The Problem with Perfect Metrics
A three-page C2 longer-reading lesson about the problem with perfect metrics. Includes vocabulary matching, a numbered article, comprehension questions, discussion and an opinion-writing task.
What’s in the worksheet?
- Vocabulary matching before reading
- Numbered reading text with key vocabulary in bold
- Comprehension, discussion and homework writing
- Teacher answer key on page 3
Read and evaluate metrics as proxies, perverse incentives and professional discretion. This C2 lesson develops text-based comprehension before a qualified argument of the learner's own.
Worksheet preview
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Page 1 of 3 · A4 printable PDF
Page 2 of 3 · A4 printable PDF
Page 3 of 3 · Answer key · A4 printable PDF
A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Use pages 1–2 and reserve page 3 for feedback. Begin with the printed warm-up and six vocabulary matches, focusing on proxy, compliance and reductive.
- Compare vocabulary answers, then read for the central claim and reread the numbered paragraphs for supporting reasons and qualifications.
- Distinguish the measured score from the larger aim. Use the call-centre example to explain harmful incentives and the need to review discretion.
- Discuss fairness and judgement, then plan the 220–260-word metric evaluation: what it reveals, hides and should be used for.
Support and extension
Support with a aim / measure / unintended behaviour chart. Accept accurate comprehension paraphrases; discussion and writing need reasoned individual responses. Extend by asking learners to suggest a complementary form of evidence rather than simply rejecting all measurement.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
