Writing: Paragraphing and Text Organization (B1) - Lesson 2: Organizing Paragraphs Logically in a Short Text

B1 Lesson 2: Organizing Paragraphs Logically in a Short Text

In the last lesson, we learned to build a strong paragraph with a topic sentence and supporting details. Now, we will zoom out and learn how to organize multiple paragraphs into a short, logical¹ text².

The key principle is the same: one main idea per paragraph.

The Structure of a Short Text

A simple essay or text usually has a clear structure: an introduction and body paragraphs.

• The Introduction³ introduces the overall topic and often ends with a "main idea sentence" that lists the points the text will cover.
• Each Body Paragraph⁴ then discusses ONE of those points in more detail.

Deconstructing a Short Text

Let's look at a short text and see how the paragraphs are organized.

Introduction Paragraph

Visiting the countryside in Cambodia offers a peaceful escape from busy city life. Two of the best activities to enjoy are taking a boat trip along the river and exploring the local pagodas.

Body Paragraph 1

First, taking a boat trip is a wonderful way to see the scenery. You can relax as you float down the river, watching the green fields and small fishing villages pass by. It is a very quiet and beautiful experience.

Body Paragraph 2

In addition, exploring the local pagodas offers a look into Cambodian culture. These temples are often very beautiful and peaceful. You can admire the detailed architecture and learn about the local community's traditions.

Analysis: Notice how the introduction promises to talk about two things (boat trips and pagodas). Then, the first body paragraph is ONLY about boat trips, and the second body paragraph is ONLY about pagodas. This is a logical and clear organization.

✍️ B1 Text Organization Checklist

• ✔️ Does my first paragraph introduce the main topic?
• ✔️ Does each body paragraph focus on only ONE supporting idea?
• ✔️ Does the topic sentence of each body paragraph clearly state its main idea?
• ✔️ Are my paragraphs arranged in a logical order?

🧠 Practice Quiz: Logical Order

The three paragraphs below are mixed up. Put them in the correct logical order (Introduction, Body 1, Body 2).

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Paragraph A: Secondly, the internet provides access to endless entertainment. You can watch movies from any country, listen to music, or play games with friends online. This access to global entertainment was impossible just a few decades ago.

Paragraph B: In summary, the internet has fundamentally changed the world by offering instant access to information and a universe of entertainment.

Paragraph C: First, the internet is an incredible tool for learning and research. With a few clicks, a student in Kampot can read articles from a library in New York or watch lectures from a famous university.

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Correct Order: B, C, A

(Paragraph B is the introduction because it introduces the two main ideas: information and entertainment. Paragraph C discusses the first point (information). Paragraph A discusses the second point (entertainment).)

📝 Homework: Plan a Short Text

Your homework is to plan a short, two-paragraph text. You do not need to write the full text yet, just the main sentences.

1. Choose ONE topic below:

• The advantages of living in a city vs. the countryside.
• Two reasons why it is important to learn a foreign language.

2. In your notebook, write a "Main Idea Sentence" for your introduction.

(Example: Living in a city offers better job opportunities, but living in the countryside is more peaceful.)

3. Write a Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 1.

(Example: Firstly, it is often easier to find a good job in a major city like Phnom Penh.)

4. Write a Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 2.

(Example: On the other hand, the countryside provides a more relaxed and healthier lifestyle.)

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Logical: (Adjective) - Khmer: មានហេតុផល - Arranged in a way that makes sense and is easy to understand. ↩
2. Text: (Noun) - Khmer: អត្ថបទ - Any piece of written work. ↩
3. Introduction: (Noun) - Khmer: សេចក្តីផ្តើម - The first part of a text, which introduces the main topic and ideas. ↩
4. Body Paragraph: (Noun Phrase) - Khmer: កថាខណ្ឌតួ - A paragraph in the middle of a text that develops one specific idea. ↩
5. Organization: (Noun) - Khmer: ការរៀបចំ - The structure or arrangement of related items.