News by Levels · Level 3 · For teachers
Teacher guide & answers
Raye’s Album Wins the Mercury 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.
Why is a performed track not the whole basis of this award?
Correct answer: A — The award recognises an album
Why: The unit receiving the prize is an album, even when a track is performed.
Clue in the story: Distinguish the work presented on stage from the work receiving the award. A track performance does not redefine an album-based selection. Similarly, panel adjudication, public voting and commercial ranking are separate methods and cannot be substituted for one another.
Which description would change the reported selection method?
Correct answer: B — Calling it a public vote
Why: An audience vote differs from the panel’s decision.
Clue in the story: Distinguish the work presented on stage from the work receiving the award. A track performance does not redefine an album-based selection. Similarly, panel adjudication, public voting and commercial ranking are separate methods and cannot be substituted for one another.
The open question: accept different answers
Ask learners: Explain why an album award should not be reported as a song-chart result.
One possible answer: An album award assesses a larger work through a selection process. A song chart measures a different unit and may use sales or listening figures instead.
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.