Text Structure

Text Structures

#1 Description

Texts that use this structure simply describe something.

A text using this structure might also:

Tell you why something is being described

Tell you why the described topic is important

Provide examples of the described topic(s)

Key words include: In fact, another, for example, such as, in addition,

#2 Sequence

This text structure covers a few purposes:

1- Sequential instructions

2- Chronological events

3- Arguments that use evidence to support a claim

Key words include: First, next, then, last, not long after

#3 Compare and Contrast

This text structure involves a comparison involving multiple things, revealing how they are similar and how they are different.

Key words include: although, despite, however, similarly, just as, otherwise

#4- Problem and Solution

This text structure involves two parts:

1- The author identifies a problem

2- The author details a solution to this problem

Key words include: problem, solution, as a result of, solve, the answer is

#5 Cause and Effect

This text structure will present a specific cause that has a significant and notable effect on something.

Key words include: cause, led to, accordingly, result, consequently

Multiple Choice

Read the passage: All matter, all things can be changed in two ways: chemically and physically. Both chemical and physical changes affect the state of matter. Physical changes are those that do not change the make-up or identity of the matter. For example, clay will bend or flatten if squeezed, but it will still be clay. Changing the shape of clay is a physical change, and does not change the matter’s identity. Chemical changes turn the matter into a new kind of matter with different properties. For example, when paper is burnt, it becomes ash and will never be paper again. The difference between them is that physical changes are temporary or only last for a little while, and chemical changes are permanent, which means they last forever. Physical and chemical changes both affect the state of matter.

• Description

• Sequence

• Problem and Solution

• Compare and Contrast

• Cause and Effect

Multiple Choice

Read the passage: When I got home from school after a long boring day, I took out the peanut butter, jelly, and bread. After taking the lid off of the jars, I spread the peanut butter on one side of the bread and the jelly on the other, and then I put the two pieces of bread together. After that, I enjoyed it while watching “Cops” on the TV. I swear, that was the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich I ever ate.

• Description

• Sequence

• Problem and Solution

• Compare and Contrast

• Cause and Effect

Multiple Choice

Read the passage: Dr. Miller doesn’t want the tigers to vanish. These majestic beasts are disappearing at an alarming rate. Dr. Miller thinks that we should write to our congress people. If we let them know that we demand the preservation of this species, maybe we can make a difference. Dr. Miller also thinks that we should donate to Save the Tigers. Our donations will help to support and empower those who are fighting the hardest to preserve the tigers. We owe it to our grandchildren to do something.

• Description

• Sequence

• Problem and Solution

• Compare and Contrast

• Cause and Effect

Multiple Choice

Read the passage: There are many theories about why the dinosaurs vanished from the planet. One theory that many people believe is that a gigantic meteorite smashed into the Earth. Scientists believe that the meteorite was very big and that the impact may have produced a large dust cloud that covered the Earth for many years. The dust cloud may have caused plants to not receive sunlight and the large plant eaters, or herbivores, may have died off, followed by the large meat eaters, or carnivores. This theory may or may not be true, but it is one explanation as to why these giant reptiles no longer inhabit the Earth.

• Description

• Sequence

• Problem and Solution

• Compare and Contrast

• Cause and Effect

Multiple Choice

Read the passage: 2. Have you ever wondered what the inside of a volcano looks like? Deep underground is a magma chamber. The magma chamber is under the bedrock of the earth’s crust. The conduit or pipe runs from the magma chamber to the top of the volcano. The conduit connects the magma chamber to the surface. Most volcanoes also have a crater at the top. Volcanoes are quite a sight, and you can enjoy this site all over the universe. Volcanoes are found on planets other than Earth, like the Olympus Mons on Mars.

• Description

• Sequence

• Problem and Solution

• Compare and Contrast

• Cause and Effect