News by Levels · Level 1 · For teachers
Teacher guide & answers
In this lesson: Identify the winner and the award he received.
Harrison Wins the Booker Prize
How to use these two pages
Give learners the student worksheet. It contains the story and questions, without the answers. Keep this guide for yourself. Use it to lead the activity and explain the answers afterwards.
Student worksheetA simple 15–20-minute lesson
- Before reading · 2 minutes
Show the title. Ask: “What do you think this story is about?”
- Read and answer · 8–10 minutes
Give out the student worksheet. Learners read for the main idea, then reread to answer the 2 questions. They can compare answers with a partner.
- Discuss and write · 5–8 minutes
Check the answers below together. Ask learners to point to the clue in the story, then finish with the open question.
Adjust the support: Let learners use word help or Level 1 if needed. For a challenge, compare the wording in another level. This activity is not a proficiency test.
Answers to the 2 questions
The question numbers match the student worksheet. Each answer includes a reason and the clue learners can find in the story.
How old was Harrison when he won?
Correct answer: B — 81
Why: The first paragraph gives his age as 81.
Clue in the story: British writer M. John Harrison won the 2026 Booker Prize on November 9. He is 81, making him the oldest person to win the prize.
What did he receive at the ceremony?
Correct answer: A — Money and a trophy
Why: The final sentence names £50,000 and a trophy.
Clue in the story: His novel, The End of Everything, follows people living after a disaster. He received £50,000 and a trophy at a London ceremony.
The open question: accept different answers
Ask learners: Describe Harrison’s achievement and prize.
One possible answer: M. John Harrison won the 2026 Booker Prize at 81, becoming its oldest winner. He received £50,000 and a trophy.
This is an example, not the only correct answer. Look for a relevant idea, a reason and the learner’s own words. Learners can answer aloud or write one or two sentences.
Grammar to discuss
A result with making
making him the oldest person
Making introduces the result of his age at the time of the win. It does not mean he created another person.