When two passages overlap, state the shared meaning once in your own words and keep any real difference. The aim is a point that both sources would accept.
This lesson is part of Chinese argument and synthesis. It uses the evidence habit from separating evidence from repeated assertion.
What is the mark, match, merge routine?
- Mark the main point and the reason in each passage.
- Match the points: which are the same in meaning, and which differ?
- Merge the shared meaning into one sentence, then add the difference in a short clause.
Worked example: a library’s opening hours
Invented passage A: “社区图书馆把关门时间从晚上八点推迟到十点以后，放学后来温习的中学生多了，图书馆因此显得更热闹。”
Invented passage B: “有居民认为，图书馆延长开放对准备考试的学生特别有帮助，但也有馆员担心晚上的安全问题。”
Mark. A: closes later, more students come. B: longer hours help exam students, but some worry about safety.
Match. Shared meaning: extended hours help students who need a place to study. Difference: only B mentions a safety worry.
Merge: 两则材料都说明，延长图书馆的开放时间能让需要温习的学生更方便使用；不过乙文还指出，晚上开放也带来安全方面的担忧。
The sentence states the shared meaning once, in new wording (更方便使用, not a copy of either source). It also keeps the real difference with 不过乙文还指出. Nothing from outside the two passages is added.
The mistake that costs marks
The slips are repetition, loss of difference and invention.
| Answer | Problem |
|---|---|
| 甲文说延长开放有帮助，乙文也说延长开放有帮助。 | Repeats the same point twice. |
| 两则材料都认为延长开放没有任何问题。 | Loses the safety worry in B, so it changes the meaning. |
| 两则材料都说明延长开放能帮助学生，而且能提高成绩。 | Adds 提高成绩, which neither source says. |
| 两则材料都说明延长开放对学生有帮助；乙文还提到安全担忧。 | Shared point once, difference kept. |
Check yourself
Invented passage A: “学校食堂把午餐价格从RM3调到RM3.50，有同学觉得太贵。” Invented passage B: “食堂负责人说，因为米和油涨价，所以价格必须调整。” Write a one-sentence combined point in Chinese.
Answer
Model: 两则材料都谈到食堂午餐涨价：甲文说明同学觉得价格偏贵，乙文则指出涨价的原因是米和油的价格上涨。
Here the passages do not overlap on the same point, but they are two views of the same event, so a good merge names the event once and states each view. The price change, RM3 to RM3.50, is an increase of RM0.50, but the merge does not need it unless the question asks.
Do not add a judgement such as 这样的涨价很合理, which neither passage states.
What to study next
When the sources disagree with your own position, you need to answer them, so continue with addressing a counterargument without abandoning the main position. Plan combined points with the Chinese composition structure planner.
For a teacher to compare your summaries with the sources, see online one-to-one Chinese tuition.