Reading: Reading for Detail: A2 Lesson 1: Understanding Specific Information in Short, Simple Narratives & Descriptions

Reading: Reading for Detail

A2 Lesson 1: Understanding Specific Information in Short, Simple Narratives & Descriptions

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Finding the Facts

We have learned to read for the main idea (skimming). Now we will learn to read carefully to find specific information³, or small facts, inside a paragraph. This is called "Reading for Detail."

We will practice with two types of paragraphs: a Narrative¹ (a short story) and a Description² (tells you what something is like).

How to Find Specific Details

1. Read the question first. This tells you what information you need to find.
2. Read the paragraph slowly. Understand the general meaning.
3. Look for the sentence or words that directly answer the question.

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Practice with a Narrative (A Story)

Read the questions, then read the story to find the answers.

Yesterday was a fun day for my friend Sophea. First, she went to the market in the morning to help her mother. Then, in the afternoon, she played football with her friends at the school. Finally, she ate a delicious crab dinner with her family.

• Question 1: What did Sophea do in the morning?
  Answer: She went to the market.
• Question 2: Who did she play football with?
  Answer: With her friends.
• Question 3: What did she eat for dinner?
  Answer: A delicious crab dinner.

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Practice with a Description

Read the questions, then read the description to find the answers.

My favorite place in Kampot is the riverfront area. It is a long, open space next to the Praek Tuek Chhu river. There are many green trees and places to sit. You can see the big, old bridge and many colorful fishing boats on the water.

• Question 1: What color are the trees?
  Answer: The trees are green.
• Question 2: What can you see on the water?
  Answer: Many colorful fishing boats.

Your Turn to Find the Details!

Practice Quiz 1

Read the text and then answer the questions below.

"My brother Rithy had a busy Saturday. In the morning, he cleaned his moto. In the afternoon, he studied English for two hours. In the evening, he watched a movie with me."

1. What did Rithy do in the morning?
2. How long did he study English?

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Answers:
1. He cleaned his moto.
2. For two hours.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Narrative (noun)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការនិទានរឿង
   The method of learning to read by using letter sounds. ↩ back to text
2. Description (noun)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការពិពណ៌នា
   A text that "paints a picture with words" to tell you what a person, place, or thing is like. ↩ back to text
3. Specific Information (noun)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ព័ត៌មានជាក់លាក់
   An exact detail or fact that you find in a text. ↩ back to text

Homework Task

Be the Writer!

Choose one of the following tasks:

1. Write a short narrative (3-4 sentences) about what you did yesterday. Use time words like "In the morning...", "Then...", "In the evening...".
2. Write a short description (3-4 sentences) of your favorite place in Kampot. What does it look like? What can you do there?

Be ready to share your paragraph with the class.