Success Center
Directed Learning Activity (DLA)
READ 54
Lab Activity
#1
Learning
Styles
RL011.1
Directed Learning Activity – READ 54 Lab 1
(Combined Skills Using Reading Explorer 5, Unit 5B: “Renewable Energy”)
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 87, where you will see the title “Renewable Energy.”
Step One: Before You Read
After reading page 87, write your answers below.
A. Understanding Maps
Look at the maps on page 87 and answer the questions.
Which countries are world leaders in renewable energy? _____________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Which has the highest capacity for solar PV energy? ________________________________
Which is top for solar thermal energy? ___________________________________________
Does any of the information surprise you? ________________________________________
Which parts of the world receive the greatest amount of solar radiation? _______________
______________________________________________________________________________
Where are most of the largest solar power plants concentrated? ______________________
Why do you think this is? _______________________________________________________
B. Scan
The article on pages 88-90 discusses solar power. Scan the article to find names of
countries and places, and then answer the questions.
1. Which countries does the article focus on? ______________________________________
2. What kinds of places in those countries does it mention? ___________________________
Step Two: Reading Comprehension
Read the passage “Plugging into the Sun” on pages 88-90. 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 3 on page 88 and find the word gigawatt1. When you look to the bottom of the page,
you will find the definition of gigawatt beside the number 1.
It is important you read all captions (descriptions below pictures) to better comprehend
the passage.
Record your answers for page 91 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) ______
2. (Detail) ______
4. (Vocabulary/Inference) _____
7. (Paraphrase) _____
3. (Detail) _______
5. (Negative Detail) _____ 6. (Inference) _____
8. (Vocabulary) _____
B. Classifying Ideas
Read the directions at the top of page 92 and then place the letter of each sentence below
in the correct place in the chart, depending on whether it refers to Germany, the United States,
both, or neither.
Germany
______
______
______
______
Both
____
____
USA
______
______
______
______
Neither Germany nor
the USA
______
______
C. Critical Thinking
Answer the following questions. There are no right or wrong answers, so take your time
to think before you write. You must write at least two sentences for each question.
1. Do you think the author of this article is generally optimistic or pessimistic about this
topic? Find places in the article that support your opinion.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. Is your country or region a good place for solar production? Are there incentives for
people to try solar power or other renewable sources of energy?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Step Three: Vocabulary Practice
Record your answers for page 93 below. Complete the information with the correct form
of words from the box. Three words are extra
A. Completion
1. _____________
2._____________
3._____________
4. _____________
5. _____________
6. _____________
7. _____________
B. Definitions
Write in the most appropriate word from each pair:
1. ______________
2. ______________
3. ______________
4. ______________
5. ______________
6. ______________
7. ______________
8. ______________
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 5. 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 “Our Stormy Star.”
A. Preview
This unit’s video is about our closest star—the sun. Read the sentences describing parts
of the sun, and then label the picture.
B. Summarize
Watch the video “Our Stormy Star” and then complete the summary.
1. _____________
2. _____________
3. _____________
4. _____________
5. _____________
6. _____________
7. _____________
8. _____________
9. ____________
10. ____________
11. ____________
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.
RL011.1 – READ 54 Lab Activity #1
__________________________________________________
PRINT STUDENT NAME
_______________________
STUDENT #
Tutor Feedback:
_____The theme of this DLA for READ 54 was investigating renewable energy. The student was
asked to read the passage on pages 88-90 in the textbook Reading Explorer 5. Then, he/she
completed 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/tutor.
_____The student wrote at least a two-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. Do you think the author of this
article is generally optimistic or pessimistic about this topic? Find places in the article that
support your opinion. 2. Is your country or region a good place for solar production? Are there
incentives for people to try solar power or other renewable sources of energy?
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.