video titled, “Heritage of Spain.”
A. Preview
Flamenco, a dance and music style that originated in Spain, is the product of
Moorish, Jewish, Christian, and Gypsy influences. Do you know any other art forms,
customs, or traditions that are the product of more than one culture? It might help to think
about traditions or customs that have been handed down in your family.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
B. Summarize
Watch the video for Unit 11, “Heritage of Spain.” Fill in the blanks in the summary by
selecting the correct form of the words in the red box. Remember, two words are extra.
1._______________
2._______________
3._______________
4._______________
5._______________
6._______________
7._______________
8._______________
Step Five: Check Your Answers
Once you have completed the exercises that accompany the assigned reading, check out
the answer key binder “READ 54 DLAs.” Correct your answers and discuss the results,
including your response to the critical thinking questions, with an instructor or tutor.
RL015.1 – READ 54 Lab Activity #5
__________________________________________________
PRINT STUDENT NAME
_______________________
STUDENT #
Tutor Feedback:
_____The theme of this DLA for READ 54 is an author’s exploration of the history of the Moors
in Spain. The student was asked to read the passage on pages 210-215 in the textbook Reading
Explorer 5. Then, he/she completed the assigned activities requiring the use of reading
strategies and skills presented in his/her class.
_____The student completed Steps One through Five in the packet; corrected the answers
using the answer key binder “READ 54 DLAs” and was able to discuss concerns, confusions,
and/or successes with the instructor or tutor.
_____The student wrote at least a three-sentence response to each of the two critical thinking
questions in Step Two of this packet, and he/she discussed the answer with the
instructor/tutor. The two questions asked were as follows: 1. Why do you think the author
describes his own trip in this article about the history of Moors in Spain? Do you think including
his personal experiences makes the article stronger? Why or why not? 2. Think of a nation or
culture that has been influenced by being conquered, ruled, or occupied by another culture. In
what ways has the original culture changed?
Additional Comments: ___________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________
PRINT INSTRUCTOR/TUTOR NAME
___________________
DATE
INSTRUCTOR/TUTOR SIGNATURE
STUDENT – DO NOT FORGET TO TURN THIS SHEET IN AT THE FRONT DESK!
You may not get credit for completing this DLA if you fail
to leave this sheet with the front desk receptionist.