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

Reading: Text Structure, Cohesion & Coherence

B1 Lesson 1: Identifying Main Idea & Topic Sentences

Listen to the reading passage audio.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify the topic, main idea, and topic sentence in a simple paragraph.

Before You Read 🧠

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

Let's learn these important words for understanding reading structure.

Topic

| ប្រធានបទ

The general subject of the paragraph (1-3 words).

Main Idea

| គំនិតចម្បង

The most important point the author wants to say *about* the topic.

Topic Sentence

| ល្បះប្រធានបទ

The *one sentence* in the paragraph that states the main idea.

Supporting Detail

| ព័ត៌មានលម្អិតគាំទ្រ

Sentences that give examples, reasons, or facts to explain the main idea.

Topic vs. Main Idea: What's the Difference?

Think of it like a movie:

• The Topic is the movie's *title*. (e.g., "Spider-Man")
• The Main Idea is the short *summary* on the back of the box. (e.g., "A student gets special powers and learns how to be a hero.")

The Topic Sentence is the "boss" sentence that tells you the main idea. The other sentences, the Supporting Details, work for the boss. They prove the topic sentence is true.

Example:

Cambodian street food is popular for three main reasons. First, it is very cheap, so everyone can afford it. Second, it is delicious and offers many unique flavors, from sweet to spicy. Finally, it is fast and convenient for people who are busy.

Topic: Cambodian street food
Main Idea: It is popular because it is cheap, delicious, and fast.
Topic Sentence: "Cambodian street food is popular for three main reasons." (The first sentence)

Reading Passage

Listen to the audio, then read the passage below. Try to find the topic sentence.

(1) In Cambodia, the traditional market, or phsar, is much more than just a place to buy food. (2) It is the heart of the community, where people meet every morning to socialize. (3) Neighbors catch up on the latest news while they shop for fresh vegetables and fish. (4) It is also a popular place to eat breakfast, with many stalls selling delicious kuy teav or bobor. (5) For these reasons, the phsar is a vital part of daily Cambodian culture.

Check Your Understanding 🎯

Practice Quiz: Analyze the Passage

Based on the reading passage about the phsar, answer the questions below. Click "Check Answers" when you are done.

1. What is the main TOPIC of the passage?

• A) Buying fresh fish
• B) Traditional Cambodian markets (phsar)
• C) Eating kuy teav for breakfast

2. What is the MAIN IDEA of the passage?

• A) Markets are the best place to buy fresh vegetables.
• B) Markets are important social and cultural centers, not just places for shopping.
• C) You can hear the latest news at the market.

3. Which number is the TOPIC SENTENCE?

• A) Sentence (1)
• B) Sentence (3)
• C) Sentence (5)

4. Which of these is a SUPPORTING DETAIL?

• A) The phsar is a vital part of daily Cambodian culture.
• B) It is also a popular place to eat breakfast.
• C) The market is much more than just a place to buy food.

Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)

• Topic | ប្រធានបទ
  The general subject of a text (e.g., "Markets").
• Main Idea | គំនិតចម្បង
  The most important point the author is making about the topic.
• Topic Sentence | ល្បះប្រធានបទ
  The one sentence that clearly states the main idea.
• Supporting Detail | ព័ត៌មានលម្អិតគាំទ្រ
  Sentences that give examples or reasons to prove the main idea.
• Community | សហគមន៍
  A group of people living in the same place or having a common interest.
• Vital (Adjective) | សំខាន់ណាស់
  Absolutely necessary or extremely important.

Your Reading Mission ⭐

Find the Main Idea

1. Find a short English news article online (e.g., VOA, BBC, Phnom Penh Post).
2. Read the first three paragraphs of the article.
3. For each paragraph, try to write down the Topic (1-3 words) and the Topic Sentence (the full sentence) in your notebook.