Informational Text Notes

Nonfiction Informational Text Structures

In nonfiction text, we will see several different ways an author can structure their text. We are going to take notes on the following: Description, Order and Sequence, Cause and Effect, Compare and Contrast, and Problem Solution.

Description

• Description - Provides details or characteristics of a topic; paints a metal picture.

• Keywords and phrases:

  • for example

  • for instance

  • specifically

  • another

Order and Sequence

• Order and Sequence - Presents steps in a procedure or events in chronological order.

• Keywords and Phrases

  • first

  • next

  • during

  • after

  • in the end

Cause and Effect

• Cause and Effect - Describes an event or events (cause) and the events (effect) that follow

• Keywords and Phrases

  • because

  • since

  • as a result

  • due to

  • consequently

Compare and Contrast

• Compare and Contrast - Describes how two things are similar and different. 

• Keywords and Phrases

  • similar

  • alike

  • unlike

  • different

  • in contrast

Problem and Solution

• Problem and Solution - Describes a problem and explains one or more solutions.

• Keywords and Phrases

  • issue

  • cuase

  • problem

  • solve

  • leads to

Multiple Choice

Identify the text structure:

Prerau has studied the effects of daylight saving time on traffic accidents and street crime: both decreased. Voter turnout increased. He also found that people would stay awake an extra hour to watch their favorite TV programs

• Description

• Cause Effect

• Compare Contrast

• Problem Solution

Multiple Choice

Coastal cities are running out of land. They're becoming increasingly endangered as sea levels are estimated to rise as much as 7 inches.

The floating platforms will be made of wood and bamboo. Each platform is about the size of three White Houses. This would be a small piece of a potentially bigger puzzle.

• Description

• Problem Solution

• Compare Contrast

• Order and Sequence

Multiple Choice

Identify the text structure:

A volcano is a beautiful and dangerous natural phenomenon. The magma chamber, an extremely hot part which people rarely see, is under the Earth surface beneath the bed’s rock. The conduit is running from the volcano’s magma chamber to the crater which is at the top of the volcano.

• Description

• Cause Effect

• Compare Contrast

• Problem Solution

Multiple Choice

In this type of writing the reader will find words/phrases such as a problem is, solve, or solution.

• Description

• Problem Solution

• Compare Contrast

• Order and Sequence

Multiple Choice

In this type of writing, the reader will see words/phrases such as because, as a result of, and due to.

• Description

• Cause Effect

• Compare Contrast

• Order and Sequence

Multiple Choice

Before editing your writing, the first step should be to revise. Begin by reading each paragraph separately, and then find the topic sentence for each one. Next, make sure all the sentences relate to that topic sentence. Finally, look at how the paragraphs work together. Make sure there are transitional words between each paragraph so your writing flows together smoothly.

• Description

• Cause Effect

• Compare Contrast

• Order and Sequence