Reading: Understanding Text Structure
B2 Lesson 3: Following Topic Shifts in Longer Texts
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary
These terms are essential for analyzing how a text is constructed.
Author's Signposts: Discourse Markers 🚦
Authors use special words and phrases to guide you through their arguments. Recognizing these "signposts" helps you follow the shifts in focus from one paragraph to the next.
Furthermore, In addition, Moreover, Additionally
However, On the other hand, Despite this, Nevertheless
Therefore, As a result, Consequently, Thus
In conclusion, To sum up, Ultimately, In summary
Example Article: Tracking the Shifts
(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.
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Identify the Shift
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.
Key Vocabulary Reference
- Topic Shift A change from one sub-topic to another within a longer text.
- Focus The specific part of a topic that a single paragraph or section is discussing.
- Discourse Marker A word or phrase (e.g., 'However', 'In conclusion') that signals a logical connection or a shift in topic.
- Coherence The quality of a text being logical, consistent, and easy to understand as a unified whole.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Analyze an Article's Flow!
Find a B1/B2 level opinion or news analysis article in English (at least 4 paragraphs long).
- Read the article and write down the specific focus of each paragraph.
- Identify and circle the discourse markers the author uses to move from one paragraph's focus to the next.
- How do these "signpost" words help you follow the author's train of thought?