Understanding Text Structures
EQ: How do we recognize text structures in
functional text?
Activate!
 Have you ever heard of an apple-shaped or pear-shaped
person?
 These terms refer to the structure of the body, specifically if
fat is stored in the stomach (apple) or in the hips and legs
(pear).
 The body type is like a text structure; it’s how the body is set
up.
What do the words mean?
The way
something is set up
Form of
organization
Structure
Parts put together
in a certain way
Pear or apple body
shape
Skyscraper
paragraph
What do the words mean?
If we know that TEXT means something we can read
+
STRUCTURE is the way something is organized or set up
=
TEXT STRUCTURE is the way that a reading selection is
organized
What do the words mean?
What something
does
How it works
Function
Its job to do
Doorknob: open
the door
Teacher: make
sure students learn
?
What do the words mean?
If we know that TEXT means something we can read
+
FUNCTION is the job that something does
=
FUNCTIONAL TEXT is the kind of reading you can use for a
purpose or to perform a task
Examples of Functional Text
 Newspaper
 Subway map
 Webpage
 Job application
 Your example?
Text Structure: Sequence
 Putting items in order by number, date, or time
(chronological order)
the following
then
another
finally
besides
several
many
also
in addition
furthermore
likewise
as well as
some
a few
Flow Chart
Text Structure: Sequence
How do I use a flow chart to show sequence of events?
Flow Chart
Text Structure: Sequence
Your turn: Use page 82- 83 to complete the
chart.
Flow Chart
Text Structure: Compare/Contrast
 Definition: author lists similarities and differences
 Key
however
but
yet
despite
still
words: even though
on the contrary
otherwise
in comparison
on the other hand
Y
Text Structure: Compare/Contrast
How do I use a matrix to compare two or more items?
Text Structure: Compare/Contrast
Your turn: Use chapter 8 pages 128-131 to complete the
following chart.
Text Structure: Problem/Solution
 Suggesting possible answers to an unresolved issue
 Keywords:
Problem
 Problem
 Solution
 Because
 Cause
 Since
 as a result
 so that
Solution 1
Solution 2
Solution 3
Text Structure: Problem/Solution
 How do we show a problem and possible solutions in a text?
Text Structure: Problem/Solution
Now
you
try!
Text Structure: Cause and Effect
 One event makes another one happen
 Key words:
for this reason
in order to
because
so that
therefore
Cause
thus
as a result
consequently
on account of
accordingly
Effect
Text Structure: Cause and Effect
 How do we use a cause and effect chart to organize our
reading?
Cause
Effect
Text Structure: Cause and Effect
 You try: Use your GA History book and the following chart
to find the causes and effects in the text.
GA History Book page #
Cause
114 paragraph 1
114 paragraph 1 (another cause and effect)
114 paragraph 2
114 paragraph 2 (another cause and effect)
115 paragraph 7
115 paragraph 7 (another cause and effect)
116 paragraph 1
117 whole page
Effect
Text Structure: Main Idea and Detail
 Paragraphs that are set up like a Language Arts essay; contain
a topic sentence and supporting details
 To check yourself, turn the main idea in a question. The
details should answer that question.
Detail 1 _________________
Detail 2 _________________
Detail 3 _________________ +
--------------------------------------Main Idea
Text Structure: Main Idea and Detail
 How do I use the main idea-detail chart to analyze a
paragraph?
Detail 1 ______________________________________
Detail 2 ______________________________________
Detail 3 _____________________________________ +
---------------------------------------------------------------------Main Idea
Text Structure: Main Idea and Detail
 Your turn: Find the main idea on pg 184, under “Economic
Differences.”
Detail 1 ______________________________________
Detail 2 ______________________________________
Detail 3 _____________________________________ +
---------------------------------------------------------------------Main Idea
Turn it into a question and check
yourself! Does the paragraph answer this
question?