Text Structures

This type of structure shows how two or more things are alike and different. You may see words such as like, unlike, or different.

• description

• compare & contrast

• order & sequence

• cause & effect

This structure shows events in time order. You may see words such as: first, next, then, or last.

• cause & effect

• order & sequence

• problem & solution

• compare & contrast

This type of structure tells about a problem and shows a solution. The reader will find words/phrases such as a problem is, solve, or solution

• problem & solution

• cause & effect

• order & sequence

• compare & contrast

This type of structure tells about something. You may see words such as "characteristics are" or "for example".

• description

• order & sequence

• compare & contrast

• problem & solution

This structure shows why something happened and what happened. The reader will see words/phrases such as because, as a result of, and due to.

• compare & contrast

• problem & solution

• cause & effect

• order & sequence

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

• description

• compare & contrast

• order & sequence

• problem & solution

"Every morning, I wake up at about 5:30 AM. The first thing I do is make my bed and pick out the clothes I want to wear. Then, I drink my coffee and take a shower. After my shower, I dry my hair and get ready for school."

What type of text structure is this?

• description

• compare & contrast

• problem & solution

• order & sequence

"Bats are interesting creatures. These mammals are shy and gentle creatures. They are nocturnal and search for food at night. Most bats feed on insects. For example, one bat can eat hundreds of insects in an hour! Without bats, those insects would eat crops that farmers grow."

What type of text structure is this?

• compare & contrast

• problem & solution

• order & sequence

• description

"Every year, thousands of car accidents occur because of drivers distracted by their phones. Safe Driver Corporation (SDC) developed a product that will disable cell phones inside a car, and many people feel this solution will help save lives."

What type of text structure is this?

• description

• compare & contrast

• problem & solution

• order & sequence

"Students who are frequently absent often have lower grades than those who have less absences. Why they are out of the classroom, students do not get to see a teacher's lessons. Even if they get extra help, it's usually much shorter and less detailed than the actual lesson. In addition, frequently absent students often miss tests or other assignments and don't always make up the work."

What type of text structure is this?

• cause & effect

• order & sequence

• compare & contrast

• problem & solution