The Paragraphs
Paragraph A:
Not every shot is going to be a winner. If you look at the work of even the best
photographers you’ll notice dozens of pictures have had to be taken only
because they lead up to the successful shot of a situation that the photographer
has obviously been observing through the lens. You may find that you have
taken one or two pictures after the right moment has passed as well. There is
seldom more than one shot which stands out. There is just one point where it all
comes together, and you often have to waste film to catch that precious
moment.
Paragraph B:
Film manufacturers must be delighted at the thought of the inexperienced
photographer setting out in search of the right situation and the right moment.
Many miles of costly material have passed through thousands of cameras as
this endless search continues. But although a lot of this waste must be put down
to inexperience, you’ll find that even the professionals have to use a lot of film
when they are out shooting.
Paragraph C:
The realistic approach to photography has been perfected in the past by such
masters as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Bill Brandt. But while you can learn a
great deal from looking at the work of others, any success you can hope to
achieve in this field has to come from developing an individual approach.
Paragraph D:
You would like to take good photographs of real-life situations but you have
few ideas for pictures. I suggest you look around you. The everyday world is
full of scenes being played by an ever-changing group of actors. You probably
passed a dozen picture situations without noticing on your way to work this
morning.
Paragraph E:
The main requirement for any photographer has little to do with technical
matters. You must develop an awareness of the world around you and the
people who inhabit it, and you should learn to notice when a situation may
develop to a point where you will be able to take a good picture. Those who
have reached this happy state will be prepared when that moment arises and
will simply raise their camera quickly and shoot. Others who are not so aware
will be struggling with camera cases and lens caps.
Section 1: Comprehension Questions
Instructions: Read the paragraphs above and answer the following questions to
help you understand the flow of ideas.
1. Introduction of the Topic: Which paragraph introduces the concept of finding
photographic opportunities in everyday life?
o (a) Paragraph A
o (b) Paragraph B
o (c) Paragraph C
o (d) Paragraph D
2. Historical Context: Which paragraph refers to the work of renowned
photographers?
o (a) Paragraph A
o (b) Paragraph C
o (c) Paragraph D
o (d) Paragraph E
3. Skills vs. Equipment: Which paragraph discusses the importance of awareness
over technical matters?
o (a) Paragraph B
o (b) Paragraph D
o (c) Paragraph E
o (d) Paragraph C
4. Challenges in Photography: Which paragraph talks about wasting film to
capture the perfect moment?
o (a) Paragraph A
o (b) Paragraph C
o (c) Paragraph D
o (d) Paragraph B
Section 2: Matching Exercise
Instructions: Match the following key ideas with the paragraphs (A–E).
Key Idea Paragraph
1. Awareness is more important than technical skills.
2. Even professionals waste film to capture good shots.
3. Real-life moments for photography are everywhere.
4. Success in photography requires an individual style.
Section 3: Reordering Challenge
Instructions: Based on your understanding, arrange the paragraphs in the
correct order. Write your sequence below (e.g., D → C → E → B → A).
Answer Key
Section 1: Comprehension Questions
1. (d) Paragraph D
2. (b) Paragraph C
3. (c) Paragraph E
4. (a) Paragraph A
Section 2: Matching Exercise
1 → Paragraph E
2 → Paragraph B
3 → Paragraph D
4 → Paragraph C
Correct Order: D → E → C → B → A
Explanation:
1. Paragraph D introduces the topic:
It sets the stage by addressing the reader's desire to take good photographs and
suggests looking at everyday life for photographic opportunities. This paragraph acts
as the starting point and introduces the theme of observing the world for photography.
2. Paragraph E develops the main requirement for photography:
After introducing the topic, this paragraph explains the importance of awareness in
photography and highlights the skills and mindset required to capture the perfect
moment.
3. Paragraph C emphasizes personal style and learning from masters:
Building on the skills mentioned in Paragraph E, this paragraph suggests learning
from great photographers (Henri Cartier-Bresson and Bill Brandt) but also stresses the
importance of developing an individual approach.
4. Paragraph B discusses the practical aspect of photography:
This paragraph transitions into the challenges of photography, explaining how even
professionals use a lot of film in the search for the perfect shot. It connects to the idea
of learning from experience mentioned in Paragraph C.
5. Paragraph A concludes with advice about taking many shots:
Finally, this paragraph wraps up the discussion by elaborating on the trial-and-error
process of photography, reinforcing the idea that not every shot will be a winner and
that persistence is key.
How the Flow Works:
Introduction (D): Introduces the topic of photography and encourages observation of
the everyday world.
Skill (E): Explains the key skill (awareness) required to succeed in capturing great
photos.
Style (C): Discusses learning from masters but developing a unique style.
Challenges (B): Highlights the practical challenges photographers face, such as using
a lot of film.
Conclusion (A): Ends with advice about the importance of persistence and capturing
the right moment.
Paragraphs (Out of Order)
A: Let them get on with this job in the way that seems most sensible to them, with our help as
schoolteachers if they ask for it. The idea that there is a body of knowledge to be learnt at
school and used for the rest of one’s life is nonsense in a world as complicated and rapidly
changing as ours.
B: If it is a matter of the right answer, as it may be in mathematics or science, give him the
answer book. Let him correct his own papers. Why should we teachers waste time on such
routine work? Our job should be to help the child when he tells us that he can’t find the way
to get the right answer.
C: We act as if we thought that he would never notice a mistake unless it was pointed out to
him, or correct it unless he was made to. Soon he becomes dependent on the teacher. Let him
do it himself. Let him work out, with the help of other children if he wants it, what this word
says, what the answer is to that problem, whether this is a good way of saying or doing this or
not.
D: Let children learn to judge their own work. A child learning to talk does not learn by
being corrected all the time; if corrected too much, he will stop talking. He notices a thousand
times a day the difference between the language he uses and the language those around him
use. Bit by bit, he makes the necessary changes to make his language like other people’s.
E: Anxious parents and teachers say, “But suppose they fail to learn something essential,
something they will need to get on in the world?” Don’t worry. If it is essential, they will go
out into the world and learn it.
Activity 1: Arrange the Paragraphs
Rearrange paragraphs A–E into the correct logical order. Write your answer here:
Correct Order:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Activity 2: Matching Key Ideas
Match each paragraph to the idea it conveys.
Paragraph Main Idea
A The changing world requires flexible, student-driven learning approaches.
B Teachers should guide only when necessary, not waste time on routine tasks.
C Over-correction hinders independence; children should solve problems alone.
D Children naturally learn by observing and self-correcting.
E Essential skills will be learned in real-life when necessary.
Activity 3: True/False Statements
State whether each of the following is True or False based on the text:
1. Over-correcting a child makes them dependent on the teacher.
2. Teachers should focus on routine corrections rather than student independence.
3. Learning in school should be rigid and based on a fixed body of knowledge.
4. A child learning to talk learns by comparing their speech with others, not by being
corrected constantly.
5. Essential knowledge will be naturally acquired if it is important in the real world.
Answer Key
Correct Order of Paragraphs:
1. D
2. C
3. B
4. A
5. E
Matching Key Ideas:
Paragraph Main Idea
D Children naturally learn by observing and self-correcting.
C Over-correction hinders independence; children should solve problems alone.
B Teachers should guide only when necessary, not waste time on routine tasks.
A The changing world requires flexible, student-driven learning approaches.
E Essential skills will be learned in real-life when necessary.
True/False Statements:
1. True
2. False
3. False
4. True
5. True