Reading: Skimming & Scanning (Efficiently)
B2 Lesson 1: Quickly Grasping Main Arguments of Complex Texts
Reading Like a Strategist
When faced with a long article or essay, a skilled reader doesn't start at the first word and read every word until the end. That takes too much time. Instead, they read strategically to quickly understand the author's main argument1.
Today, we will learn a B2-level skimming strategy to create a "skeleton outline" of a text. This allows you to understand the writer's main point and overall structure in just a few minutes.
The B2 Skimming Strategy for Arguments
- Read the Title & Introduction: Read the entire introductory paragraph. The author's main argument, or thesis statement2, is usually the last sentence of this paragraph.
- Read the Topic Sentences: Read only the first sentence of each body paragraph. This tells you the main point of each section.
- Read the Conclusion: Read the entire concluding paragraph. The author will usually restate their thesis and summarize their main points here.
Practice Text: Let's Find the Argument
Apply the strategy to the article below. First, just read the parts in bold to create your "skeleton outline."
Balancing Growth and Preservation: The Future of Tourism in Kampot
Kampot has long been celebrated for its tranquil riverside setting, charming colonial architecture, and relaxed pace of life. In recent years, its popularity has grown significantly, attracting more tourists and investment than ever before. While this growth brings opportunities, it also presents challenges. Therefore, for Kampot to have a prosperous future, it must adopt a sustainable tourism3 model that protects its natural environment and cultural heritage while providing economic benefits.
Undoubtedly, the increase in tourism brings significant economic advantages to the local community. New guesthouses, restaurants, and tour companies create jobs for local residents. The demand for local products, from the world-renowned pepper to handmade souvenirs, also increases, supporting farmers and artisans. This economic injection helps to improve infrastructure and raise the standard of living for many families in the province.
However, this rapid development also presents considerable environmental and cultural risks. Unplanned construction can damage the natural landscape and put a strain on resources like water and electricity. An increase in waste requires better management systems to avoid polluting the river and countryside. Furthermore, without careful planning, the unique, quiet character of Kampot that attracted visitors in the first place could be lost.
In conclusion, the path forward for Kampot is not a simple choice between economic growth and preservation4. Rather, it requires a thoughtful balance. By implementing smart regulations, promoting eco-tourism, and ensuring the local community benefits directly, Kampot can continue to thrive as a beloved destination without sacrificing the soul that makes it so special.
Guided Analysis
By reading only the key structural parts, what do we understand?
- Thesis Statement (from Intro): The main argument is that Kampot needs a sustainable tourism model that balances protection and benefits.
- Topic Sentence of Body #1: The first point will be about the economic benefits of tourism.
- Topic Sentence of Body #2: The next point will be about the environmental and cultural risks.
- Conclusion: The author confirms their argument, stating that a balance between growth and preservation is necessary.
We now understand the entire argument without having read every sentence!
Your Turn! Grasp the Argument.
Practice Quiz
Use the B2 skimming strategy on the article above to answer this question.
Which sentence best summarizes the author's main argument (thesis)?
- A. Tourism in Kampot creates many jobs and supports local farmers and artisans.
- B. Unplanned construction and waste management are serious risks for Kampot's future.
- C. Kampot must balance economic growth with environmental and cultural protection to ensure a successful future.
Answer: C. This sentence captures the entire argument, including both the positive and negative points that need to be balanced. Sentences A and B are supporting ideas, not the main thesis.
Vocabulary Glossary
-
Argument / Thesis (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: សារណា
The main claim or central point that an author is trying to prove in an essay or article. ↩ back to text -
Thesis Statement (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ប្រយោគសារណា
The specific sentence (often in the introduction) that clearly states the author's main argument. ↩ back to text -
Sustainable Tourism (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ទេសចរណ៍ប្រកបដោយនិរន្តរភាព
Tourism that can continue for a long time without damaging the local culture, economy, or environment. ↩ back to text -
Preservation (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការអភិរក្ស
The act of protecting something important, like heritage or nature, from being damaged or destroyed. ↩ back to text
Homework Task
Analyze a Real Article!
Find an opinion or editorial article in English from a reputable news source (e.g., BBC News, The Guardian, New York Times).
- Apply the B2 Skimming Strategy: Read the title, the full introduction, the first sentence of each body paragraph, and the full conclusion.
- In your notebook, write down what you believe is the author's main argument or thesis statement.
- List the main point of at least two of the body paragraphs.