Reading: Strategic Reading
B2 Lesson 4: Synthesizing Information
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary
Understanding these concepts is essential for this advanced reading skill.
The 4-Step Synthesis Strategy
Synthesizing is like being a detective. You gather clues from different witnesses (texts) to build a bigger picture. Follow these steps.
How to Synthesize Information
- Understand Each Source: Read each text individually to find its main idea.
- Find the Common Topic: What one subject are both texts discussing?
- Identify Agreements & Disagreements: Where do the texts agree? Where do they present different information or opinions?
- Form a New Understanding: Combine the information to create a more complete and nuanced picture.
Practice: Two Perspectives on Kampot Tourism
Read the two short articles below. Both are about the same topic, but they have a different focus.
Text 1: Tourism Fuels Economic Growth in Kampot
The significant increase in tourism over the past decade has been a major driver of economic growth for Kampot province. The construction of new hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants has created thousands of jobs for local residents. Furthermore, the influx of visitors has created a thriving market for local products, from world-renowned pepper to handmade crafts. This economic activity provides vital income for families and helps to fund public services.
Text 2: Is Kampot's Tourism Growth Sustainable?
While the economic benefits of tourism are often celebrated, it is crucial to consider the social and environmental costs. The rapid construction of new buildings has put a severe strain on public infrastructure, such as waste management. Moreover, some analysts argue that many tourism jobs are low-wage and seasonal, offering little long-term security. There is a growing concern that if this development is not managed carefully, it could damage the very environment that attracts tourists.
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Create a Synthesis
Based on a synthesis of BOTH texts about tourism, which statement is the most accurate and complete?
- A. Tourism in Kampot only creates problems and should be stopped.
- B. Tourism in Kampot only provides benefits and should be encouraged without limits.
- C. Tourism in Kampot presents both significant economic opportunities and serious social/environmental risks that must be carefully managed.
→ Answer: C. This is the only option that combines the key points from both texts to create a complete and nuanced understanding.
Key Vocabulary Reference
- To Synthesize To combine information from different sources to get a more complete understanding.
- Perspective A particular point of view or way of looking at a topic.
- Nuanced Having subtle shades of meaning; not simple or black-and-white.
- Holistic View A view that considers the whole system, not just one piece.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Practice Synthesizing!
Find two short English articles online about the same event or topic, but from two different sources (e.g., from BBC News and a local newspaper).
- Read both articles carefully.
- In your notebook, write down one key fact or idea that both sources agree on.
- Write down one fact, detail, or opinion that is different between the two sources.
- Write one or two sentences that synthesize the information to give a more complete picture.