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Reading: Skimming (Reading for Gist): A2 Lesson 1: Understanding the Main Idea of Short Paragraphs on Everyday Topics

Sopheak Pich

Reading: Skimming (Reading for Gist)

A2 Lesson 1: Understanding the Main Idea of Short Paragraphs

Listen to the reading passages and examples.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to quickly find the main idea (or 'gist') of a short paragraph about an everyday topic.

Before You Read 🧠

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

Let's learn these important words for today's lesson.

Skimming
| អានត្រួសៗ
To read something quickly to find the main idea.
Gist / Main Idea
| គំនិតចម្បង
The most important point or general meaning.
Topic Sentence
| ប្រយោគប្រធានបទ
The sentence that states the main idea, often at the beginning.
Keyword
| ពាក្យគន្លឹះ
An important word that is repeated or gives a clue.

How to Skim (Read Fast for the Main Idea)

When you skim, you don't read every word. You are like a detective looking for clues! Follow these steps:

  1. Read the Title first. It tells you the topic.
  2. Read the First Sentence. This is often the main idea (the topic sentence).
  3. Read the Last Sentence. This often summarizes the main idea.
  4. Look for Keywords. Are any important words repeated?
  5. DON'T STOP! Do not stop for words you don't know. Just keep going.

Reading Practice: Example

Let's practice skimming the paragraph below. We will only read the highlighted parts.

A Busy Day at the Market

Phsar Thom Thmey (Central Market) in Phnom Penh is a very busy place. From early morning, shoppers arrive to buy fresh fruit, fish, and vegetables. You can also find many other things, like clothes, souvenirs, and electronics. The market is always loud, with people talking and sellers calling out. Even though it is crowded, visiting the Central Market is a great experience.

Analysis:

  • Title: "A Busy Day at the Market" (Topic is the market)
  • First Sentence: "...Central Market... is a very busy place."
  • Last Sentence: "...visiting the Central Market is a great experience."

Main Idea (Gist): The Central Market is a busy and great place to visit.

Practice What You Learned 🎯

Practice Quiz: Find the Main Idea

Read the two short paragraphs below. Try to skim them quickly (read the first and last sentences). Then, choose the best main idea.

Paragraph 1: "Getting around Phnom Penh can be exciting. Many people ride their own motos, which is fast. Tuk-tuks are also very popular for tourists and locals. In recent years, many people have started using ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp. These apps are easy to use and have a fixed price."

What is the main idea (gist)?

Paragraph 2: "Cambodian food is delicious. Many dishes use fresh herbs and fish. One of the most famous dishes is Fish Amok, a mild curry. Another popular food is Kuy Teav, a noodle soup for breakfast. People love to eat, and food is an important part of any celebration."

What is the main idea (gist)?

Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)

  • Busy | រវល់
    Having a lot of activity or people.
  • Shoppers | អ្នកទិញ
    People who go to a store or market to buy things.
  • Souvenir | វត្ថុអនុស្សាវរីយ៍
    Something you buy to remember a place you visited.
  • Crowded | ណែន
    Full of people.
  • Tuk-tuk | ទុកទុក
    A small, three-wheeled vehicle used as a taxi.
  • Dish | ម្ហូប
    A type of food, like "Fish Amok is a popular dish."
  • Celebration | ការប្រារព្ធពិធី
    A happy event or party, like a wedding or New Year.

Your Reading Mission ⭐

Skim the News!

  1. Find a short news article in English (on VOA, BBC, or any news site).
  2. Practice skimming: Read only the title, the first sentence, and the last sentence.
  3. In your notebook, write one sentence that you think is the main idea (gist) of the article.
  4. Now, read the full article. Was your guess correct?

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