Reading: Understanding Text Structure, Cohesion & Coherence (Basic)
A2 Lesson 1: Identifying the Topic of a Simple Paragraph
How Paragraphs Work
We know how to read sentences. Now, let's learn how sentences work together in a paragraph3. The way a text is built is called its Text Structure1.
The most important rule is that a good paragraph is about only one main topic2. Today, we will practice finding that topic by looking for clues.
How to Find the Topic of a Paragraph
- Read the whole paragraph one time to get a general sense of it.
- Look for Keywords4. These are important words that are repeated or are clearly the main subject.
- Ask yourself: "What is the one person, place, or idea that *all* the sentences are about?"
Practice Example 1
Let's find the topic of this paragraph. Look for keywords.
My cat is named Maly. Maly is a very lazy cat. She sleeps all day on a soft chair. My cat only wakes up to eat her food. She is a very funny cat.
Analysis: The words "cat" and "Maly" are repeated many times. Every sentence gives information about the cat. Therefore...
The Topic is: My cat.
Practice Example 2
Let's find the topic in this description of a place.
The market in Kampot is a very busy place. Inside the market, you can buy many things like fresh fruit, vegetables, and clothes. Many people visit the market every day to shop and eat. It is an interesting place to see.
Analysis: The keyword "market" is in almost every sentence. All the details are about what you can do and see at the market. Therefore...
The Topic is: The market in Kampot.
Your Turn to Find the Topic!
Practice Quiz
Read the paragraph and choose the best topic.
"My school is very big. It has twenty classrooms and a large library. There is also a football field where students play after class. I like my school because there are many good teachers."
What is the topic of this paragraph?
- A. The library
- B. Playing football
- C. My school
Answer: C. My school. The library and playing football are just small details about the school. The whole paragraph is about the school.
Vocabulary Glossary
-
Text Structure (*noun*)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: រចនាសម្ព័ន្ធអត្ថបទ (Ro-chah-na sampoan at-tha-bot)
The way a text is organized or built. ↩ back to text -
Topic (*noun*)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ប្រធានបទ (Protheanbot)
The one person, place, thing, or idea that a whole paragraph is about. ↩ back to text -
Paragraph (*noun*)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: កថាខណ្ឌ (Ka-thaa khan)
A group of sentences about one main topic. ↩ back to text -
Keywords (*noun*)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ពាក្យគន្លឹះ (Peak kunleuh)
Important words that are often repeated and give you clues about the topic. ↩ back to text
Homework Task
Topic and Details
Read the paragraph from the Practice Quiz again:
"My school is very big. It has twenty classrooms and a large library. There is also a football field where students play after class. I like my school because there are many good teachers."
- The Topic is: My school.
- Your task: Write down two sentences from the paragraph that are details about the school.
This shows you understand the difference between the main topic and the supporting details.