Goal: Give professionals hands-on practice in adapting the same real-world text for different audiences and contexts.
The best way to improve adaptation skills is to practise with real content. In this activity, you’ll take an actual text and rewrite it for three different contexts: a training session, a tourist leaflet, and a workplace guide.
Step 1 – Choose your base text
Find a short real-world example (about 4–6 sentences). It could be:
- A safety announcement from your workplace.
- A short section from a museum guide.
- A community notice or event description.
Step 2 – Identify the main message
Ask yourself:
- What’s the core information here?
- What action do I want the reader to take?
Step 3 – Adapt for each context
| Context | How to adapt |
|---|---|
| Training session | Add enough detail to explain the process. Use clear steps and, if possible, plan for interactive practice. |
| Tourist leaflet | Keep it short and friendly. Use visuals or icons if helpful. Focus on the key action. |
| Workplace guide | Use headings or a checklist so it’s easy to scan. Keep a professional tone and include complete instructions. |
Step 4 – Compare your versions
Look at all three and ask:
- What changed in tone, length, and format?
- Why did you make those changes?
- Which version is quickest to read? Which is most detailed?
Example base text:
In the event of a fire alarm, please leave the building via the nearest marked exit and proceed to the assembly point in the car park. Do not use the lifts.
Possible adaptations:
Training session:
“If there’s a fire, leave through the nearest exit. Follow the green signs. Let’s walk the route together now so you know it.”
Tourist leaflet:
“Fire alarm? Follow the green signs to the exit. Go to the car park. Don’t use the lift.”
Workplace guide:
“Fire evacuation:
1) Leave by the nearest exit.
2) Go to the car park assembly point.
3) Never use the lift.”
Tip: The better you know your audience and their situation, the easier it is to adapt content so it works for them.