Part B: Literacy
14

Text Organisation & Structure

Understand cohesion, paragraphing, and structural features of texts

Learning Objectives

  • ✓ Identify and use connectives and cohesive devices effectively
  • ✓ Determine logical paragraph ordering and sequencing
  • ✓ Recognise standard text structures (analytical, report, narrative)
  • ✓ Analyse how structure contributes to meaning and readability
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Section 1: Connectives and Cohesive Devices

Cohesion is the "glue" that holds a text together. Connectives (conjunctions and linking adverbs) clarify the relationship between ideas (e.g., adding information, showing contrast, or indicating cause and effect).

Section 2: Paragraph Ordering and Logical Sequencing

Texts must flow logically. A typical academic or analytical text follows a clear sequence: Introduction (thesis), Body (arguments/evidence), and Conclusion (summary/impact).

Example 1

ACER Authentic Problem: Selecting Discourse Connectors (2019 Lit Q26)

❓ Question: Select the appropriate discourse connectors for Gap 1 and Gap 2 from 'Conversely' and 'On the contrary': 1. Interdisciplinary studies often require extended time in a block. [Gap 1], strictly discipline-based studies can often be managed in smaller units of time. 2. Some claim that disciplinary knowledge must be mastered before authentic interdisciplinary studies. [Gap 2], applying disciplinary knowledge in a complex context is an excellent way to develop deep understanding.
📄 Source Passage / Reference Data:

INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Discourse cohesion and contrast markers in educational texts.

📝 Step-by-Step Method:
1
Analyse the relationship in Sentence 1 between two distinct pedagogical models.
2
Analyse the relationship in Sentence 2 between a popular claim and an opposing assertion.
🔍 Evidence Extracted: "Gap 1 sets up an alternate comparison; Gap 2 directly refutes a preceding premise."
🎯 Final Answer: Gap 1: Conversely; Gap 2: On the contrary
💡 Why It Is Correct: "Conversely" introduces an alternative point of view or contrasting fact. "On the contrary" is used specifically to contradict or refute what has just been stated.
⚡ LANTITE Exam Strategy: Official ACER Distinctions: Use "Conversely" when contrasting two parallel statements, and "On the contrary" when rejecting a misconception or preceding assertion.

Section 3: Text Structures

Different purposes require different text structures. An analytical text argues a point, a report provides factual information structurally, and a narrative tells a story.

Figure 1: Visual outline of key components in standard report text structures.
Question 1 of 10

ACER 2019 Q26: "Interdisciplinary studies require extended blocks. [Gap 1], discipline-based studies use smaller units." Which word fills Gap 1?