5.10 B Text Structures

What Do You Prefer, a Dog or a Cat?

Dogs and cats are two popular pets, but they have many differences. Dogs
are known for their loyalty and love for companionship; they often enjoy
playing and being active with their owners.

On the other hand, cats are more independent creatures. They might show
affection but also enjoy spending time alone. Dogs require regular walks and
more attention, while cats are more self-sufficient and can groom themselves.

However, both animals make great companions and provide comfort and joy
to their owners. They differ in their behaviors and needs, but both can become
beloved members of a family.

Compare and contrast
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THINK ABOUT how the
author structured the

text?

Basketball Heroes

1.

Last night, the Midtown Eagles met the Valley Rovers in a championship basketball
game at Herndon Park. The crowd began gathering early, and a sense of excitement
filled the air. There was a lot riding on this game—the winning team would become
state champions! The Valley Rovers started strong, scoring 18 points in the first half of
the game. But then the Midtown Eagles came back fast. Playing without their best
player, the Midtown Eagles pulled off a surprise.

2.

They beat the Valley Rovers with a score of 35–31 and took home the championship
title. “We knew this was the game of the year,” said Coach Mary Lee of the Valley
Rovers. My team was in good shape, and they played hard. But we will work even
harder next year.” Just before the game, it did not look so great. Denise Jones, the
Midtown Eagles’ star player, told Coach Trevor Roberts that she sprained her ankle.
Coach Roberts put Kelley Robinson in to play instead. Robinson thrilled the crowd,
scoring 11 points and helping the Midtown Eagles win their first championship.

Problem and solution
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“Basketball Heroes” from HMH Into Readingadapted and usedwith permission © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

The Empire State Building

1.

Building a skyscraper over a thousand feet high needed much planning. First, plans for the
Empire State Building were rendered on paper. Amazingly, these took only two weeks to
complete. This was because the planners used the designs of two skyscrapers that had
already been built as a starting point. One of these buildings was the Reynolds Building in
Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The other building was the Carew Tower in Cincinnati, Ohio.

2.

Construction began on March 17, 1930. More than three thousand workers were part of the
effort. Observers were amazed when they saw the speed at which the huge building went up.
Its steel frame rose four-and-a-half stories each week. The building was finished more quickly
than people thought it could be—in just one year and 45 days, a remarkable achievement for
such an enormous job. When workers added the 102nd story to the Empire State Building, the
world was amazed. The building rose 1,250 feet from its base to the top of the roof. It
measured 1,454 feet to the top of the antenna. It was now the world’s tallest building—even
higher than the Chrysler Building, which rose up to 1,046 feet.

Description
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“The Empire State Building” from HMH Into Readingadapted and usedwith permission © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Dolphins are Fascinating Animals

1Dolphins are highly intelligent marine mammals known for their playful
behavior and social nature. They belong to the group of toothed whales and
are found in oceans worldwide.

2Dolphins communicate with each other using a variety of sounds and clicks
and often live in groups called pods. They're excellent swimmers, reaching
impressive speeds and performing acrobatic leaps out of the water. These
creatures have a diverse diet, feeding on fish, squid, and sometimes even
small sharks.

3Due to their intelligence and friendly demeanor, dolphins have fascinated
humans for centuries, making them a popular subject of study and admiration.

Cause and effect
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