Reading: Understanding Text Structure
B2 Lesson 1: Analyzing Text Organization
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary
Understanding these concepts is key to analyzing texts like an expert.
Matching Pattern to Purpose
At the B2 level, we don't just identify patterns; we ask: Why did the author choose this structure? The genre and purpose of the text are the keys.
Purpose: To inform readers about an event in the order it happened.
KAMPOT – A widespread power outage affected much of Kampot town last night. The electricity first went out at approximately 8:00 PM. Shortly after, many businesses closed early. Finally, power was restored to most areas just after midnight.
Analysis: For a news report, chronological order is the most logical pattern. It allows the reader to easily follow the sequence of events from beginning to end.
Purpose: To persuade the reader by presenting a series of clear arguments.
It is clear that Kampot should invest more in public parks for several important reasons. First and foremost, green spaces provide a healthy place for families to relax. In addition, beautiful parks are more attractive to tourists. Finally, planting more trees helps to improve air quality.
Analysis: For an opinion piece, a listing pattern is very effective. It organizes each reason into a clear, separate point, making the author's argument strong and easy to follow.
Purpose: To help a reader make an informed decision by showing both pros and cons.
The new 'Trekker' backpack is good for long journeys, but it has some downsides. On the one hand, it is extremely durable and has many useful pockets. On the other hand, it is quite heavy even when empty, unlike some other modern backpacks. Furthermore, it is one of the more expensive models.
Analysis: For a review, a compare and contrast structure is ideal. It presents a balanced view, helping the reader weigh the good points against the bad before making a choice.
Practice Your Analysis Skills 🎯
Quiz: Match the Pattern to the Purpose
Read the author's goal and choose the most logical text organization pattern.
1. An author wants to write an article explaining why their favorite restaurant is the best. They plan to discuss the food, the service, and the atmosphere. Which pattern is best?
- A. Chronological Order
- B. Listing / Enumeration
- C. Compare and Contrast
→ Answer: B. The author can present each reason (food, service, atmosphere) as a separate, clear point to build their argument.
2. An author is writing a biography, telling the life story of a famous singer from her birth to her success. Which pattern is best?
- A. Chronological Order
- B. Listing / Enumeration
- C. Compare and Contrast
→ Answer: A. A life story is a series of events that happen over time, so organizing it by time is the most logical choice.
Key Vocabulary Reference
- Genre A style or category of writing (e.g., news article, opinion piece, story, review).
- Text Organization Pattern The structure an author uses to organize their ideas.
- Authorial Choice A writer's deliberate decision on which structure, words, or tone to use.
- Chronological Order Arranging events in the order they happened in time.
- Listing / Enumeration Presenting information as a list of points, facts, or reasons.
- Compare and Contrast To show how two or more things are similar (compare) and different (contrast).
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Analyze the Author's Choice!
Find one of the following English texts online: a movie review, a historical account of an event, or an opinion article.
- Identify the text's genre (review, history, opinion).
- Identify the main organizational pattern the author used.
- In one sentence, explain why that pattern was a good choice for the author's purpose.