Reading: Reading Fluency & Strategies (Strategic Reading)
B2 Lesson 1: Reading Longer Texts with Good Speed and Comprehension
The Strategic Reading 'Attack Plan'
At the B2 level, reading fluently means reading strategically. Instead of just starting at the first word, a skilled reader has a plan to tackle a long text efficiently. This approach maximizes both speed and comprehension2.
Today, we will learn a complete four-phase strategy to confidently read and understand complex texts.
The Four Phases of Strategic Reading
- Phase 1: PREDICT (Before Reading): Look at the title and any subheadings. What do you already know about this topic? What do you predict the article will argue or explain?
- Phase 2: SKIM FOR GIST (First, Fast Read): Read the text relatively quickly. Don't stop for new words. Your goal is to create a "mental map" and understand the main idea of each paragraph and the overall point of the text.
- Phase 3: READ FOR DETAIL (Second, Slow Read): Read the text again, but this time slowly and carefully. Pay attention to the author's arguments, supporting evidence, and word choices. This is where deep understanding happens.
- Phase 4: SUMMARIZE & RESPOND (After Reading): To confirm your understanding, briefly summarize the main points in your head or on paper. What did you learn? Do you agree with the author?
Practice Text: Let's Apply the Strategy
Use the four phases to read the following article about agriculture in the Kampot region.
Beyond Pepper: The Diversifying Future of Agriculture in Kampot
For centuries, Kampot province has been world-renowned for one exceptional product: its aromatic and flavorful pepper. While this cash crop remains vital to the region's identity and economy, a combination of climate change and shifting market demands is encouraging a necessary evolution. To ensure a prosperous future, the agricultural landscape of Kampot is beginning to diversify in exciting and innovative ways.
The Challenge to Tradition
Traditional pepper farming is highly dependent on predictable weather patterns. However, recent years have seen more extreme conditions, including longer dry seasons and more intense, erratic rainfall. These changes threaten the sensitive pepper vines, making harvests less reliable. As a result, many farmers recognize that relying solely on a single, climate-sensitive crop is a significant long-term risk.
The Rise of Agri-Tourism
One of the most promising avenues for diversification4 is the growth of agri-tourism. Kampot's durian, long celebrated locally, is now becoming a major tourist attraction in its own right. Farms are creating visitor experiences where tourists can learn about, taste, and purchase the "king of fruits." This model provides a secondary income stream for farmers that is less dependent on the success of a single harvest. Furthermore, an increasing number of farms are pursuing organic certification to appeal to health-conscious consumers and high-end export markets.
A Resilient Future
Ultimately, the future of agriculture in Kampot lies in becoming more resilient5. This means embracing a mix of high-value traditional crops like pepper, alongside new ventures in tourism and sustainable, modern farming techniques. By adapting to new challenges with creative solutions, Kampot can protect its agricultural heritage while building a more stable and prosperous economic future.
Check Your Comprehension
Practice Quiz
After applying the strategic reading plan, answer these questions.
1. What is the overall main idea of the entire article?
- A. Kampot pepper is the only important crop for the region's future.
- B. To ensure a stable future, Kampot's agriculture is diversifying beyond just pepper into areas like fruit tourism and organic farming.
- C. Durian is now more popular and profitable than pepper in Kampot.
Answer: B. This sentence best summarizes the entire argument of the text.
2. According to the text, what is a major challenge for traditional pepper farming?
- A. A lack of international buyers.
- B. Competition from durian farms.
- C. Unpredictable weather and climate change.
Answer: C. This detail is explicitly mentioned in the "The Challenge to Tradition" section.
3. What can you infer is a major benefit of "agri-tourism"?
- A. It creates an additional source of income for farmers.
- B. It is easier than growing pepper.
- C. It requires less water than other crops.
Answer: A. The text states it "provides a secondary income stream," which means an additional source of money.
Vocabulary Glossary
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Strategic Reading (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការអានបែបយុទ្ធសាស្ត្រ
Using a deliberate, multi-step plan to read a text efficiently for maximum comprehension. ↩ back to text -
Comprehension (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការយល់ដឹង
The ability to fully understand the meaning and importance of a text. ↩ back to text -
Fluency (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ភាពស្ទាត់ជំនាញ
Reading with a natural speed, accuracy, and expression. ↩ back to text -
Diversification (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការធ្វើពិពិធកម្ម
The strategy of increasing the variety of products or activities to reduce risk. ↩ back to text -
Resilient (adjective)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ភាពធន់
Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. ↩ back to text
Homework Task
Apply the Full Strategy!
Find an English news or magazine article that is at least 4-5 paragraphs long.
- Predict: Before reading, write one sentence predicting the content based on the title.
- Skim: Read the article quickly. Write down the main topic of each paragraph.
- Read for Detail: Read the article again carefully.
- Summarize: Write a short, 2-3 sentence summary of the article's most important points in your own words.