【English Reading】A Strategy Guide for Long-Form Reading
Hello everyone! In the English section of the Common Test, the part with the highest point allocation—and the one that leaves many students feeling like they’re "running out of time"—is long-form reading comprehension. At first glance, a never-ending mountain of English text can be overwhelming. However, long-form reading isn't just about "reading through" the text; it's about knowing how to "locate information," which turns the process into something as smooth as solving a puzzle!
In these notes, I will clearly explain the "weapons" you need to reach the correct answer without having to know every single difficult word. It might feel tough at first, but don't worry. Let's master it step by step, one piece at a time!
1. Two "Reading Styles" to Master Long Texts
If you try to read a long passage with maximum effort from start to finish, you'll never have enough time. Pro test-takers switch up their reading style depending on the situation.
(1) Scanning — Reading to "Find Something"
This is the technique of quickly searching for specific information (numbers, dates, names, locations, etc.). It’s like looking up a word in a dictionary or checking a train timetable.
Key point: You don't need to translate the whole text. Use your eyes to scan for keywords, such as capitalized proper nouns or numbers.
(2) Skimming — Reading to get the "Big Picture"
This is the technique of quickly grabbing the overall theme or the author's main point. It’s like glancing at the "headlines" in a newspaper.
Key point: Focusing on the first sentence and the last sentence of each paragraph makes it much easier to understand what is being discussed.
【Key Insight】
The Common Test is like a "treasure hunt." Instead of trying to translate every word perfectly, practice finding "where the answer to the question is hidden"!
2. Understanding Paragraph Structure
English writing has very clear "rules." Just by knowing these, your reading speed will improve dramatically.
The Basics of Paragraph Reading
As a general rule, one paragraph contains only one topic (the core message). They are usually structured like this:
1. Topic Sentence: The main point the author wants to convey in that paragraph. It usually appears at the beginning.
2. Supporting Sentences: Specific examples, reasons, or evidence that back up the topic sentence.
3. Concluding Sentence: A summary of the paragraph, sometimes serving as a bridge to the next one.
【Pro Tip】
The common advice that "English puts the conclusion first!" refers to this rule where the topic sentence comes at the start. If you get lost, just re-read the first line of the paragraph!
3. Don't Miss the "Discourse Markers" (Transition Words)!
Think of discourse markers as traffic signals that tell you where the text is heading. By paying attention to these, you can predict what kind of content will come next.
- Contrast (However): However, But, Although
→ This is where the author’s real opinion begins! These are extremely important. - Cause and Effect (Therefore): Therefore, As a result, So
→ These signal that a conclusion or result is being stated. - Examples (For example): For example, For instance, Such as
→ Since these provide specific examples, you can breeze through them if you already understand the preceding sentence. - Addition (Moreover): Moreover, In addition, Also
→ A sign that the text is continuing with similar ideas.
【Point】
Whenever you see a "However," make it a habit to underline the following sentence. There’s a very high chance the test answer is hidden right there!
4. Steps for Solving Questions
Diving straight into reading blindly is a big no-no. Try following these steps instead:
Step 1: Read the Questions First
Before reading the text, look at the questions. Knowing what is being asked allows you to hunt for the answers as you read. However, don't read all the answer choices as this can be confusing; just stick to the questions first.
Step 2: Mark Keywords
Keep the proper nouns or unique phrases from the questions in your mind. When you spot them—or synonyms—in the text, check them off.
Step 3: Jot Down Notes on Each Paragraph
If you have trouble remembering content, leave a quick note in the margin of each paragraph (e.g., "Person A's opinion" or "Smartphone drawbacks"). It makes it much easier to refer back later.
【Common Mistake】
Sometimes students rely on their own "common sense" to pick answers for things not mentioned in the text. The answer is always in the text. Don't look for your own opinion; look for the author's!
5. Watch Out for "Paraphrasing" Unique to the Common Test
In the Common Test, words used in the passage are often replaced by other words with similar meanings in the answer choices.
(Example)
Text: She enjoys playing tennis.
Choices: She is fond of sports.
enjoys is paraphrased as is fond of, and tennis is paraphrased as sports. Once you get good at noticing these, your accuracy will skyrocket!
【Summary: The Reader's Mindset】
1. Don't try to translate every word; hunt for the information you need.
2. Value the first sentence of every paragraph.
3. Use transition words like However as clues.
4. Read the questions first, then start your "treasure hunt"!
The more you practice long-form reading, the more the "tricks" become clear. Even if it takes time at first, engaging with English text every day will train your brain to get used to the pace of the language. Keep working at it, one step at a time!