Informational Text Structures

Text Structures for Informational Text

Review

Use the next slide to review what we have learned about the five different ways writers organize their ideas when writing informational text!

Identifying Text Structures

Can you identify the text structure the writer used in these passages? Use process-of-elimination to narrow your choices!

Multiple Choice

Screen Protector

Before applying the screen protector, clean the surface of your phone’s screen with a soft cloth. Once the surface of your screen is clean, remove the paper backing on the screen protector. Evenly apply the sticky side of the screen protector to your phone’s screen. Smooth out any air bubble trapped on between the protector and the phone screen. Enjoy the added protection.

How did the author organize the text?

• description

• problem / solution

• cause and effect

• sequence

Multiple Choice

What Happened to the Dinosaurs?

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.

How did the author organize the text?

• problem / solution

• cause and effect

• sequence

• chronological

Multiple Choice

Bobby Fischer

Robert James Fischer was born in Chicago but unlocked the secrets of chess in a Brooklyn apartment right above a candy store. At the age of six he taught himself to play by following the instruction booklet that came with his chess board. After spending much of his childhood in chess clubs, Fischer said that, “One day, I just got good.” That may be a bit of an understatement. At the age of 13 he won the U.S. Junior Chess Championship, becoming the youngest Junior Champion ever. At the age of 14 he won the U.S. Championship and became the youngest U.S. Champion in history. Fischer would go on to become the World Champion of chess, but he would also grow to become his own worst enemy. Instead of defending the title, he forfeited it to the next challenger without even making a move, and the rise of a chess superstar ended with a fizzle.

How did the author organize the above text?

• sequence

• cause and effect

• chronological

• problem / solution

Multiple Choice

When a river receives a lot of extra water it may flood. During a flood there is plenty of water, and most people wouldn’t think that dehydration was a serious risk, but flood waters are mostly polluted and not safe to drink. People who drink the contaminated water may suffer from illnesses or diseases such as typhoid. You can prepare for flooding by filling many containers with fresh clean drinking water. You can also use sandbags to protect your house and to soak up the water. Be prepared and be safe.

How did the author organize this passage?

• cause and effect

• problem / solution

• sequence

• chronological

Multiple Choice

The Best PB & J Ever!

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.

How is the above text organized?

• problem / solution

• sequence

• cause and effect

• description

Multiple Choice

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.

How does the author organize the passage?

• cause and effect

• problem / solution

• sequence

• description

Poll

If you were writing to persuade your overweight readers to exercise vigorously three times a week, how would you organize your writing? Either structure can be used, but be prepared to explain your choice!

• Cause and Effect

• Problem/Solution

Open Ended

Why?

Poll

If you were writing about your favorite vacation destination, how would you organize your writing?

Either structure can be used, but be prepared to explain your choice!

• Chronological

• Description

Open Ended

Why?

Poll

If you were writing to tell someone how to fix their bicycle, how would your organize your writing? Either structure can be used, but be prepared to explain your choice!

• sequence

• problem/solution

Open Ended

Why?