News by Levels · Level 3 · For teachers

Teacher guide & answers

In this lesson: Distinguish a historical fictional setting from factual reporting.

Harkaway Extends a Fictional Legacy Through a New Smiley Novel

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.

Which description best fits the book?
Correct answer: C — A novel with a historical setting
Why: The final paragraph explicitly calls it a novel rather than real espionage reporting.
Clue in the story: A historical setting does not make this a contemporary account of real espionage; it remains a novel.
What does “already” contrast with in the publication paragraph?
Correct answer: A — British publication versus the scheduled US hardcover
Why: The second paragraph contrasts completed British publication with the planned US release.
Clue in the story: Already published in Britain this week, the US hardcover is scheduled for November 17, according to Penguin Random House.

The open question: accept different answers

Ask learners: How would you describe the book without confusing its two timelines?

One possible answer: It is a modern novel set in 1965 America. It has already appeared in Britain, and its US hardcover is scheduled for November 17.

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

Concession with a negative result

does not make this a contemporary account

Does not make rejects an inference: using a historical period does not turn fiction into a factual contemporary report.