Reading: Understanding Text Structure, Cohesion & Coherence: B1 Lesson 1: Identifying Main Idea & Topic Sentences in Paragraphs

Text Structure

B1 Lesson 1: Main Idea & Topic Sentences

Goal: Find the "Boss Sentence" (Topic Sentence) that tells you what the whole paragraph is about.

1. Key Vocabulary

Main Idea គំនិតសំខាន់ (The Big Picture)

Topic Sentence ប្រយោគគោល (Usually first)

Supporting Detail សេចក្តីលម្អិតគាំទ្រ (Examples/Facts)

2. The Table Analogy [Image of table structure diagram]

A paragraph is like a table. The Topic Sentence is the top. The Details are the legs that hold it up.

TOPIC SENTENCE
"The Krama is a very useful scarf."

Used for sun

Used for carrying

Used for fashion

3. Find the Boss Sentence

Usually, the first sentence tells you the main idea. Read this text about the Krama.

The Cambodian Krama is more than just a scarf; it is a symbol of Khmer culture. Farmers use it to protect themselves from the hot sun while working in the rice fields. Mothers use it as a hammock for their babies. It can even be used to carry food from the market.

Analysis:
The Blue Sentence is the Topic Sentence. It introduces the main idea (Krama = Symbol). The other sentences are just examples (legs).

4. Quick Check

"(1) Mangoes are the most delicious fruit in Cambodia. (2) They are sweet and juicy when yellow. (3) You can also eat them green with salt and chili."

Which is the Topic Sentence? Sentence (1) Sentence (2) Sentence (3)

True or False: The Topic Sentence is usually the LAST sentence. True False (It's usually first!)