TEXT
STRUCTURE
Text structure refers to how the author
organizes the text.
Text structures can often be identified
by certain signal words.
Today we are going to review some of
the main text structures
and their signal words. We will go over
examples of each.
See if you can come up with examples
of your own for each type of text
structure when we are finished.
The author presents a sequence
of events in the time order
in which they occur.
This type of organization is often
used in fiction, biography, and
autobiography. It may
include flashbacks
that describe previous
events or experiences.
in the evening
Tuesday
after 20 minutes
later that day
at the same time
Compare and Contrast
The author organizes information
about two or more topics according
to their similarities and differences.
This organization is often used in
informative essays.
Compare and Contrast
Signal Words
also
too
like
unlike
but
similarly
in the same way
however
on the other hand
as well as
Cause and Effect
The author uses statements or ideas
to explain how one event or condition
leads to another. It focuses on
something that has happened
(effect) and tells you why it
has happened (cause).
This organization is often used
in persuasive speeches and
informative essays.
because
as a result
consequently
since
however
after
so
this led to
so that
therefore
Spatial Order
The author describes scenes, objects,
or people in a specific pattern based
on their location.
Spatial = Space (where things
are around other things)
Descriptive
The author describes people,
places, things, and events, but
not always in a specific order.
Spatial and Descriptive fall into the
same category.
Spatial Order / Descriptive
Signal Words
above
below
north
underneath
for example
to the left
in front
also
in addition
most important
Problem and Solution
The author uses logical method
to present a problem and propose
a solution
This organization is often used in
persuasive speeches and informative
essays.
Can You Identify the
Text Structure?
Giant otters speak in a unique
language of whistles, whines, squeals
and snorts. Each sound has a
different meaning. One type of snort
warns the other otters of danger, such
as when a predator is nearby.
Red howler monkeys
communicate by howling. Their
howls can be heard up to three miles
away. In fact, these monkeys are the
world’s nosiest land animal.
• Are you one of those people who is
bothered more than others by
mosquitoes? If you are, there are
many ways to help prevent
mosquitoes from biting. Dark colors
and rough colors attract mosquitoes.
If you will be out doors, wear pale,
smooth clothing instead of jeans.
Some scents attract mosquitoes, so
don’t wear perfume or after- shave
lotion.
• Emily was a skilled and capable
driver. She had driven all the way
from Florida in her brand-new
red sports car without any
problems. Suddenly, because she
hit a patch of ice, she lost control
of the car and landed in a ditch.
As she climbed out, she realized
her car was badly damaged.
• Alligators are dangerous animals! They
are cute when they are small, and some
people have tried to make them pets. As
they grow older, the alligators grow very
sharp teeth and gain lots of strength. They
are not friendly animals and do not enjoy
human company. It is uncommon, but
alligators will attack humans. If you see an
alligator, by all means, stay away from
this dangerous animal!
• Brandon was invited to his best friends
birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. He was
so excited until he found out that the party
was the same day as his sister’s
graduation. He did not want to disappoint
his best friend or his sister. Brandon
decided that he would spend an hour at
his friends party and attend his sister’s
graduation. Brandon realized that he
would miss most of the party. So, he also
suggested spending the following day
with his friend.
Today was the day that the Great Penguin Sled
Race was to be held on Slip and Slide Hill. Peter
began to get ready for the race in the morning.
He ate a good breakfast of fish, because he knew
that he needed lots of strength and energy to do
well in the race. After that, he searched the
house for all of his warm clothes. He found his
mittens and ear muffs in his drawer. He looked
for his boots in the closet. They were not there.
He looked in the bathroom, but they weren't
there either. At last, he found them hidden
under his bed! Finally, Peter went to work on his
sled..
• Sammy and Ralph were
snowmen. Sammy was Ralph’s
cousin. Sammy was a very proper
little snowman and Ralph was a
rebel. Ralph always wanted to do
things differently, while Sammy
always wanted to do what he was
supposed to do.
• Some people believe that the word turtle
is another word for tortoise. They believe
that the two words are names for the same
animal, but that is not true. Turtles and
tortoises are related, and they are both
reptiles. However,
there are differences between these two
animals. Most turtles live in salt water and
can swim. They have hard shells and
flippers for swimming. Tortoises usually
live on land. Land tortoises have legs
instead of flippers so that they can move
on land. Sometimes tortoises live in fresh
water, but not in salt water like turtles.
• In 1732, a person was born who would be
important to the United States of America. His
name is George Washington. He grew up in this
country before it was a free country. He played
in the wilderness as a boy, and when he grew up
he was a leader in the Army that made America
free. People thought he was brave, honest, and
smart. They asked him to be the first President
of the United States. Washington was not sure if
he should take the job of president at first. He
knew it was a hard job. However, Washington
loved the new United States of America, and so
he did become the first President of the United
States on April 30, 1789.
• Saturn is so big, has rings and so many
moons that it called a "system". The rings
are made up pieces of rocks and ice. These
pieces can be as small as a pebble or as big
as a building. The rings get their pretty
colors because the sun shines on them
from far away. Sometimes after it rains on
Earth, we see a rainbow. This is because
there are many tiny drops of water in the
air.
• Peter and his friends met at the top of
Slip and Slide Hill at noon. All of the
penguins had different taste. His
friend Patty Penguin had a green and
white sled, green was his favorite
color. Perry Penguin’s sled was a
beautiful blue, he disliked the color
green. Penny Penguin’s sled was the
most beautiful of all. It was a shining,
silvery color, penny was very flashy.
Peter taste was plain, but when he
saw Penny’s sled he was glad he had
polished his red and white sled.
Answer Key
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Description
Problem/Solution
Cause and Effect
Description
Problem/Solution
Sequential Order
Compare and Contrast
Compare and Contrast
Sequential Order
Cause and Effect
Compare and Contrast