Reading: Reading for Detail (Complex Texts)
B2 Lesson 3: Understanding Detailed Instructions and Explanations in Technical or Academic Contexts
Reading to Understand "How"
Beyond stories and opinions, we often need to read to understand a process4 or a complex idea. This type of writing is common in academic contexts2 and for technical texts1, like user manuals or scientific explanations.
The key skill for these texts is precise comprehension3. You must read slowly and carefully, paying close attention to technical vocabulary and the logical sequence of information.
Strategy for Technical Texts
- Skim for the Goal: Read the title and first paragraph to understand the overall purpose. What process or concept is being explained?
- Identify Key Terms: As you read, notice the important, specific nouns and verbs related to the topic.
- Follow the Logical Flow: Pay close attention to sequence words (First, Next) and cause-and-effect words (As a result, Therefore).
- Visualize the Process: Try to create a mental picture or a simple diagram of the steps in your mind.
Practice with a Technical Explanation
Let's analyze this text that explains a technology we use every day in Cambodia.
A Quick Response: Understanding QR Codes
A QR (Quick Response) code is a type of two-dimensional barcode that can store various kinds of information. Unlike a traditional one-dimensional barcode with vertical lines, a QR code's complex pattern of black and white squares allows it to hold significantly more data, including website links, contact information, or payment details for apps like ABA.
The process of using a QR code is straightforward. First, a user must open a camera or a specialized scanner app on their smartphone. Next, they point the camera at the QR code, ensuring it is clearly in focus. The app then instantly analyzes the unique pattern of squares. This pattern is essentially a map that corresponds to specific data. As a result of this analysis, the software decodes the information. Finally, it performs an action, such as opening a website in a browser or initiating a payment, making it a highly efficient way to bridge the physical and digital worlds.
Guided Analysis
Let's check our comprehension of the process:
- Question 1: What is the main advantage of a QR code over a traditional barcode?
Answer: It can hold significantly more data due to its two-dimensional pattern. - Question 2: What is the first step a user must take?
Answer: They must open a camera or scanner app on their smartphone. - Question 3: What is the direct result of the app analyzing the pattern?
Answer: The software decodes the information stored in the code.
Your Turn to Analyze!
Practice Quiz
Read this short text explaining a simple scientific process, then answer the questions.
"Photosynthesis is the crucial process that allows plants to create their own food. It begins when the plant's leaves absorb sunlight. The plant uses the energy from the sunlight to convert two main ingredients, water and carbon dioxide, into a type of sugar called glucose. This glucose is the food that provides energy for the plant to grow. As a byproduct of this process, the plant also releases oxygen into the atmosphere."
1. According to the text, what are the two main ingredients a plant needs for photosynthesis?
- A. Sunlight and oxygen
- B. Water and carbon dioxide
- C. Glucose and water
Answer: B. The text states the plant converts "water and carbon dioxide".
2. What is the final food product that gives the plant energy?
Answer: A type of sugar called glucose.
Vocabulary Glossary
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Technical Text (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: អត្ថបទបច្ចេកទេស
A text that gives a detailed explanation of how a specific technology or scientific process works. ↩ back to text -
Academic Context (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: បរិបទសិក្សា
The environment or situation related to higher education and study, like in a textbook. ↩ back to text -
Precise Comprehension (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការយល់ដឹងច្បាស់លាស់
Understanding the details of something exactly and correctly, without error. ↩ back to text -
Process (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ដំណើរការ
A series of actions or steps that are taken in order to achieve a particular result. ↩ back to text
Homework Task
Analyze a Process!
Find a simple set of instructions or a short explanation of a process in English. This could be a simple recipe, the instructions for a game, or how to use a feature on an app like TikTok or Facebook.
- Write down the overall goal of the process (e.g., "To post a video," "To cook rice").
- Write down the very first step and the very last step.
- List any technical words or sequence words (First, Next, Then) you find.