Text Organization notes and practice

Text Organization notes and practice

Sequential, Timeline, Chronological

Definition: The author will trace the development of a topic or give steps in a process. Facts, events, or concepts will be given in order.

Keywords: first, second, before, after, finally, next, then, earlier, when, during, afterward, following

Descriptive, Spatial

Definition: descriptive details about characteristics, actions, or settings

Keywords: adjectives and imagery

Cause and Effect

Definition: the author shows how facts, events, or ideas happen because of facts, events, ideas

Keywords: because, since, then, due to, as a result, for this reason, consequently, therefore

Compare and Contrast

Definition: The author points out similarities and differences among facts, people, events, or ideas.

Keywords: while, but, rather, most, same, either, as well as, from, different, as opposed to

Problem and Solution

Definition: The author shows the development of a problem and the solution to the problem.

Keywords: propose, conclude, a solution, the reason for, the problem or question

Question and Answer

Definition: The author poses a question and then answers it.

Keywords: Just look for question marks.

Highlight or underline keywords in your notes.

Let's check out some of the text organizations at work.

Sequential, Timeline, or Chronological

A car engine works through a series of steps to convert fuel into mechanical energy. First, air and fuel are drawn into the engine's cylinders during the intake stroke. Next, the piston compresses the air-fuel mixture, making it more combustible. Following this, a spark plug ignites the mixture, causing a small explosion that pushes the piston down during the power stroke. As the piston moves down, it turns the crankshaft, which ultimately powers the vehicle's wheels. After the power stroke, the engine goes through the exhaust stroke, where the piston moves back up to expel the burnt gases through the exhaust valves. This continuous cycle of intake, compression, power, and exhaust allows the engine to run efficiently, providing the necessary power to drive the car.

Descriptive or Spatial

The official baseball has a circumference of 9¼  inches.  At the center of the ball is a tiny sphere of cork.  Surrounding the cork are two layers of rubber, one black, the other red.  Farther out are three layers of tightly wrapped yearn - blue, white, and blue in color.  The outer leather covering of the ball, which is stitched together with thick red thread, was once horsehide.  Today, however, cowhide is used.

Cause and Effect

During prosperous times, factories increase their production of goods to meet growing demand. As a result, employment, wages, and profits all rise. Reacting to this upswing in profits, business executives invest in new plants, and the expansion continues.  Eventually, however, shortages of raw materials appear and interest rates rise.  These obstacles force businesses to raise prices.  Consumers react by lying fewer goods, as a result, unsold goods and supplies pile up on warehouse shelves.

Compare and Contrast

The Techman LCD and the Magnapic 8.5 portable DVD players are comparable products - but there are some differences.  Both players work well.  The Techman, at $149.95, is a bargain.  Consumer Feedback magazine rates its 7” screen at 7.5 out of 10 for picture clarity.  It sounds is driven by a 3-watt interior amplifier, and its headphones yield crisp sound.  Closed, it measures1.25” in thickness.  The Magnapic is pricier, on the other hand, at $$199.95.  Like the Techman, it has a 3-watt crisp-sounding amp and a 7.5 clarity rating.  With an 8.5” screen, however, it delivers more image - while being only a half-inch wider overall.  And, its 1.1” thickness make sit a slimmer carry.  Though it costs more, the Magnapic is more player for the money.

Problem and Solution

Awards shows have turned into athletic contests, as winners race to beat the clock - that is, to complete their thank-you speeches before the orchestra music cuts them off.  This practice, meant to solve one problem - excessively long shows, has created another - embarrassing and rude moments, when the people being honored are silenced.  One obvious solution is to drop the practice altogether and let the winners to on and on.  Unfortunately, this return to the old ways might result in longer awards shows.  Another remedy would be to keep the cut-offs but give the winners a bit more time before the orchestra swells.  This compromise might result in fewer interruptions but would not really solve the problem.  This is a simpler and better remedy.  The truly awful portions of such evenings are not the thank-you’s but the awkwardly scripted banter between the presenters. Time could be saved if these shows used single presenters only, thus eliminating the “cute” canned dialogue.

Question and Answer

What were the key factors that influenced the colonization of America? One significant factor was the search for new trade routes and resources, as European nations sought to increase their wealth through the acquisition of land and natural resources. Additionally, religious freedom played a crucial role, with groups like the Pilgrims and Puritans fleeing persecution in Europe to establish communities where they could practice their faith freely. The advancements in navigation and shipbuilding also made long-distance travel more feasible, encouraging exploration and settlement. Furthermore, competition among European powers for territory and influence in the New World drove countries like Spain, England, and France to establish colonies, often leading to conflicts with Indigenous populations and among themselves. These factors collectively shaped the patterns of colonization that would define the early history of America.

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​Time to practice!

Multiple Choice

Mike was in the kitchen finishing the details on his homemade birthday card for Hannah. Meanwhile, his mom had just taken brownies, Mike's only gift to Hannah, out of the oven. Later, when the doorbell rang, Mike was excited to greet Hannah and shower her with the birthday gifts. After a few hours, they relaxed in the family room and began watching the newest episode of Duck Dynasty. In the meantime, Mike received a flirtatious text message from Jackie, a girl he knows at school. Immediately, Hannah grabbed his phone and, after reading the message, stormed out of the house, Ten minutes later, Mike received a text message that Hannah had dumped him.

• sequential, timeline, chronological

• descriptive or spatial

• cause and effect

• compare and contrast

• problem and solution

Multiple Choice

On December 26, 2004, a magnitude 9 earthquake occurred four miles beneath the Indian Ocean. As a result of the quake, a vast stretch of seabed shifted upward about 50 feet. This shift caused a huge volume of seawater to rise. Because of gravity, giant waves of this water immediately began moving "downhill' in all directions. Traveling at speeds up to 600 mph, the waves, or tsunamis, soon poured over the coasts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. In the resulting disaster, over 200,000 people drowned in what was one of the worst disasters in world history.

