III. Further description goes on in accordance with the way the information is arranged in the article

1. Pattern "Main idea and supporting details"

If the information is arranged according to this pattern the main idea of the article is to be found in the first paragraph and the rest of the article provides supporting or developing information to the major topic.

Useful words and phrases:

The author of the article states the main idea in the first para­graph...

It deals with...

Firstly as the supporting detail he presents the figures/description/situation on...

Secondly he gives the following examples...

At the next stage the author describes...

Finally he sums up/summarizes...

Descriptive” pattern

Texts arranged according to this pattern describe a certain phenomenon, event, product etc.

Useful words and phrases

The author subsequently describes/gives the description of

The description is organized/arranged/presented from up to down/ inside to outside/ from general information to detail...

Firstly/ in the first place..., to start with..., first of all..., sec­ondly..., at the next stage..., thirdly..., at last, finally..., to sum up, in conclusion …

Chronological sequence” pattern

Texts arranged according to this pattern present the information in the chronological order. It is strongly recommended to pay attention to the adverbs of time used by the author and include them into your presentation.

Useful words and phrases

То start with the author states the fact of...

At the first stage/ initially he describes...

The second step is/ Secondly he informs us on...

Besides he tells us.../ furthermore he tells us...

Thirdly/ Then/ After that he depicts...

Next/ Subsequently he reports on...

Finally/At the final stage he sums up...

4. "Analogy and/or contrast" pattern

Texts arranged according to this pattern contain a comparative description of two or more phenomena with the aim to point out similarities and differences between them.

Useful words and phrases

First of all the author describes/ depicts/ characterizes/ enumerates the similar/ alternative features/ characteristics of...

At first sight there is an impression that...

The common/ alternative features are as follows...

Also/ In addition/ Besides/ Moreover he states the fact that...

In short/ In brief the difference/similarity is that...

Argumentative” pattern

Texts arranged according to this pattern present arguments for and against the phenomenon described. It is strongly recommended to group and number first advantages and then disadvantages or vice versa depending on the author’s position.

Useful words and phrases

The main/ greatest advantage of that is...

Nevertheless/ On the other hand he presents several disadvan­tages as well.

He praises..., he criticizes...

It is popularly believed that..., opponents of this view say...

Actually, the intention of the author is to inform /pursued/ teach/ entertain the reader...

He presses the point that...

He expresses his opinion/ point of view/ judgment on...

He criticizes/ gives criticism on.../ gives an assessment of/ praises/ approves/ disapproves/ admires/ defends...

It can be proved with the help of the following facts...

I made this conclusion from the words the author had chosen to describe...

IV. The author’s intention and attitude to the problem

Useful words and phrases

Actually, the intention of the author is to inform/ persuade/ teach/ entertain the reader...

He presses the point that...

He expresses his opinion/ point of view/ judgment on...

He criticizes/ gives criticism on.../gives an assessment of/ praises/ approves/ disapproves/ admires/ defends...

It can be proved with the help of the following facts...

I made this conclusion on the words the author had chosen to describe...

V. The reader’s attitude to the problem

Useful words and phrases

In fact, I happened to come across this problem while...

Actually, I've got my own life experience on the problem...

As far as I remember I've read on the problem in mass media/ watched the TV program one day

Frankly speaking I have never come across the problem. Shame but I haven't got any idea/opinion on the point.

I've got absolutely limited knowledge on the problem.

I can't agree more!

I fully/ totally/ absolutely agree.

I agree to some extent.

I can't say I fully agree.

I don't absolutely agree.

It may be true but...

I'm afraid I don't agree.

I wouldn't like to sound offensive but to my mind...

I wouldn't say that I see what the author means...

I'm fully against.

 

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