Reading: Reading Fluency & Strategies (Strategic Reading): B2 Lesson 1: Reading Longer Texts with Good Speed and Comprehension
CEFR Level: B2 (Upper Intermediate)
Target Reading Sub-skill: Reading Fluency & Strategies (Strategic Reading)
Specific Focus: Reading Longer Texts with Good Speed and Comprehension
What You Will Learn
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Understand the importance of reading longer texts with both speed and understanding at the B2 level.
- Apply strategies like previewing, pacing, and chunking to improve fluency with longer texts.
- Practice reading B2-level texts and checking comprehension of main ideas and key details from different parts.
- Develop techniques for maintaining focus and dealing with unknown vocabulary during sustained reading.
Hello Cambodian Learners!
At the B2 level, you'll encounter longer and more complex texts, such as articles about current affairs in Cambodia, chapters from books, or academic essays. To handle these effectively, you need to read not just accurately, but also with good speed and, most importantly, with good comprehension. This lesson will focus on strategies to help you read longer texts efficiently while still understanding the message clearly.
Strategies for Fluent Reading of Longer Texts
Reading longer texts well involves more than just decoding words. It requires active strategies:
- Preview the Text: Before you start reading in detail, quickly look at the title, headings, subheadings, any pictures or charts, and read the first and last paragraphs. This gives you an overview of the topic and structure.
- Set a Purpose: Why are you reading this text? To find specific information? To understand the main argument? Having a purpose helps you focus.
- Pace Yourself: You don't need to read every word at the same speed. Read easier or less important parts faster. Slow down for complex ideas or important details.
- Read in Chunks (Phrasing): Group words into meaningful phrases instead of reading word by word. This improves speed and comprehension.
- Maintain Concentration: Longer texts require focus. Find a quiet place, take short breaks if needed, and try to stay engaged with the content.
- Handle Unknown Vocabulary Strategically: If you meet an unknown word, try to guess its meaning from context first. If it seems very important, you might look it up, but don't let every new word stop your reading flow, especially if you're reading for general understanding.
- Re-read if Necessary: If you don't understand a section, it's okay to re-read it. Sometimes a second reading makes things much clearer.
Practice Time!
Activity 1: Read Along and Comprehend a Longer Text
Below is a short article. Click "Read Aloud" to listen and follow the highlighted words. Then, try reading it aloud yourself, focusing on smooth pacing and phrasing. Afterwards, answer the comprehension questions.
Quick Quiz! (Strategy Check)
Great Job!
Developing fluency with longer texts takes practice. By using these strategies, you'll find you can read more efficiently and understand complex information better!