• descriptive or spatial

• cause and effect

• compare and contrast

• problem and solution

• question and answer

Multiple Choice

For over one hundred years, the dominant type of automobile on American roads was the kind that used an internal combustion engine fueled by gasoline. However, a large, powerful, gas-fueled engine produces a high level of pollution. Furthermore, in an era when gasoline has become extremely costly, consumers are looking for automobiles powered by other methods. One early strategy was to build gas-powered automobiles smaller and with more efficient engines. Another solution was to build automobiles powered entirely by electricity. The best solution, at least so far, seems to be the hybrid car because it combines the best features of both gasoline and electrical power.

• sequential, timeline, chronological

• descriptive or spatial

• cause and effect

• compare and contrast

• problem and solution

Multiple Choice

French and Italian cooking each have their own devoted followers. Both camps claim their fare to be the world's best. The two cuisines have much in common; yet there are key differences. With respect to ingredients, the cuisines have similar approaches; Select the best possible and respect their flavors, rather than obscuring them. The Italians give perhaps the greater emphasis to excellent ingredients like superb olive oil and cheese.

• sequential, timeline, chronological

• descriptive or spatial

• cause and effect

• compare and contrast

• problem and solution

Multiple Choice

We had now reached the summit of the loftiest crag...A panorama more deplorably desolate no human imagination can conceive. To the right and left as far as the eye could reach, there lay outstretched, like the ramparts of the world, lines of horridly black and beetling cliff, whose character of gloom was but the more forcibly illustrated by the surf which reared high up against it its white and ghastly crest, howling and shrieking for ever. Just opposite the promontory upon whose apex we were placed, and at a distance of some five or six miles out at seas, there was visible a small bleak-looking island; or more properly its position was discernible through the wilderness of surge I which it was enveloped. About two miles nearer the land, arose another smaller size, hideously craggy and barren, and encompassed at various intervals by a cluster of dark rocks.

• sequential, timeline, chronological

• descriptive or spatial

• cause and effect

• compare and contrast

• problem and solution

Multiple Choice

What are the benefits of organic farms? One major benefit is that organic farms use natural farming methods, which promote biodiversity and help maintain healthy ecosystems. These farms often avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, reducing chemical runoff and its harmful effects on the environment. Additionally, organic farming practices can improve soil health through crop rotation and composting, leading to more sustainable agricultural systems. Organic farms also tend to prioritize animal welfare, providing animals with more space and access to outdoor environments. Furthermore, consumers often prefer organic products for their perceived health benefits and support for environmentally friendly practices, which can lead to higher market prices for organic produce. Overall, organic farms contribute to healthier food systems and a cleaner environment.

• sequential, timeline, chronological

• descriptive or spatial

• cause and effect

• compare and contrast

• question and answer

Use the next text to answer the last set of questions.

Read carefully about the eruption of Mount Vesuvius..

Multiple Choice

Nature has a number of different ways of burying and preserving the past. One way is by volcanic eruption. The most famous example is probably the great Roman town of Pompeii in southern Italy. The town was so quickly and completely covered with volcanic ashes from Mount Vesuvius one August day in A.D. 79 that the people of the town hardly knew what was happening to them. A second way of preserving the past may be seen in another part of Europe, where the surface of the land in the valleys of the Alps sank hundreds of years ago and was covered with water and peat. This cover preserved the wooden houses, utensils, and weapons of prehistoric Alpine lake dwellers. In Egypt, drifting sands have preserved fragile records for thousands of years. In Central America, the jungle buried and preserved some of the ancient cities of prehistoric native peoples.

• sequential, timeline, chronological

• descriptive or spatial

• cause and effect

• compare and contrast

• problem and solution

Multiple Choice

Nature has a number of different ways of burying and preserving the past. One way is by volcanic eruption. The most famous example is probably the great Roman town of Pompeii in southern Italy. The town was so quickly and completely covered with volcanic ashes from Mount Vesuvius one August day in A.D. 79 that the people of the town hardly knew what was happening to them. A second way of preserving the past may be seen in another part of Europe, where the surface of the land in the valleys of the Alps sank hundreds of years ago and was covered with water and peat. This cover preserved the wooden houses, utensils, and weapons of prehistoric Alpine lake dwellers. In Egypt, drifting sands have preserved fragile records for thousands of years. In Central America, the jungle buried and preserved some of the ancient cities of prehistoric native peoples.

The account of the eruption of Vesuvius shows that volcanoes...

• can occur at sea level.

• often erupt without warning.

• can change the course of climate.

• once were very common.

Multiple Choice

Nature has a number of different ways of burying and preserving the past. One way is by volcanic eruption. The most famous example is probably the great Roman town of Pompeii in southern Italy. The town was so quickly and completely covered with volcanic ashes from Mount Vesuvius one August day in A.D. 79 that the people of the town hardly knew what was happening to them. A second way of preserving the past may be seen in another part of Europe, where the surface of the land in the valleys of the Alps sank hundreds of years ago and was covered with water and peat. This cover preserved the wooden houses, utensils, and weapons of prehistoric Alpine lake dwellers. In Egypt, drifting sands have preserved fragile records for thousands of years. In Central America, the jungle buried and preserved some of the ancient cities of prehistoric native peoples.

Which is an accurate generalization from the passage?

• Damp climates preserve the past better than other climates do.

• Ancient civilizations failed because they could not protect themselves against natural disasters.

• The Egyptians left more records than any other ancient civilization.

• Much of what we know about ancient civilizations comes from relics preserved by natural disasters.

Draw

Underline the sentence that shows that even delicate objects can be protected by nature for many years.