Writing: Paragraphing and Text Organization (Essays/Reports) (B2) - Lesson 2: Organizing Longer Texts

B2 Lesson 2: Organizing Longer Texts (Essays & Reports)

In the last lesson, you mastered the P.E.E.L. structure for writing a strong body paragraph. Today, we will learn how to organize those paragraphs into a complete, logical short essay¹.

This structure is essential for academic assignments, reports, and any formal writing where you need to present a clear argument. We will focus on the standard 4-paragraph model.

The Structure of a Short Essay

1. The Introduction: Grabs the reader's attention and presents your main argument in a "thesis statement."
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph discusses ONE main point that supports your thesis. You will use the P.E.E.L. structure here.
3. The Conclusion: Summarizes your points and gives a final thought. It should not introduce new information.

Deconstructing a Short Essay

Let's look at a short essay on the topic "The Benefits of Ecotourism in Cambodia" and identify its parts.

Introduction Paragraph

(Hook) → As Cambodia's tourism industry grows, there is an increasing focus on sustainable travel. (Background) → Ecotourism, which focuses on nature and supporting local communities, is becoming a popular choice. (Thesis Statement) → Ecotourism offers two significant benefits: it helps protect the natural environment and it provides a sustainable income for local villagers.

Body Paragraph 1

(Topic Sentence) → First and foremost, ecotourism plays a crucial role in protecting the country's natural environment. (Evidence) → For example, money from visitors to places like the Cardamom Mountains is used to fund forest ranger patrols and conservation projects. (Explanation) → This direct financial link means that preserving the forests becomes economically valuable, which helps prevent illegal logging and protects habitats for endangered species. (Link) → Thus, this model of tourism provides a powerful incentive for conservation.

Body Paragraph 2

(Topic Sentence) → Furthermore, it provides a sustainable and direct income for local communities. (Evidence) → In community-based ecotourism projects, such as Chi Phat, villagers earn money by acting as guides, providing homestays, and cooking traditional meals. (Explanation) → This allows them to earn a good living without having to leave their village to find work in a city, keeping families and communities together. (Link) → As a result, ecotourism empowers local people financially.

Conclusion² Paragraph

(Restated Thesis) → In conclusion, ecotourism is a valuable model for Cambodia because it both safeguards the environment and supports local economies directly. (Summary of Points) → By funding conservation and creating local jobs, it offers a path to sustainable development. (Final Thought) → Supporting these types of projects is therefore essential for the future of the kingdom's natural treasures and its people.

✍️ B2 Essay Checklist

• ✔️ Does my introduction end with a clear thesis statement³ that presents my main points?
• ✔️ Does each body paragraph discuss only ONE of those points, using the P.E.E.L. structure?
• ✔️ Does my conclusion restate my thesis (in different words) and summarize my points?
• ✔️ Have I used linking words between my body paragraphs for smooth transitions?

🧠 Practice Quiz: Identify the Thesis Statement

Read the introduction paragraph below. Which sentence is the thesis statement?

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Introduction:

(A) Many young people today are choosing to study at international universities. (B) This decision requires a significant investment of time and money. (C) However, studying abroad offers two main rewards: gaining a world-class education and developing personal independence.

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Answer: Sentence (C). It is the thesis statement because it clearly states the two main points (world-class education, personal independence) that the rest of the essay will discuss.

📝 Homework: Outline a Short Essay

Your homework is to create a structured outline for a 4-paragraph essay. You do not need to write the full essay.

Topic: The advantages and disadvantages of using social media.

In your notebook, write down the following:

1. Your Thesis Statement: One sentence that introduces the topic and your two main points. (e.g., "Although social media can be a good tool for connection, it also presents dangers regarding mental health and privacy.")
2. Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 1: (This should be about the first point in your thesis).
3. Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 2: (This should be about the second point in your thesis).
4. Your Restated Thesis for the Conclusion: (Rewrite your thesis in a different way).

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Essay: (Noun) - អត្ថបទតែងសេចក្តី - A formal piece of writing that discusses a particular subject. ↩
2. Conclusion: (Noun) - សេចក្តីសន្និដ្ឋាន - The final part of a piece of writing, which summarizes the main points and gives a final thought. ↩
3. Thesis Statement: (Noun Phrase) - ប្រយោគនិក្ខេបបទ - A sentence, usually in the introduction, that states the main argument or points of an essay. ↩
4. Hook: (Noun, writing) - ឃ្លាទាក់ទាញ - A sentence at the start of an introduction designed to grab the reader's attention. ↩
5. Sustainable: (Adjective) - និរន្តរភាព - Able to be maintained at a certain level; not causing damage to the environment.