Reading: Understanding Text Structure
B1 Lesson 2: Recognizing Common Text Organization Patterns
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary
These terms will help you understand how authors structure their ideas.
Three Common Organization Patterns
Writers use common patterns and "signal words" to make their ideas clear. Learning to spot these patterns will make you a much more effective reader.
What it is: Events are presented in the order they happened in time (from beginning to end).
Signal Words: First, Next, Then, After that, Finally, dates, times.
Yesterday, we visited a pepper farm near Kampot. First, our guide showed us how the pepper plants grow. Next, we saw the workers harvesting the peppercorns. After that, we learned how they dry and sort them. Finally, we got to taste the different kinds of pepper.
What it is: The writer presents a list of reasons, examples, or facts about a topic. The order is not always important.
Signal Words: First of all, In addition, Furthermore, Also, Another reason...
Kampot is a great province for a holiday for several reasons. First of all, the town itself is beautiful and relaxed. In addition, there is a lot of delicious food, especially the fresh seafood. Furthermore, there are many interesting activities, like visiting Bokor National Park.
What it is: The writer explains how two things are similar (compare) and different (contrast).
Signal Words: Compare: both, similarly, also. Contrast: but, however, unlike, while.
Durian and mangoes are both popular fruits in Cambodia. However, they are very different. Durian has a thick, spiky skin, while a mango has a smooth, thin skin. Unlike the sweet smell of a mango, a durian has a very strong and unique aroma.
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Identify the Pattern
1. Read the paragraph. What pattern does it use?
"To cook the perfect jasmine rice, you must follow these steps. First, wash the rice with clean water. Second, put one cup of rice and two cups of water into the rice cooker. Next, close the lid and press the 'cook' button. Finally, wait until the cooker switches to 'warm'."
- A. Listing
- B. Compare and Contrast
- C. Chronological Order
→ Answer: C. Chronological Order. The signal words (First, Second, Next, Finally) show that the events must happen in a specific time order.
2. Read the paragraph. What pattern does it use?
"Both bicycles and motos are popular forms of transport in Cambodian towns. A moto, however, is much faster than a bicycle. Unlike a bicycle, a moto requires gasoline to run. A bicycle is much cheaper and provides good exercise, while a moto can be expensive to maintain."
- A. Listing
- B. Compare and Contrast
- C. Chronological Order
→ Answer: B. Compare and Contrast. The text discusses the similarities (both popular) and differences (speed, cost, fuel) between two things.
Key Vocabulary Reference
- Text Organization Pattern The structure an author uses to organize their ideas.
- Chronological Order Arranging events in the order that they happened in time (first to last).
- Listing Presenting information as a list of points, facts, or reasons.
- Compare and Contrast To show how two things are similar (compare) and how they are different (contrast).
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Be a Pattern Detective!
Look for short English paragraphs online or in a book.
- Find one paragraph that uses the Listing pattern to give reasons or examples.
- Find one paragraph that uses the Compare and Contrast pattern to show how two things are similar and different.
Copy the paragraphs into your notebook and circle the "signal words" that helped you identify the pattern.