Identifying Text Structure

Skiing vs. Snowboarding
Unlike the sport of skiing, snowboarding does not involve the use of poles. In skiing, the skier’s feet are strapped to separate skis, and he or she can change direction using the poles. In snowboarding, on the other hand, the feet are strapped to a single board of fiberglass or wood. The snowboarder must steer by leaning in the direction he or she wants to go, as a skateboarder does. Whereas most skiers compete by racing against each other on different courses, most snowboarders compete with freestyle tricks or great feats of acrobatics.
How is this passage organized?

• description 
• cause and effect
• compare and contrast
• chronological order 

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.3

Droughts
Droughts occur when there is not enough water to meet people’s basic needs. Since water is such an essential part of life, droughts trigger a chain reaction of disasters. Without water, farmers have trouble producing crops and feeding livestock. A decrease in crop production and livestock occurs, and this leads to famine. Without moisture to hold down the soil, wind can easily pick up mounds of dirt and sand. An increase in dust storms occurs, and this leads to increased respiratory problems for humans. Wildfires are also common in times of drought. They destroy precious vegetation and animal habitats.
How is this passage organized?

• description 
• chronological order
• compare and contrast
• cause and effect 

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.5

The U.S. Oil Embargo of Japan
     In 1931, Japan invaded a country called Manchuria. Six years later, it invaded mainland China. Japan was an ally of Germany and Italy, both under the control of Adolf Hitler. Most countries were worried about this alliance because these nations were attacking their neighbors. The United States was among the nations who shared a concern about these aggressive countries called "the Axis."      Soon after Japan invaded China, World War II started. Japan attacked lands belonging to other countries; many of them were allied with the United States. Though the United States was not at war yet with Japan, President Roosevelt took action because of these attacks. The United States refused to sell Japan steel and oil. This is a situation called an "embargo." Steel is used in the manufacture of weapons of war, and oil is used as fuel for war machines. The United States claimed that it was refusing to sell these resources to Japan because it did not want to help Japan wage war.     Japan decided to attack the U.S. soon after the embargo began. Japan wanted to force the U.S. to surrender quickly. The attack on Pearl Harbor brought the U.S. into World War II, and the Axis countries were defeated four years later.
How is this passage organized?

• problem and solution 
• cause and effect 
• compare and contrast 
• sequence

To drill or not to drill: that is the question. Prudhoe Bay in Alaska is home to North America's largest oil field. Many think this would be a prime drilling spot to help the U.S.'s energy crisis. However, the bay is located just west of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Anti-drillers believe that gas prices will not go down with this drilling. They argue that drilling near the wildlife refuge will instead endanger the lives of the animals living there. Many animals will lose their water supply, their food, and their homes. Anti-drillers also claim that the amount of oil under the bay will only satisfy the nation's oil needs for six months. Anti-drillers have been arguing against Prudhoe Bay drilling for over 30 years.

• The selection describes the cause and effect of drilling oil near the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
• The selection compares and contrasts two possible solutions to the national energy crisis.
• The selection asks questions and provides answers to the problems in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
• The selection describes the problems and solutions to the oil crisis in the United States.

Flowers can brighten up a room with their colors and their scents. When it comes to choosing flowers, some people have to choose between real and silk flowers. Fresh flowers give life to the room with its smell and the fact that they are real. Also, these flowers can be very expensive because they have to be grown. They can be very fragile as well. In contrast, silk flowers are made of more durable material and will not wilt like real flowers. Depending on how they are made, these flowers can be less expensive. Sometimes, silk flowers do not look real. This causes the flowers to lose their appeal. Either way, flowers, real or silk, give much cheer to a room.
How is this passage organized?

• compare and contrast because real flowers are compared to silk ones
• classification because the topic of real flowers is divided into subtopics
• definition because the flower's scent is defined and and its uses are given
• cause and effect because the reasons a person buys flowers are described

There are many climate regions around the world. Some of them can vary from mild temperatures to very extreme ones. One of the harshest regions is the tundra. The tundra is an area of land that has no tree growth due to its cold, windy, and dry nature. Tundras can be found in the northern parts of the globe, in the Arctic, and the tops of mountains. They have a layer of frozen ground called permafrost, which prevents almost anything from growing in the soil. Therefore, only a few animals and plants can survive in these conditions.
The author organizes this passage by

• comparing the tundra's climate to other climate regions.
• defining the term tundra and describing its conditions.
• giving the different classifications of permafrost.
• showing the effects of very mild and extreme climates.

    Heavy rains have left the Midwest in despair. At least 36 levees have collapsed because of the ongoing storms. As a result, the Mississippi River poured through a number of towns along the banks.
 The hit to one of the world’s largest food exporters will have a huge influence on the economy. The damage amounts to over $6 billion, and over 5 million acres of corn and soybeans have been destroyed. Consumers should expect to see a sharp increase in prices for corn products and livestock.
How is this passage organized?

• cause and effect 
• compare and contrast 
• description 
• chronological order

 There is a great debate that takes place every morning for breakfast. A decision has to be made—should there be pancakes or waffles? Both of these breakfast foods are made from a batter. Then, that batter is poured onto a griddle or into a waffle maker. Pancakes are thin flat cakes, which tend to be light and fluffy. In contrast, waffles are crisp thick cakes with ridges. After being made, pancakes and waffles can have a variety of toppings. They can have syrup, fruit, or whip cream. Therefore, reaching a decision is difficult because their differences, though few, make a world of difference.
How is this passage organized?

• cause and effect
• compare and contrast 
• definition
• classification

 The Rainforest Action Network (RAN) is asking the world's paper producers to be more careful from whom they buy their wood.
 RAN is asking them to buy wood that has been certified and stamped by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC marks some wood with a stamp of its logo. This stamp shows that the wood comes from sustainable forests. It also shows that the wood is collected in a way that is good for the environment. 
 Producers who choose FSC stamped wood are helping to protect rainforests. As a result, these rainforests will provide clean air and water for centuries to come. Healthy rainforests play an important role in pest control, prevention of erosion, and the discovery of new medicines.
Identify the text structure of the passage above.

• compare and contrast
• cause and effect
• description
• chronological order

Many vaccines battle different diseases that can harm the population. One of these diseases that a vaccine fights is measles. Measles is an infection caused by a virus. This virus affects the organs that help a person breathe. It can spread to another person easily by a sneeze or cough. Some of the symptoms are fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. There is no cure for measles, but there are ways to help relieve the pain. A person should get plenty of rest and use a vaporizer so that he or she can breathe 
Which of the following best describes how the passage is organized?

• The passage shows the effects of other diseases like measles.
• The passage describes the term measles and lists its characteristics.
• The passage provides the different classifications of diseases.
• The passage compares measles to other contagious diseases.