Reading: Skimming & Scanning
B2 Lesson 1: Grasping Main Arguments
Reading Like a Strategist 🗺️
When faced with a long article, a skilled reader doesn't start at the first word and read until the end. Instead, they read strategically to quickly understand the author's main argument. This lesson teaches you how to create a "skeleton outline" of a text in just a few minutes.
Key Vocabulary
The B2 Skimming Strategy
Follow these three steps to build a "skeleton outline" of any article:
- Read the Title & Introduction: Read the entire introductory paragraph. The author's main argument, or thesis statement, is usually the last sentence here.
- 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 restate their thesis and summarize their main points here.
Practice Text: Let's Find the Argument
Apply the strategy to the article below. Read only the parts with a darker text color 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 tourism 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 preservation. 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 parts, we understand the entire argument:
- Thesis Statement: Kampot needs a sustainable tourism model that balances protection and economic benefits.
- Point 1: Tourism brings economic benefits.
- Point 2: Tourism also brings environmental and cultural risks.
- Conclusion: A balance is necessary for Kampot to succeed.
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Grasp the Argument
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. A and B are supporting ideas, not the main thesis.
Key Vocabulary Reference
- Argument / Thesis The main claim or central point that an author is trying to prove in an essay or article.
- Thesis Statement The specific sentence (often in the introduction) that clearly states the author's main argument.
- Sustainable Tourism Tourism that can continue long-term without damaging local culture or the environment.
- Preservation The act of protecting something important, like heritage or nature, from being damaged.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Analyze a Real Article!
Find an opinion or editorial article in English from a news source (e.g., BBC News, The Guardian, New York Times).
- Apply the B2 Skimming Strategy: Read the title, 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 thesis statement.
- List the main point of at least two of the body paragraphs.