Defne and the Question of Identity
Suggested lesson sequence
Warm up (2 minutes), read for gist, read again for detail, compare answers with evidence, complete vocabulary, discuss and write. Adapt timing to the learner. Score comprehension separately from vocabulary; neither score establishes a CEFR level.
Answer key
- A. A familiar photograph makes her past self feel distant.
The contrast between familiarity and distance creates the identity question. Evidence: paragraph 1.
- B. Memories can be missing or inaccurate.
Her forgotten periods and corrected memories show memory’s limitations. Evidence: paragraph 2.
- A. Growth changes qualities without obviously replacing the person.
The paragraph rejects both total replacement and the claim that growth changes nothing. Evidence: paragraph 3.
- C. It can preserve an outdated image of someone.
The “shy one” label illustrates being confined by an old description. Evidence: paragraph 4.
- B. Change and continuing responsibility can coexist.
She supports responsibility while allowing people to reconsider unsuitable roles. Evidence: paragraph 5.
- B. Several perspectives illuminate different parts of identity.
The ending keeps multiple explanations and does not claim a final definition. Evidence: paragraph 6.
Vocabulary key
- continuity
- outdated
- acknowledge
Speaking and writing guidance
Accept different opinions when supported with reasons. Assess task completion, clarity, vocabulary and sentence control separately. For B2, look for a supported position, a relevant counterargument and a response. Do not score political or philosophical agreement.
All stories and country scenarios in this series are original fictional teaching texts. Defne is a recurring fictional adult from İzmir, living in İstanbul and working as a flight attendant. New stories do not establish her exact age, employer or a job change.