In a notice or email with several dates, each date has a job.
Some say when something happens. Others say the last day you can act. Reading for specific information means matching the question to the right job.
This lesson follows scanning a notice for a condition and uses the same habit: find the place first, then read it slowly.
How do I tell what each date is doing?
Look at the words right next to the date. They tell you its role.
| Words beside the date | Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| by, no later than, before, until, closes on | Deadline | “by Friday 21 March” |
| on, takes place, departs, starts, is held | Event date | “departs on 10 May” |
| open on, from, available from | Start of a period | “open on 3 March” |
| within, in the week of | Range, not a single day | “in the week of 24 March” |
By and no later than include the named day. Before does not.
A method for dates
- Underline the question word: “by when”, “what date”, “how long”, “from when”.
- List every date in the text with a two-word label: open, submit, interview, result, depart.
- Match the label to the question word. A “by when” question needs a deadline label.
- Copy the date as written, including the month.
Worked example
School Exchange Trip. Applications open on 3 March. The form must reach the school office by Friday 21 March. Interviews take place in the week of 24 March, and results are emailed on 4 April. The group departs on 10 May.
Question: By which date must Hana hand in her form?
Step 1, question word: “by which date” asks for a deadline.
Step 2, label every date:
| Date | Label |
|---|---|
| 3 March | applications open |
| 21 March | form must reach office (deadline) |
| week of 24 March | interviews |
| 4 April | results emailed |
| 10 May | departure |
Step 3, match: the only deadline is 21 March.
Answer: Friday 21 March.
The mistake to watch for
Mistaken answer: “3 March”, because it is the first date and it comes with the word applications.
The student linked the word “applications” to the question about the form.
But 3 March is when the window opens. The form’s last day is tied to the words “must reach … by”.
Another common slip is choosing 10 May because it looks like the most important date. Importance is not the test. The question word is.
Check yourself
Use this text.
Concert Tickets. Tickets can be collected from 5 June until 12 June. Refunds are not possible after 8 June. The concert is on 20 June.
1. What is the last day to collect tickets?
Show answer
12 June. “Until 12 June” gives the end of the collection period.
2. A student asks for a refund on 8 June. Is that allowed?
Show answer
Yes. Refunds are not possible after 8 June, so 8 June itself is still allowed. From 9 June they are not.
3. On which date is the concert?
Show answer
20 June. It is the only date attached to the concert itself. The others are deadlines for tickets and refunds.
Where this leads next
Dates often sit inside sentences that use pronouns, so the next lesson is to track a reference across two sentences. Return to the module overview for the full study order, and try the mixed practice set when you are ready.
A student who reads dates correctly in class but mixes them in a timed paper may only need a steadier routine. A teacher in English as a Second Language tuition can check this on your own past attempts.