News by Levels · Level 2 · For teachers

Teacher guide & answers

In this lesson: Connect family authorship with distinct publication timelines.

The Taper Man Takes Smiley to America

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.

How is Harkaway related to le Carré?
Correct answer: A — He is the author’s son
Why: The first paragraph identifies the family relationship.
Clue in the story: Nick Harkaway continues John le Carré's fictional world in The Taper Man. Harkaway, the author's son, sends George Smiley to America in 1965.
Which publication statement is supported?
Correct answer: B — Britain has published it; the US hardcover is listed for November 17
Why: The second paragraph distinguishes the two release timings.
Clue in the story: The novel was published in Britain this week. Penguin Random House lists the US hardcover for November 17.

The open question: accept different answers

Ask learners: Explain why a British reader and a US hardcover buyer may see different availability.

One possible answer: The novel was published in Britain this week, while the US hardcover is listed for November 17. Release dates can differ by market and edition.

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

Authorship and fiction

fictional world

Fictional identifies the imagined setting and characters. It does not describe the real family relationship between the writers.