15 Reading
Before You Read
Complete these pre-reading activities before you begin to read lists and completed forms. Understanding the arrangement of words and white space in formal documents is an essential skill. It helps readers locate information faster.
MAY Does Not Always Mean What You Think
Rules are formal sets of instructions. When we have the power to make rules, other people will interact with us for permission.
- The modal verb MAY is helpful in asking for or giving permission.
- However, MAY isn’t always about allowing or prohibiting action. Sometimes MAY shows possibility or hope.
Compare the pairs of sentences below. Do both sentences mean the same thing? Choose = if the sentences have a similar meaning or ≠ if the sentences do not mean the same thing.
| 1. | Campers may see bears in the campground. | = ≠ | The campground permits campers to see bears. |
| 2. | May I cook over an open fire? | = ≠ | Am I allowed to burn wood to make meals? |
| 3. | Clean bottles or cans may be put in the recycling bins or taken home. | = ≠ | Campers have two choices for what to do with empty drink containers. |
| 4. | May campers bring a pet into the campground? | = ≠ | Can campers bring a dog or cat into the campground? |
| 5. | May you travel home safely! | = ≠ | You have permission to drive carefully on your way home. |
Vocabulary: Synonyms
Choose ALL the words or phrases on the right that are synonyms for the word on the left. For a reminder about synonyms, refer to page 66 in Chapter 2.
| bare | basic | a couple of | a lock | to uncover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bear | to carry | to give birth | a large, furry, wild animal | to hold |
| charge | to attack | to ask as a fee | a place to pray | a price |
Predictions
You are going to read a sign from Bear Bottom Campground. On the sign are “do’s” and “don’ts” for campers. Some people think rules are mostly “don’ts” or prohibitions.
Claire calls her rules “camping courtesies.” Since courtesy means courteous or good manners, do you predict that there will be more negative “don’ts” or more positive “do’s” on Claire’s sign?
- What kind of obligations, or responsibilities, do campers have to each other? Suggest one rule for good camping behaviour during the daytime and another courtesy for after sundown.
- What will Claire do to ensure the safety of campers?
- Will Claire use the same words to write prohibitions, courtesies, and safety rules?
- If not, how will Claire adjust how she writes about dangerous behaviour compared to helpful behaviour or in contrast to banned behaviour?
Reading 1
Read a sign posted at Bear Bottom Campground
Camping Courtesies
The Bare Necessities
CHECK IN
Campers:
• Register at the Campground Office upon arrival to pick up your permit.
• Display your vehicle pass at all times.
• Check out by noon. In exceptional circumstances, you may avoid the extra late charge by telling the manager in advance.
Visitors:
• Check in at the office before dropping in on campers.
• You must park