Text Structure

Explain reasons why something happened or the effects of something

• Chronological

• Cause/Effect

• Problem/Solution

• Sequence/Process Writing

Many people think that they can get sick by going into cold weather improperly dressed; however, illnesses are not caused by temperature- they are caused by germs. So while shivering outside in the cold probably won’t strengthen your immune system, you’re more likely to contract an illness indoors because you will have a greater exposure to germs.

• Problem/Solution

• Spatial/Descriptive Writing

• Cause/Effect

• Sequence/Process Writing

Signal Words: because, as a result, resulted, caused, affected, since, due to, effect

• Spatial/Descriptive

• Problem/Solution

• Order of Importance

• Cause/Effect

When information in a passage is organized by the time in which each event occurred. Think: Time order.

• Cause/Effect

• Problem/Solution

• Chronological

• Sequence/Process Writing

This morning was crazy. My alarm clock was set for PM instead of AM, so I woke up really late. I just threw on some clothes and ran out the door. I rode my bike as fast as I could and thought that I was going to be late for sure, but when I got there everyone was outside and there were firetrucks all lined up in front of school. I guess somebody pulled the fire alarm before class started. It worked out though, because nobody really noticed or minded that I was tardy.

• Sequence/Process Writing

• Spatial/Descriptive

• Problem/Solution

• Chronological

The similarities and differences of two or more things are explored

• Problem/Solution

• Spatial/Descriptive

• Cause/Effect

• Compare/Contrast

Apples and oranges are both fruits, which means that they have seeds inside of them. Each has a skin, but orange skins are thick and easy to peel. Apple skins are thinner and do not peel easily. Oranges also contain more acid than apples, but both fruits are delicious.

• Compare/Contrast

• Chronological

• Order of Importance

• Spatial/Descriptive

Signal Words: like, unlike, both, neither, similar, and different.

• Spatial/Descriptive

• Compare/Contrast

• Problem/Solution

• Sequence/Process Writing

Information in a passage is expressed as a dilemma or concerning issue and something that was, can be, or should be done to remedy this issue.

• Problem/Solution

• Cause/Effect

• Order of Importance

• Chronological

Signal Words: propose, solution, answer, issue, problem, problematic, remedy, prevention, and fix.

• Cause/Effect

• Compare/Contrast

• Problem/Solution

• Order of Importance