Reading: Understanding Text Structure, Cohesion & Coherence (Advanced): B2 Lesson 3: Following Shifts in Topic and Focus Within Longer Texts

Reading: Understanding Text Structure, Cohesion & Coherence (Advanced)

B2 Lesson 3: Following Shifts in Topic and Focus Within Longer Texts

---

Navigating a Longer Text

In long articles, an author doesn't talk about just one thing. They explore several aspects of a topic, shifting the focus¹ from one paragraph to the next. A skilled reader knows how to follow these shifts to understand the overall argument.

The author provides "signposts" to guide you. These signposts are Discourse Markers³ that signal a change in direction. Recognizing them is key to maintaining coherence⁴ and understanding the text as a whole.

Part 1: Common Signposts for Topic Shifts

Pay attention to the first words of a new paragraph. They often tell you how the new idea connects to the previous one.

Function of Shift	Example Discourse Markers
To Add a similar point	Furthermore, In addition, Moreover
To show a Contrast	However, On the other hand, Despite this
To show a Result	Therefore, As a result, Consequently
To Conclude	In conclusion, To sum up, Ultimately

---

Practice Tracking Shifts in an Article

Let's read this article and track how the author shifts the focus between paragraphs.

The Smartphone Revolution in Provincial Cambodia

(Paragraph 1 - Introduction) The rapid adoption of affordable smartphones has fundamentally changed daily life in provincial towns like Kampot. This technology has brought unprecedented access to information and commerce. However, this digital revolution is a double-edged sword, presenting both significant benefits and notable challenges to the community.

(Paragraph 2 - Focus on Benefits) The primary benefit of widespread smartphone access has been economic. For example, small guesthouse owners can now list their properties on international booking websites, attracting tourists directly. In addition, mobile banking apps like ABA have transformed local commerce, allowing for quick, cashless payments at nearly every shop and cafe.

(Paragraph 3 - Shift to Challenges) On the other hand, the introduction of this technology has created new social challenges. There is a growing concern about the amount of time, particularly among youth, spent on social media rather than on studies or face-to-face interaction. Furthermore, the rapid spread of information requires a new level of digital literacy to identify misinformation or online scams.

(Paragraph 4 - Shift to Conclusion) In conclusion, while the smartphone has delivered powerful tools for economic growth and connectivity, its challenges cannot be ignored. The path forward for communities like Kampot involves education and developing strategies to maximize the positive impacts of technology while mitigating its potential downsides.

---

Guided Analysis

Let's map the author's argument:

• Paragraph 1: Introduces the main topic - that smartphones have brought both benefits and challenges.
• Paragraph 2: Focuses only on the benefits (economic, banking).
• Shift to Para 3: The author uses the signpost "On the other hand," to signal a shift in focus from benefits to the opposite idea: challenges.
• Shift to Para 4: The author uses the signpost "In conclusion," to signal a shift from discussing specific points to summarizing the entire argument.

Your Turn! Identify the Shift.

Practice Quiz

Read the connected sentences and identify the function of the discourse marker.

"The new road makes travel between Kampot and Kep much faster. Consequently, more tourists are visiting both towns in a single day trip."

What is the function of the discourse marker "Consequently"?

• A. To contrast two different ideas.
• B. To add another similar point.
• C. To show a result or effect.

---

Answer: C. More tourists visiting is a result of the new, faster road. "Consequently" signals this cause-and-effect relationship.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Topic Shift (noun phrase)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការផ្លាស់ប្តូរប្រធានបទ
   A change from one sub-topic to another within a longer text. ↩ back to text
2. Focus (noun)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការផ្តោតអារម្មណ៍
   The specific part of a topic that a single paragraph or section is discussing. ↩ back to text
3. Discourse Marker (noun)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ពាក្យសញ្ញា
   A word or phrase (e.g., 'However', 'In conclusion') that signals a logical connection or a shift in topic. ↩ back to text
4. Coherence (noun)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: សនិទានភាព
   The quality of a text being logical, consistent, and easy to understand as a unified whole. ↩ back to text

Homework Task

Analyze an Article's Flow!

Find a B1/B2 level opinion or news analysis article in English (at least 4 paragraphs long).

1. Read the article and write down the specific focus of each paragraph.
2. Identify and circle the discourse markers the author uses to move from one paragraph's focus to the next.
3. How do these "signpost" words help you, the reader, follow the author's train of thought? Write a short sentence explaining it.