Combine main ideas from two texts
key notes :
Even when two texts are about the same topic, they often include different information. So, when you are trying to learn about a topic, you may want to read more than one text about it. Then you can combine the different pieces of information given in the texts.
First, find the main idea of each text. Then, think about how the two main ideas fit together. This will give you a more complete understanding of the topic.
Learn with an example
Read the two texts.
texts 1
| Reggae is a style of music that was influenced by several other types of music, including jazz. Reggae is known for its offbeat rhythms and unusual phrasing. A very important element in reggae is its use of ‘call and response’. These are musical phrases in which it sounds like one instrument is calling to another instrument. Then the second instrument responds back. |
texts 2
| Two of reggae’s most popular stars are Bob Marley and Toots Hibbert. They were both born in Jamaica in the 1940s. Hibbert founded the band Toots and the Maytals, which became one of the most popular musical acts in Jamaica. In the 1960s, Bob Marley’s band, The Wailers, had their first big hit. Marley became a star performer and helped make reggae popular around the world. |
Which sentence best combines the main, or central, ideas of both texts?
- While reggae music began in Jamaica, it is now more popular in other countries.
- Reggae, a type of music known for its ‘call and response’, was made popular by Bob Marley and Toots Hibbert.
This is the main, or central, idea of Text 1:
Reggae, a style of music that uses offbeat rhythms and unusual phrasing, is known for its ‘call and response’ style.
This is the main, or central, idea of Text 2:
Bob Marley and Toots Hibbert helped make reggae music popular in Jamaica and around the world.
So, this is the sentence that best combines the main ideas of both texts:
Reggae, a type of music known for its ‘call and response’, was made popular by Bob Marley and Toots Hibbert.
Read the two texts.
texts 1
| In the 2016 Rio Olympics, swimmer Simone Manuel made history. Manuel became the first African American woman to win a gold medal in an Olympic individual swimming event. In the 100-metre freestyle, Manuel tied for gold with Canadian swimmer Penny Oleksiak. They also broke an Olympic record in this event. |
texts 2
| Growing up, Simone Manuel was tall and strong. Because of stereotypes about African American athletes, Manuel felt pressure to run track or play basketball. But swimming was where her heart was. Manuel felt like she was always defending her choice to swim, and there were times when she doubted herself. But her family always supported her, and she continued to swim. |
Which sentence best combines the main, or central, ideas of both texts?
- Simone Manuel made history as an Olympic swimmer even though she had felt pressured to choose a different sport growing up.
- Tying with Penny Oleksiak disappointed Simone Manuel, but she was still proud to take home a gold medal.
This is the main, or central, idea of Text 1:
Simone Manuel made history as the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in an individual swimming event.
This is the main, or central, idea of Text 2:
Simone Manuel wanted to be a swimmer even though other people pressured her to choose a different sport.
So, this is the sentence that best combines the main ideas of both texts:
Simone Manuel made history as an Olympic swimmer even though she had felt pressured to choose a different sport growing up.
let’s practice!
