Reading: Reading for Detail (Complex Texts): B2 Lesson 1: Understanding Complex Arguments, Viewpoints, and Supporting Details

CEFR Level: B2 (Upper Intermediate)

Target Reading Sub-skill: Reading for Detail (Complex Texts)

Specific Focus: Understanding Complex Arguments, Viewpoints, and Supporting Details

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What You Will Learn

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify the main argument or viewpoint in a B2-level text.
• Distinguish between the main argument and the supporting reasons or evidence.
• Understand how authors use facts, examples, and expert opinions to support their claims.
• Analyze the structure of a simple argument in a text.

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Hello Cambodian Learners!

At the B2 level, you'll encounter texts that do more than just present facts; they often present an argument or a specific viewpoint. This could be an article discussing the pros and cons of tourism development in a place like Sihanoukville, or an essay arguing for a particular approach to education in Cambodia. Understanding how these arguments are built, what the main point is, and what evidence supports it, is a key skill for critical reading.

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Understanding Complex Arguments

A complex argument usually has:

• A Main Claim/Argument/Viewpoint: The central idea the author wants you to accept. This is often found in the introduction (as a thesis statement) and restated in the conclusion.
• Reasons/Supporting Points: Why the author believes their main claim is true. These are often the main ideas of body paragraphs.
• Supporting Details/Evidence: Facts, examples, statistics, expert opinions, or anecdotes used to back up each reason.

Look for discourse markers that signal arguments (e.g., I believe, it is argued that, clearly), reasons (e.g., firstly, another reason is, because), and evidence (e.g., for example, according to research, statistics show).

Example: Click the paragraphs to hear them.

The Case for Urban Green Spaces

(P1) Cities around the world should invest more in creating and maintaining green spaces, such as parks and public gardens. These areas are not just pleasant to look at; they are essential for the health and well-being of urban populations and the environment.

(P2) One significant benefit of urban green spaces is their positive impact on public health. Parks provide areas for physical activity, like walking or playing sports, which can reduce obesity and related diseases. For example, a study in City X showed that residents living near parks exercised 20% more frequently. Green spaces also offer mental health benefits, reducing stress and improving mood.

(P3) Furthermore, green spaces contribute to a healthier urban environment. Trees and plants absorb pollutants and produce oxygen, improving air quality. They also help to reduce the urban heat island effect, making cities cooler. These environmental benefits are crucial as cities continue to grow.

Main Argument: Cities should invest more in green spaces because they are essential for health and the environment.

Reason 1 (from P2): Green spaces positively impact public health.

Supporting Detail for Reason 1: A study showed residents near parks exercised more.

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Practice Time!

Activity 1: Identify Main Argument and Supporting Reasons

Read the short article excerpt. First, choose the author's main argument. Then, identify one key reason the author gives to support that argument.

Activity 2: Match Detail to Reason

Read the paragraph and the main reason given. Then choose the sentence from the paragraph that is a supporting detail for that reason.

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Quick Quiz!

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Great Job!

Understanding how arguments are structured with main claims, reasons, and supporting details is crucial for B2 level reading. This helps you evaluate what you read more effectively!

How do you feel about this lesson?

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