Reading: Reading for Detail (Complex Texts)
B2 Lesson 3: Understanding Detailed Instructions and Explanations
Listen to an audio version of the reading passage.
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
These words are often used in technical and academic texts. Learn them first.
How to Read Difficult Texts: The P-D-C Strategy
When a text is complex, don't try to understand every single word at first. Use this 3-step strategy to find the most important information.
Ask: "Why was this written?"
- Look for phrases like:
"The objective is...","The goal of this paper is...","This guide explains..."
Ask: "What are the key actions or steps?"
- Look for: Sequencing words (
First,Second,Finally) and strong verbs (segment,draft,conduct,analyze).
Ask: "Are there any 'if... then...' rules?"
- Look for: Conditional words (
if,unless,when) and result words (therefore,consequently,as a result).
Reading Passage: Academic Methodology
Use the P-D-C strategy to read the following text about a user feedback survey. Pay attention to the highlighted key terms.
(Purpose) The objective of this methodology is to outline the steps for gathering and analyzing user feedback for the new app. The goal is to identify points of friction before the public launch.
(Details) First, the user base must be segmented into two groups: 'new users' and 'power users'. Second, a 10-question survey will be drafted. Prior to full deployment, a small pilot test will be conducted with 10 internal staff to check for confusing questions.
(Connections) The survey will be anonymous. If any user provides a score below 3 (out of 5) on "Overall Satisfaction," a follow-up email will be automatically triggered. Consequently, all subsequent quantitative data will be analyzed to identify trends.
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Check Your Understanding
Based on the text you just read, answer the following questions. Click "Check Answers" when done.
1. What is the (P) Purpose of this methodology?
2. What is the (D) Detail step that happens immediately *before* the full deployment?
3. What is the (C) Connection or rule for low scores?
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
-
Methodology
A system of methods used in a particular area of study; a formal plan.
-
To segment
To divide something into smaller parts or groups.
-
To draft
To write the first version of a document (like a plan or a letter).
-
Deployment
The action of making a new system (like an app) available for use.
-
Pilot test
A small, preliminary test of a new system or survey.
-
Anonymous
Not identified by name; of unknown name.
-
Subsequent
Coming after something in time; following.
-
Quantitative data
Information that can be measured with numbers (e.g., scores, percentages).
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Find the P-D-C in the Wild
- Find one example of a technical or academic text. (e.g., a "how-to" guide for a new software, a university project guideline, or the "Methodology" section of a simple online study).
- Read it and apply the P-D-C strategy.
- Write down the answers to these three questions in your notebook:
- (P) Purpose: What is the main goal of this text?
- (D) Details: What are the 3-5 main action steps? (List them in order).
- (C) Connections: Did you find any "if... then..." rules? (Write one down).