Writing: Cohesion and Coherence
B2 Lesson 2: Structuring Informative Texts Logically
Model Text: Structuring an Informative Essay ✍️
A good informative text is easy to follow. Let's look at an example about Cambodian cuisine. Notice how the introduction lists the main points, and then each body paragraph discusses one of those points.
The Key Components of Cambodian Cuisine
Introduction
Cambodian cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients and delicate balance of flavors. The unique taste of Khmer cooking is defined by three essential components: the foundational use of prahok, the central role of rice, and the aromatic quality of fresh herbs and spices.
Body Paragraph 1
First, prahok, a type of fermented fish paste, provides a distinctly salty and umami depth that is fundamental to many traditional dishes. It is used as a base for soups and dips, providing a flavor that is uniquely Cambodian.
Body Paragraph 2
In addition to this key ingredient, rice is the undeniable centerpiece of every Khmer meal. It is served steamed with most main dishes, but it is also used to make countless varieties of noodles, porridges, and desserts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is the sophisticated combination of the salty depth from prahok, the staple presence of rice, and the bright notes from fresh herbs that gives Cambodian cuisine its celebrated and delicious character.
Choosing a Logical Structure
Choosing the right structure depends on your topic. Here are two common patterns.
Use this pattern when the topic involves time, history, or a step-by-step process. You organize the information based on when it happened.
Best for topics like:
- The history of a place (e.g., The history of Phnom Penh).
- The life story of a person (a biography).
- Explaining how something is made (e.g., How silk is made).
Use this pattern when you are explaining a large subject by breaking it down into smaller topics or categories. This is very common for informative essays.
Best for topics like:
- The different types of transportation in a city.
- The main causes of a problem.
- The key features of a cultural tradition.
Your Writer's Toolkit 🛠️
B2 Informative Text Checklist
- Does my introduction clearly state the main topics my text will explain?
- Have I chosen a logical organizational pattern for my body paragraphs?
- Does each body paragraph focus on only ONE of my main topics?
- Does my conclusion summarize the information I presented?
Practice Your Structuring Skills 🎯
Quiz: Which Pattern is Best?
1. Topic: An essay explaining the major events of the Khmer Empire.
→ Logical Pattern: Chronological order, because the events happened over a period of time.
2. Topic: A report explaining the different types of traditional musical instruments in Cambodia.
→ Logical Pattern: Topical order, because you can create a category for each type of instrument.
Your Writing Mission ⭐
Writing Task: Outline an Informative Text
Your task is to plan a short informative text by creating a structured outline. Choose ONE topic below:
- The history of your hometown (Use Chronological Order).
- The different kinds of transportation available in your city (Use Topical Order).
In your notebook, create an outline for a 4-paragraph text. Your outline must include:
- A clear thesis statement that previews your main points.
- A topic sentence for each of your two body paragraphs.
Key Vocabulary
- Logical Characterized by clear, sensible reasoning.
- Chronological Arranged in the order of time.
- Topical / Categorical Arranged by subject matter or categories.
- Renowned Known or talked about by many people; famous.