Informational Texts Structure

5/18 Informational Text Structure

As readers, you need to know HOW the information is organized and WHY the author makes that choice

What seems to be the main text structure in this article? Why has the author chosen it?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following identifies a central idea in the selection?

• Many scientists claim to have discovered DNA.

• DNA is the main contributing factor to a person's identity.

• The ideas of many scientists came together, leading to the discovery of DNA’s structure.

Multiple Choice

How do paragraphs 2 and 3 contribute to the development of ideas?

• to tell what events led to the discovery of DNA’s structure

• to identify the problems encountered by the scientists

• to describe the qualities of DNA

• to present opposing scientific viewpoints

What are two examples of dominant traits? What does it mean if traits are "dominant"?

What is the text structure in the final paragraph?

Open Ended

How would you summarize the author's development of ideas about DNA in the selection you just read? First he describes... Then he explains... Finally he emphasizes...

Multiple Choice

How does the text structure in the second paragraph contribute to the account as a whole? Hint: Look at the signal words used in the paragraph

• The author uses cause and effect to explain how genes can cause some family members to have different traits from the others.

• The author lists the sequence of events that allows recessive genes to surface instead of dominant ones.

• The author presents the problem of people like Kate not knowing why they look different and then gives the solution.

• The author compares and contrasts brown-eyed and brown-haired individuals with those that have blue eyes and red hair.

Multiple Choice

The author uses a problem-and-solution text structure in the final paragraph to communicate which of the following important ideas? Hint: Identify the main idea of the last paragraph

• Kate might have other genetic traits in common with her parents.

• Understanding how DNA works might help us take precautions against some illnesses.

• If people learn they’re prone to certain diseases, they can prepare for the worst.

• Studying DNA can allow people to control the hair and eye color of future generations.

Test-Taking Strategy

• While Reading: Notice how the author connects one paragraph to the next, using signal words.

• Questions: Reread specific paragraphs asked about in the question

• Questions: Eliminate answers that do not support the central idea of the selection