Nonfiction Text Structures

This type of writing considers similarities and differences.

• description/spatial

• compare & contrast

• sequence or chronological order

• cause & effect

In this type of writing, the reader will see words/phrases such as "because," "as a result of," and "due to."

• cause & effect

• problem & solution

• sequence or chronological order

• compare & contrast

In this type of writing the reader will find words/phrases such as, "solve," "a concern is," or "a potential fix is."

• cause & effect

• problem & solution

• sequence or chronological order

• compare & contrast

This type of writing gives information step-by-step.

• cause & effect
• problem & solution
• order & sequence 
• compare & contrast

Tags

CCSS.W.6.2A

As a result of equipment failure and a lack of maintenance, the BP oil pipe burst off the coast of Louisiana and spilled 200 million gallons into the ocean in 2010. Consequently, 82,000 birds of 102 species, approximately 6,165 sea turtles, and up to 25,900 marine mammals were killed.

• problem & solution

• sequence or chronological order

• compare & contrast

• cause & effect

Every morning, I wake up at about 7:00 AM. The first thing I do is make my bed and pick out the clothes I’m going to wear. Then, I brush my teeth and take a shower. After my shower, I dry my hair and get dressed.

• description

• compare & contrast

• sequence or chronological order

• problem & solution

Tags

CCSS.W.6.3A

CCSS.W.6.3C

While oranges and lemons are both citrus fruits that grow on trees, they are different colors and have very different tastes.

• description

• compare & contrast

• sequence or chronological order

• problem & solution

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

The school hallway carried the smell of wax, varnish, and cleaning supplies. Bright,yellow light glared into the hall through the freshly cleaned windows. This highlighted the deep scrapes in the lockers, the chips in the wall tiles, and the spider webs hanging in the corner.

• description
• compare & contrast
• order & sequence
• problem & solution

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

The sun shone bright yellow in a cloudless blue sky. A faint haze rose from the glistening pavement, suggesting steam rising off a hot surface.

• description

• compare & contrast

• sequence or chronological order

• problem & solution

Before editing your writing, the first step should be to revise. Begin by reading each paragraph separately, and then find the topic sentence for each one. Next, make sure all the sentences relate to that topic sentence. Finally, look at how the paragraphs work together. Make sure there are transitional words between each paragraph so your writing flows together smoothly.

• sequence or chronological order

• descriptive

• compare & contrast

• problem & solution

Tags

CCSS.W.6.2A

CCSS.W.6.2C

CCSS.W.6.3C