Text Structure

1. 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

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

• cause and effect

• order and sequence

• problem and solution

• compare and contrast

3. 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.

• cause and effect

• order and sequence

• problem and solution

• compare and contrast

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

• description

• cause and effect

• problem and solution

• order and sequence

5. 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.

• problem and solution

• compare and contrast

• order and sequence

• cause & effect

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

• description

• order and sequence

• compare and contrast

• problem and solution

7. 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 and contrast

• problem and solution

• order and sequence

8. Students who are frequently absent often have lower grades than those who have good attendance. When 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.

• problem and solution

• compare and contrast

• cause and effect

• order and sequence

9. 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.

• description

• order and sequence

• compare and contrast

• problem and solution

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

• description

• problem and solution

• order and sequence

• compare and contrast