Internal Text Structures
When you are reading informational text, you will notice that authors use many different text structures or
organizational patterns to organize their information. The following chart lists signal words, definitions, and
examples of some of the most common text structures you will encounter when reading informational text:
Text Structure
Cause and Effect
Comparison/
Contrast
Enumeration or
Listing
Sequential or
Chronological
Concept/ Definition
Generalization
Process
Signal Words
so that, because of, thus,
unless, since, as a result,
then, reasons for,
consequently, explanation
for, nevertheless, thus,
accordingly
different from, same as,
alike, similar to, unlike, but,
as well as, yet, either…or,
compared to, in contrast,
while, although, unless,
however
Definition
Example
The writer explains the
reasons for an event or
phenomenon.
So many Bald Eagles were killed by
pesticides and illegal hunting. They
were in danger of becoming extinct.
The writer discusses the
Golden Eagles are apt to hunt for
similarities and differences of
prey while Bald Eagles are more
two ideas, objects, or
likely to take an easy meal.
processes.
1. Golden Eagles are birds of prey.
The writer presents
to begin with, first, second,
information in a structure that
in addition, next, then, last,
2. Golden Eagles search for prey.
resembles an outline. It is
finally, another, also, most
often presented in bulleted
important
3. Golden Eagles swoop through the
format.
air to attack their prey.
first, second, third, now,
The writer presents a series of First, Golden Eagles soar high along
before, after, then, next,
events or explains a procedure ridges near their nests. Then, they
finally, following, while,
or process in the order they
search for prey. When a meal is
meanwhile, last, during, not
happen.
spotted, they attack in a long swoop.
long, when, on date
is, for example, involves,
Golden Eagles are powerful raptors
can be, defined, an
The writer introduces an idea
with large dark brown bodies and
example, for instance, in
and explains what it is.
small heads with golden crowns.
fact, also, contain, make up
The write offers statements
about a whole group that are
is, for example, involves,
based on broad generalities. Golden Eagles are birds of prey.
can be, defined, an
Could be too broad and not
example, for instance, in
based on fact. Often the word All trees lose their leaves in the fall.
fact, also, contain, make up
"all" will make a generalization
untrue.
The writer offers the procedure
Steps … or First, Next, then;
or process for how something Cookbooks, how-to manuals
begins with, in order to
is done/created.
External Text Structures or Features
A text may contain multiple external text structures, such as:
Underlined words
Headings and Subheadings
Illustrations (graphics, images, maps, diagrams, etc.)
Italics/Bold Text
Definitions (within text, usually in parentheses, or in the footer or margin of a page)
Footnotes
Sidebars
External text structures can help you read and understand informational (or expository) text. The following chart lists
some commonly used text structures, their format and their purpose:
External Text feature
Format
Purpose–How does it help me read and
understand the information?
Table of contents
Chapters
This provides me with a list of information
included in the text.
Headings
Headings and Subheadings
I can read a brief phrase that tells me what
information I will find in the paragraph below it.
Bold or italicized words
Bold or italicized words
These words are important terms that I must
be able to define so I can understand the
information.
Graphics/illustrations
Graphics/illustrations
A picture, graph, or chart that provides me
more information OR arranges the information
in a visual format so I might understand it
better.
Footnotes
Appear at the bottom of a
page or at the end of a
document
Footnotes give credit to the source material
from which a writer derives information. In
addition, footnotes can be included to provide
additional information that will help the reader
to understand the meaning of words/phrases
that may be unclear.
Sidebar
Information presented at
the side of the main text
Sidebars provide additional information, e.g.,
information about the life of an author or a
related detail, to complement the main text of
an article.