Text Structure and Transition Words and Phrases Assessment

Text Structures can best be defined as...

• the organizational structures within a paragraph or longer text

• unique features that help the reader understand the content of a text

• a type of writing that consists of story elements such as characters, setting, conflict/resolution, and plot.

• words or phrases embedded in texts which help to indicate the organizational features of the text

A fuel cell is a kind of battery. It makes electricity. One side of the cell is filled with hydrogen. The other is filled with oxygen that comes from the air. The hydrogen separates into electrons and protons. The electrons supply the power for the motor. The protons mix with the oxygen to make water. The water passes out of the cell.

• Problem and Solution

• Cause and Effect

• Compare and Contrast

• Description

No one knows exactly what causes tornados, but some scientists believe that when warm air meets cold air, a tornado may form. The reason for this is that the warm air is lighter than the cold air, so it rises up fast and meets different winds moving different directions. Under the right conditions, this can cause a tornado. Though there is still much mystery surrounding tornados, many people believe that when warm moist air meets cool dry air, tornados can result.

• Problem and Solution

• Cause and Effect

• Compare and Contrast

• Sequence (Chronological)

The cardinal and the cedar waxwing are two common birds. Both have crests on their heads. Both are common at bird feeders. But the birds have some differences. The male cardinal is a bright red, while the waxwing is brown.  The cedar waxwing often migrates from place to place. On the other hand, the cardinal stays in one place year after year.

• Cause and Effect
• Problem and Solution
• Description
• Compare and Contrast

Topic: Toad (Frog) Population

Dr. Knapp doesn’t want people to sit back and let the toad vanish. He believes that everyone is responsible for restoring the toad species. One of Dr. Knapp's solution is that we stop mowing parts of our lawns and let the grass grow wild to reserve space for the toad. He also believes we need to stop using pesticides and fertilizers. The chemicals kill the insects that toads eat. If we preserve some spaces in our lawns and stop using fertilizers, Dr. Knapp believes we can save the toads.

• Cause and Effect

• Compare and Contrast

• Chronological

• Problem and Solution

Today more people are connected to the internet than ever before, not only at home, but also on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Many of these people now get their news from the internet rather than reading newspapers. As a consequence, many newspapers have gone out of business.

• Compare and Contrast

• Cause and Effect

• Description

• Chronological

Topic: Low Test Scores

Many students have been getting low scores on tests and this is upsetting to parents, teachers, and students. Low test scores show that teachers aren’t teaching effectively or that students aren’t learning. Either way it’s an issue with which we are concerned. I propose the following: any teacher who is giving a test should open up their classroom for study groups the night and morning before the test. Maybe by giving students extra opportunities to study, we can improve students’ test scores.

• Sequence (Chronological)

• Problem and Solution

• Compare and Contrast

• Description

• Cause and Effect

The Best PB & J Ever!

Once, when I got home from school after a long boring day, I took out the peanut butter, jelly, and bread. After taking the lid off of the jars, I spread the peanut butter on one side of the bread and the jelly on the other, and then I put the two pieces of bread together. After that, I enjoyed it while watching “Cops” on the TV. I swear, that was the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich I ever ate.

How is the above text organized?

• Problem and Solution

• Sequence (Chronological)

• Cause and Effect

• Description

Which text structure describes something in time order?

• Description

• Cause and Effect

• Sequence (Chronological)

• Compare and Contrast

There are two popular sports played: basketball and volleyball. Both take place inside of the gym. Also, each sport has two teams of people. In basketball, however, the ball can be played off of the floor, and in volleyball, the ball cannot touch the floor or it is out of play. Basketball and volleyball are popular sports.

What text structure is this?

• Cause and Effect

• Problem and Solution

• Compare and Contrast

• Description