When reading long English passages, carefully reading every sentence will leave you short on time. Therefore, it’s crucial to differentiate your reading approach: “Read important parts carefully (close reading)” and “skim supplementary parts quickly (speed reading).” Here are the Identify key points at three levels
(within a single sentence, within a single paragraph, across multiple paragraphs)
① Within a single sentence
Key Points
- The core structure of English sentences is “subject + verb (main clause).” This often contains the author’s main argument or conclusion, so read it carefully.
- Sections beginning with “because,” “when,” “which,” or “that” frequently provide reasons or explanations and can often be skimmed.
- Words like “however,” “therefore,” and “in fact” signal important shifts or emphasis, so read these carefully.
Tips
Since English places additional information at the end, reading from the beginning makes it easier to understand and saves time.
Example Sentences
The experiment was successful because the conditions were ideal.
Reading Strategy
- “The experiment was successful” is the main clause ➡ Read carefully.
- “Because…” is the reason ➡ Can be skimmed.
② Within a single paragraph
Key Points
- The first or last sentence of a paragraph is often the topic sentence, so read it carefully.
- Pay attention after transition words like “for example,” “however,” or “in conclusion,” as important information is likely to follow.
- Specific examples or numbers within a paragraph can be skimmed if they are not relevant to the question.
Tips
Keeping patterns like “claim ➡ evidence,” “abstract ➡ concrete,” and “comparison” in mind makes it easier to distinguish your reading approach.
Example paragraph
Many researchers argue that sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation. In particular, deep sleep stages are believed to help the brain organize and store newly acquired information. For example, a study conducted at Harvard University found that students who took a nap after learning new material performed significantly better on memory tests than those who stayed awake. Additionally, sleep deprivation has been linked to reduced cognitive performance and increased stress levels. Therefore, getting enough sleep is not only beneficial for physical health but also essential for academic success.
Key Reading Points
Sentences requiring close reading:
- The opening sentence of the paragraph: “Many researchers argue…” (claim sentence/topic sentence)
- The closing sentence of the paragraph: “Therefore, getting enough sleep…” (conclusion sentence)
Sentences suitable for skimming:
- Examples following “For example” (research content)
- Additional information following “Additionally” (effects of sleep deprivation)
Thus, carefully read the thesis and conclusion. For examples and supplementary information unrelated to the questions, skimming is acceptable.
③ Across multiple paragraphs
Key Points
- Be mindful of the overall flow of the text (introduction ➡ main body ➡ conclusion).
- The introduction often presents the issue, and the conclusion often provides a summary or lesson, so read these sections carefully.
- Middle paragraphs often contain examples and explanations; if they are not directly related to the question, skim them.
Tips
Transitional words connecting paragraphs (such as However, On the other hand, In contrast, etc.) can signal a shift in the flow of the discussion. These are key points for careful reading.
Example multiple paragraphs
Paragraph 1: In recent years, the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has grown rapidly due to concerns about climate change and fossil fuel dependency. Governments around the world have introduced incentives to encourage consumers to switch from gasoline-powered cars to EVs.
Paragraph 2: However, despite these efforts, many consumers remain hesitant. One major concern is the limited availability of charging stations, especially in rural areas. In addition, the initial cost of EVs is still higher than that of traditional vehicles, making them less accessible to low-income families.
Paragraph 3: On the other hand, technological advancements are gradually addressing these issues. Battery efficiency has improved, and fast-charging infrastructure is expanding in many countries. As a result, experts predict that EVs will become more affordable and convenient in the near future.
Key Reading Points
Sections requiring close reading:
- Beginning of Paragraph 1: “Reasons for the rising popularity of EVs” ➡ Introduction
- Conclusion of Paragraph 3: “Future prospects for EVs” ➡ Conclusion
- Transition words “However” and “On the other hand” ➡ Points of logical shift
- Sections for Skimming:
- Paragraph 2: Specific concerns (charging stations, cost)
- Paragraph 3: Technical details (battery efficiency, infrastructure)
By being mindful of the overall structure (Introduction ➡ Issues ➡ Solutions ➡ Conclusion) and carefully reading the main arguments and conclusions while skimming the detailed explanations, you can efficiently comprehend the text.
Summary: Switching Between Speed Reading and Close Reading
| Level | Cose-reading section | Speed-reading section |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence | S+V(main clause）/Contrastive/Emphatic Words | Reason/Example Section(because, which, etc.） |
| Paragraph | First and last sentences/After conjunctions | Specific examples, figures, proper nouns, etc. |
| Whole Passage | Introduction・Conclusion/The Turning Point of Reasoning | Detailed explanation of the middle paragraph, etc. |