Lesson 3: Patterns of Organization of Texts

‫תבניות אירגוניות של מאמרים‬

Authors usually present supporting details in an organized way. These details may be
arranged in any of 6 common patterns. Each pattern has markers (connectors and
transitions words). Look at these patterns and relevant examples:

I see that you have a problem but I

1. Contrast cannot help you now. I believe my
friend can help you better than I or at
2. Comparison least in the same way.

But, in the same way are markers.

I see that you have a problem

because you never finish your work
3. Cause and Effect on time. I believe my friend can help
you better than I since he has more
time.

Because / since are markers.

4. General Statement Some people don’t work every day.

For example, one of my friends works
and Example
only three times a week.
5. Definition and
Example Smartphones are communication
devices. Such brands as Samsung
and Apple are very popular.

For example / such as are markers.

Smartphones have a long history. The

first devices were made in 1992.
6. Time Order During this period these devices were
Chronology big and slow. They cost a lot of
money. At the beginning of the 21st
Process century these devices became
smaller. Since then smartphones
have been developing very fast.
Eventually, they have become the
most popular devices in the world.

In 1992, during, 21st century, since,

eventually are markers.

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 Lesson 3: Topic and Main Idea

Topic is the general subject of a paragraph or an article. If you need to decide

what the topic is, ask yourself this question: What is the paragraph or article
about?

Topics are NOT sentences. They are Useful Vocabulary for Topics
usually words or phrases. Look at the 1. phrase n ‫צירוף מילים‬
following examples: 2. a definition of n ‫ההגדרה של‬
3. the implications of n ‫ההשלכות של‬
 Internet 4. the impact of n ‫ההשפעה העזה של‬
 A definition of a Smartphone 5. the effects of n ‫ההשפעות של‬
 The Advantages of Computers 6. the advantages of n ‫היתרונות של‬
 The Implications of Bad Budgeting 7. the disadvantages of ‫החסרונות של‬
 The Disadvantages of Travelling Abroad 8. the causes of n ‫הגורמים ל‬
 Saving Money For the Trip 9. different ways of ‫דרכים שונות של‬

1. Focus on Main Idea

Main idea is a sentence. This sentence contains a verb and ends with full stop.
The purpose of the main idea is to give more information about the topic and to
provide more details. Look at the following examples of topics versus main ideas:

2. Topic versus Main Idea

Topic is a noun phrase or a part of Main idea is a complete grammatical sentence.

a sentence Complete sentence =‫משפט שלם‬
Phrase = ‫צירוף מילים‬
Noun Phrase = ‫קבוצת שמות עצם‬
Fewer details More supporting details

Violence at Schools  Violence is increasing at schools these days.

The possibility of Happiness  People achieve happiness in many different ways.

The Reasons Why Young People  Young people have different reasons why they
Travel Abroad travel abroad.
 Young people travel abroad for several reasons.

Saving Money for the Trip  People save money for the trip in many different
ways.
 Saving money is a difficult task.

2 Devised by Alex Carme 2021

 Pre-reading Exercise 1
Match the topics and their main idea.
Some main ideas may match more than one topic.

Topic Main idea

1.Budgeting for a Trip Abroad 1. Travelling to Singapore is not cheap.

2.How to Order Flight Tickets and Save 2. Saving money for the trip is a serious
Money challenge.

3. Estimating Daily Cost After Arrival 3. When travelling far people should think of
insurance and immunisation.

4. Estimating Expenses 4. Suitable gear such as boots and shoes

are important if you visit mountains and
forests.

5. People Who Enjoy Local Food 5. Flights and Hotel Accommodation are
usually the most expensive part of the trip.

6. Health Risks in Asia 6. It is important to take a careful look at

how much money people pay on a daily
basis.

7. Motivation to Save Before the Trip 7. There are many reasons why you should
insure your health.

8. Avoiding and Preventing Theft 8. During the trip most tourists enjoy local
dishes such as Pizza or Vegan Burgers.

9. Travel Insurance 9. It is necessary to check your budget

before the trip in order to save more money.

10. Trekking and Hiking 10. In some countries people prefer cash to
credit cards.

11. The Importance of Cash 11. Tourists need to keep their money in
different forms and places.

3 Devised by Alex Carme 2021

 6.3. Noun Phrases
Noun phrases are two nouns put together. They are similar to ‫ סמיכות‬in Hebrew.
When you translate them start with the second word. Look at the following example:

English Hebrew
A traffic jam ‫פקק תנועה‬
Money problems ‫בעיות כספיות‬
A car accident ‫תאונת דרכים‬
A speed limit ‫הגבלת מהירות‬
An average person ‫בן אדם ממוצע‬
Insurance cost ‫עלות הביטוח‬
A project deadline ‫מועד אחרון לסיום הפרויקט‬
A factory warranty ‫אחריות היצרן‬

10. budget n ‫תקציב‬

Pre-reading Exercise 2
11. gear n ‫ציוד‬
12. meal n ‫ארוחה‬
13. travel n ‫טיול‬
14. flight n ‫טיסה‬
Translate the following phrases from 15. experience n ‫חוויה‬
Hebrew into English. Use the nouns from 16. air n ‫אוויר‬
the table on the left: 17. accommodation n ‫ דיור‬,‫שהייה‬
18. average n ‫ממוצע‬
19. cost n ‫עלות‬
20. luggage n ‫מטען‬
21. rate n ‫שער‬
22. fare n (‫עלות )נסיעה‬
23. insurance n ‫ביטוח‬
24. purchase n ‫רכישה‬

In English In Hebrew
‫תקציב הנסיעה‬
‫ביטוח הנסיעה‬
‫עלות הביטוח‬
‫עלות ממוצעת‬
‫מחיר טיסה‬
‫מחיר נסיעה במונית‬
English
‫רכישה באנטרנט‬
‫שער הדולר‬
‫חווית הנסיעה‬
‫עלות השהייה‬
‫זמן הטיסה‬
‫עלות הארוחה‬
‫עלות של השהייה הממוצעת‬
‫ציוד לטיולים‬
4 Devised by Alex Carme 2021