C1 Discourse: Analyzing Complex Discourse Structures
Welcome to C1! In this lesson, we will move beyond recognizing simple cues to analyzing the entire discourse structure1 of a conversation. This means understanding the 'architecture' of speech—how a speaker builds their points to lead a listener to a conclusion.
1. The Structure of Formal Discourse (e.g., a Presentation)
Formal discourse is usually highly structured. A common pattern is: Thesis ➔ Point 1 + Evidence ➔ Point 2 + Evidence ➔ Conclusion. Listen to this mini-lecture on tourism and identify this structure.
"Good morning. Today, I'd like to argue that the rise of the 'digital nomad' presents a paradoxical2 challenge for tourist destinations like Siem Reap. My central thesis is that it brings both significant economic benefits and considerable social strain.
On one hand, the economic advantages are clear... For instance, they provide a stable, year-round income for cafes...
On the other hand, we must consider the social impact... this can inadvertently drive up the cost of living...
In conclusion, while we should welcome the economic opportunities, we must simultaneously implement4 policies to protect local affordability."
Can you identify the parts of the argument?
- What is the speaker's central thesis (main argument)?
- What is their first point (the benefit)?
- What is their second point (the challenge)?
- What is their final conclusion?
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Answers: 1. It brings both benefits and strain. 2. They bring economic benefits by staying longer. 3. They can drive up the cost of living. 4. We need policies to find a balance.
2. The Structure of Informal Discourse (e.g., an Anecdote)
Informal discourse is less structured but still has a logical flow. A personal story, or anecdote3, often follows this pattern: Background ➔ Problem ➔ Main Event ➔ Resolution.
"So, you won't believe what happened to me yesterday. (Background) I was supposed to meet my friend for coffee at 2 PM, right? (Problem) So, I get in a tuk-tuk, but the traffic was just unbelievable... Next thing I know, we're completely stuck. (Main Event) At that point, I figured I had to do something, so I just got out and ran the last kilometer. (Resolution) In the end, I was a sweaty mess, but I actually made it with only a minute to spare!"
Final Quiz: Analyze the Structure
Listen to this short, informal opinion. What is the speaker's discourse structure?
Monologue: "You know, I've been thinking about social media a lot lately. At first, I thought it was amazing for keeping in touch with friends abroad. But then, I realized I was spending hours just scrolling and comparing my life to others, which made me feel pretty bad. So, in the end, I decided to delete the apps from my phone, and honestly, I've never been happier."
Which structure best describes the speaker's story?
- (a) Problem ➔ Solution ➔ Background
- (b) Initial Belief ➔ Contrasting Realization ➔ Final Action/Conclusion
- (c) Main Point ➔ Supporting Detail ➔ Example
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Answer: (b). The speaker structures their story chronologically based on their changing feelings: how they felt at first, what they realized later, and what they finally did.
Homework Task
1. Deconstruct a Presentation: Watch a well-structured presentation (like a TED Talk). As you listen, create an outline of the speaker's argument. Identify their main thesis, their key supporting points, and their conclusion.
2. Structure Your Own Story: Think of a recent interesting or funny thing that happened to you. Plan how you would tell the story to a friend. What is the background? The problem/main event? The resolution? Practice telling it with that clear structure.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Discourse Structure (noun) - Khmer: រចនាសម្ព័ន្ធនៃវាកស័ព្ទ - The overall organizational pattern of a spoken or written text, showing how ideas connect logically. ↩
- Paradoxical (adjective) - Khmer: ដែលផ្ទុយគ្នា - Seemingly absurd or self-contradictory, but in fact, true. ↩
- Anecdote (noun) - Khmer: អក្ខរាវិរុទ្ធ - A short, amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person. ↩
- To Implement (verb) - Khmer: ដើម្បីអនុវត្ត - To put a decision, plan, or agreement into effect. ↩