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B1 Level B1 · TCF Canada Reading: A1 to C2

B1 · Short articles: main idea and reformulation

Read short articles and letters, find the main idea and recognise it when the answer uses other words.

14 min · 10 activities

In this lesson you will

  • Find the main idea of a short article
  • Recognise synonyms and reformulations
  • Avoid the “same word” trap
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Lesson summary

The key points to remember, for revision.

  • 1The right option reformulates; an option that copies the text is often a trap.
  • 2Main idea: title + first paragraph + conclusion.
  • 3“En revanche” announces a contrast: read what follows carefully.
  • 4Common reformulations: en hausse = augmente; annulé = n’aura pas lieu; gratuit = sans payer.

Key vocabulary

le bénévolevolunteer
emprunterto borrow
désormaisfrom now on
l’absentéismeabsenteeism
déménagerto move (place)