News by Levels · Level 2 · For teachers

Teacher guide & answers

In this lesson: Compare a new tournament result with a previous best.

A Straight-Sets Win Takes Alcaraz Further in Paris

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 worksheet

A 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.

Why is Saturday’s result progress for Alcaraz in Paris?
Correct answer: A — He had previously reached only the quarter-finals
Why: The second paragraph contrasts a previous quarter-final place with further progress.
Clue in the story: His previous best at this tournament was a quarter-final place. Saturday's result therefore marks progress in Paris.
What does 86 minutes describe?
Correct answer: B — The length of the semi-final
Why: The first paragraph gives the duration of the completed Ruud match.
Clue in the story: Carlos Alcaraz reached his first Paris Masters final by defeating Casper Ruud 6–4, 6–4 on November 7. The match lasted 86 minutes.

The open question: accept different answers

Ask learners: Compare his previous best in Paris with his new result.

One possible answer: His previous best was a quarter-final place. By beating Ruud in the semi-final, he reached the final for the first time.

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

Means with by

by defeating Casper Ruud

By followed by defeating explains how Alcaraz reached the final.