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

Reading: Understanding Text Structure, Cohesion & Coherence

B1 Lesson 1: Identifying Main Idea & Topic Sentences in Paragraphs

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The Architecture of a Paragraph

A well-written paragraph is like a team with a leader. The "leader" is the single Main Idea² of the paragraph. The specific sentence that states this main idea is called the Topic Sentence¹.

All the other sentences are Supporting Sentences³—their job is to support the leader. Today, we will learn how to identify the topic sentence to understand the paragraph structure⁴.

How to Find the Topic Sentence

1. Look for the most general sentence. The topic sentence makes a general point, while supporting sentences give specific details, facts, and examples.
2. Check if the other sentences support it. Do the other sentences explain or prove the general sentence? If yes, you have found the topic sentence!
3. Tip: In many English paragraphs, the topic sentence is the first sentence.

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Practice with a Factual Text

Let's analyze this paragraph about the river in Kampot.

The Praek Tuek Chhu river is vital to the daily life of Kampot town. Many local people work as fishermen, catching fish to sell at the market. The river is also used for agriculture, providing essential water for the fruit farms and rice paddies along its banks. Furthermore, it is a source of recreation, as residents and tourists enjoy swimming and taking boat trips at sunset.

Let's analyze the structure:

• Topic Sentence: The first sentence, "The Praek Tuek Chhu river is vital to the daily life of Kampot town," is the main idea. It's a big, general statement.
• Supporting Sentences: All the other sentences give specific examples of *why* the river is vital:
  • Example 1: It provides fish for work.
  • Example 2: It provides water for farms.
  • Example 3: It provides recreation like swimming and boat trips.

Your Turn to Analyze a Paragraph!

Practice Quiz

Read this paragraph and then answer the question below.

"Learning English offers several significant advantages for young Cambodians. The most obvious benefit is the opportunity for better jobs, especially in the growing tourism sector in places like Kampot. Additionally, it allows for greater access to information online, as much of the internet is in English. Finally, knowing the language enables deeper cultural exchange with visitors from around the world."

Which sentence best states the Main Idea of the paragraph?

• A. It allows for greater access to information online.
• B. The tourism sector in Kampot is growing.
• C. Learning English offers several significant advantages for young Cambodians.

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Answer: C. This is the topic sentence. It makes a general statement, and the rest of the paragraph gives specific examples of the advantages (jobs, information, cultural exchange).

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Topic Sentence (noun)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ប្រយោគប្រធានបទ
   The sentence in a paragraph that states the main idea. It is often the first sentence. ↩ back to text
2. Main Idea (noun)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: គំនិតចម្បង
   The author's central point or most important message in a paragraph. ↩ back to text
3. Supporting Sentence (noun)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ប្រយោគគាំទ្រ
   A sentence that gives facts, examples, or details to explain or prove the topic sentence. ↩ back to text
4. Paragraph Structure (noun)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: រចនាសម្ព័ន្ធកថាខណ្ឌ
   The way a paragraph is organized, usually with one topic sentence and several supporting sentences. ↩ back to text

Homework Task

Become a Structure Detective!

Find a short factual paragraph (3-5 sentences) in an English textbook or from a simple news website.

1. Copy the paragraph into your notebook.
2. Underline the one sentence that you believe is the Topic Sentence.
3. Circle two specific Supporting Sentences that give examples or facts about the topic sentence.

Be ready to explain why you chose that topic sentence.