TMN3702 Assignment 3 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 31 July 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1
The bottom-up approach to reading focuses on decoding from the smallest units of
language, such as letters and sounds, before moving to words, sentences, and meaning.
Learners read by recognising letters, blending sounds, and then forming words, which helps
them understand sentences and texts. This method relies heavily on phonics and decoding
skills.
In contrast, the top-down approach begins with the reader's existing knowledge,
experiences, and predictions. Instead of decoding every word, learners use what they
already know, the context of the text, and clues like images or titles to make sense of the
reading material. This approach focuses on making meaning, even when some words are
unfamiliar.
Both methods support reading but from different directions: bottom-up builds from text to
meaning, while top-down starts with meaning and works toward understanding the text.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
1.1
The bottom-up approach to reading focuses on decoding from the smallest units of
language, such as letters and sounds, before moving to words, sentences, and
meaning. Learners read by recognising letters, blending sounds, and then forming
words, which helps them understand sentences and texts. This method relies heavily
on phonics and decoding skills (TMN3702/1, Learning Unit 4, p. 64).
In contrast, the top-down approach begins with the reader's existing knowledge,
experiences, and predictions. Instead of decoding every word, learners use what
they already know, the context of the text, and clues like images or titles to make
sense of the reading material. This approach focuses on making meaning, even
when some words are unfamiliar (TMN3702/1, Learning Unit 4, pp. 64–65).
Both methods support reading but from different directions: bottom-up builds from
text to meaning, while top-down starts with meaning and works toward
understanding the text.
1.2
Bottom-up example: Learners are given phonic flashcards to practise sounding out
tricky words from the story The Lion and the Mouse. The teacher helps them break
down each word into letters and sounds, encouraging decoding and correct
pronunciation. This supports their ability to read from sound to word and builds
fluency—a key bottom-up reading skill (TMN3702/1, Learning Unit 4, p. 64).
Top-down example: Before reading the same story, the teacher asks learners to
look at the pictures and title. Learners predict what the story might be about, drawing
on their own knowledge and experiences. This prediction activity helps them connect
personal understanding to the text, making it easier to grasp the meaning as they
read. This approach reflects top-down processing, where comprehension is built
using context and prior knowledge (TMN3702/1, Learning Unit 4, p. 65).
1.3.
Unique Number:
Due date: 31 July 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1
The bottom-up approach to reading focuses on decoding from the smallest units of
language, such as letters and sounds, before moving to words, sentences, and meaning.
Learners read by recognising letters, blending sounds, and then forming words, which helps
them understand sentences and texts. This method relies heavily on phonics and decoding
skills.
In contrast, the top-down approach begins with the reader's existing knowledge,
experiences, and predictions. Instead of decoding every word, learners use what they
already know, the context of the text, and clues like images or titles to make sense of the
reading material. This approach focuses on making meaning, even when some words are
unfamiliar.
Both methods support reading but from different directions: bottom-up builds from text to
meaning, while top-down starts with meaning and works toward understanding the text.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
1.1
The bottom-up approach to reading focuses on decoding from the smallest units of
language, such as letters and sounds, before moving to words, sentences, and
meaning. Learners read by recognising letters, blending sounds, and then forming
words, which helps them understand sentences and texts. This method relies heavily
on phonics and decoding skills (TMN3702/1, Learning Unit 4, p. 64).
In contrast, the top-down approach begins with the reader's existing knowledge,
experiences, and predictions. Instead of decoding every word, learners use what
they already know, the context of the text, and clues like images or titles to make
sense of the reading material. This approach focuses on making meaning, even
when some words are unfamiliar (TMN3702/1, Learning Unit 4, pp. 64–65).
Both methods support reading but from different directions: bottom-up builds from
text to meaning, while top-down starts with meaning and works toward
understanding the text.
1.2
Bottom-up example: Learners are given phonic flashcards to practise sounding out
tricky words from the story The Lion and the Mouse. The teacher helps them break
down each word into letters and sounds, encouraging decoding and correct
pronunciation. This supports their ability to read from sound to word and builds
fluency—a key bottom-up reading skill (TMN3702/1, Learning Unit 4, p. 64).
Top-down example: Before reading the same story, the teacher asks learners to
look at the pictures and title. Learners predict what the story might be about, drawing
on their own knowledge and experiences. This prediction activity helps them connect
personal understanding to the text, making it easier to grasp the meaning as they
read. This approach reflects top-down processing, where comprehension is built
using context and prior knowledge (TMN3702/1, Learning Unit 4, p. 65).
1.3.
