Reading: Understanding Text Structure, Cohesion & Coherence (Advanced)
B2 Lesson 1: Analyzing Text Organization in Various Genres
Thinking Like a Writer
We know that texts can be organized in different patterns, like chronological order or compare/contrast. At the B2 level, we go one step deeper and ask: Why did the author choose this structure?
Understanding this authorial choice3 helps you analyze a text more critically. Today, we will analyze how the genre1 (text type) influences the text organization pattern2.
Matching Pattern to Purpose
1. News Article → Chronological Order
Purpose: To inform readers about an event in the order it happened.
Example:
KAMPOT – A widespread power outage affected much of Kampot town last night, June 11, 2025. The electricity first went out at approximately 8:00 PM during a heavy thunderstorm. Shortly after, many businesses closed early. EDC crews began working on the issue around 9:30 PM. Finally, power was restored to most areas just after midnight.
Analysis: For a news report about an event, chronological order4 is the most logical pattern. It allows the reader to easily follow the sequence of what happened from beginning to end, using time-based signal words.
2. Opinion Piece → Listing / Enumeration
Purpose: To persuade the reader by presenting a series of clear arguments.
Example:
It is clear that Kampot should invest more in public parks for several important reasons. First and foremost, green spaces provide a free and healthy place for families to relax and play. In addition, a town with beautiful parks is more attractive to tourists, which benefits the local economy. Finally, planting more trees helps to improve air quality and reduce the urban heat effect.
Analysis: For an opinion piece, a listing5 pattern is very effective. It organizes each reason into a clear, separate point, making the author's argument strong and easy to follow.
3. Product Review → Compare and Contrast
Purpose: To help a reader make an informed decision by showing the pros and cons.
Example:
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. It can also hold a large volume. 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 on the market.
Analysis: For a review, a compare and contrast6 structure (in this case, contrasting pros and cons) is ideal. It presents a balanced view, helping the reader to weigh the good points against the bad points before making a choice.
Your Turn! Match the Pattern to the Purpose.
Practice Quiz
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 in Kampot 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. Listing / Enumeration. 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 Cambodian singer from her birth in the 1950s to her success in the 1960s and her life after. Which pattern is best?
- A. Chronological Order
- B. Listing / Enumeration
- C. Compare and Contrast
Answer: A. Chronological Order. A life story is a series of events that happen over time, so organizing it by time is the most logical choice.
Vocabulary Glossary
-
Genre (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ប្រភេទ
A style or category of writing (e.g., news article, opinion piece, story, review). ↩ back to text -
Text Organization Pattern (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ទម្រង់រៀបចំអត្ថបទ
The structure an author uses to organize their ideas. ↩ back to text -
Authorial Choice (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការជ្រើសរើសរបស់អ្នកនិពន្ធ
A writer's deliberate decision about which structure, words, or tone to use to achieve their purpose. ↩ back to text -
Chronological Order (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: លំដាប់តាមកាលប្បវត្តិ
Arranging events in the order they happened in time. ↩ back to text -
Listing / Enumeration (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការរាយបញ្ជី
Presenting information as a list of points, facts, or reasons. ↩ back to text -
Compare and Contrast (verb)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការប្រៀបធៀបនិងភាពផ្ទុយគ្នា
To show how two or more things are similar (compare) and different (contrast). ↩ back to text
Homework Task
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 giving reasons for something.
- Identify the text's genre (review, history, opinion).
- Identify the main organizational pattern the author used (Compare/Contrast, Chronological, Listing).
- In one sentence, explain why that pattern was a good choice for the author's purpose.