Text Structure

In a text with a sequence text structure, the author ...

• explains how things are similar and different.

• describes a problem and then explains how someone solved it.

• tells about events in the order they happened

• describes a topic and its characteristics.

In a text with a compare and contrast text structure, the author ...

• explains how things are similar and different.

• explains something that happened and the reasons why.

• tells about events in the order they happened.

• describes a problem and then explains how someone solved it.

In a text with a cause and effect text structure, the author ...

• tells about events in the order they happened.

• describes a problem and then explains how someone solved it.

• explains something that happened and the reasons why.

• describes a topic and its characteristics.

Identify the main text structure used in the passage below. 

 Stress isn't bad; stress is normal. Everyone faces things that are stressful: deadlines for school assignments, new work responsibilities, asking someone on a date, and bills that have to be paid. These stressors are not necessarily negative things; deadlines keep classes organized, new work responsibilities help employees gain new skills, and paid bills keep the lights on. While these stressors should not be avoided, and frequently cannot be avoided, they still activate the body's stress response. This stress response, if stressors are prolonged, can lead negative consequences. In situations of chronic stress, the body gets worn down and weakened. What can be done to strengthen ourselves against these problems? The key is not avoiding stress; it is managing stress. Managing stress can keep our bodies and minds functioning at full capacity. If stress is not properly managed, it can cause long-term problems. The best ways to manage stress are by learning about it, exercising, and strengthening social ties.

• problem and solution

• description

• sequence

• compare and contrast

Identify the main text structure used in the passage below.

A river is a large natural stream of flowing water. The source of a river is the place

where the river starts. This is usually the highest point in the river. Many rivers begin

in springs, places where underground water flows to the Earth’s surface. Some rivers

begin in melting glaciers high up in the mountains or in lakes.

• sequence

• cause and effect

• problem and solution

• description

Identify the main text structure used in the passage below.

Here is what the experts found: The kids who slept an extra hour improved their test

scores. Some kids did better by as much as two grade levels! On the other hand, the kids who lost an hour of sleep did not improve their scores.

• description

• compare and contrast

• sequence

• problem and solution

Identify the main text structure used in the passage below.

A current is a steady flow of water in the ocean. In the Pacific Ocean, garbage from

the shore and ships gets trapped by ocean currents. The currents move the trash into a

large area in the middle of the ocean. This has created a swirling mass of plastics and

seawater called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

• compare and contrast

• description

• cause and effect

• problem and solution

Identify the main text structure used in the passage below. 

It was April 18. Winter still hung in the air, but the snows had melted. The inside of the

cabin was warm, and the fire in the hearth made an orange glow. Mary and Jonah looked

forward to evenings. This was the time of day that their parents sat and talked, while

Mary and Jonah listened in.

• description

• cause and effect

• chronological order

• sequence

Which of the following passages has a sequence text structure?

• The fighting in World War I stopped on November 11, 1918. A year later, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th Armistice Day. He said that every year, Americans would honor and thank the veterans who fought. Armistice Day became a federal holiday in 1938.

• Armistice Day became the holiday Veterans Day. Both holidays celebrated veterans. But while Armistice Day was only for veterans of World War I, Veterans Day is for all veterans of any war.

• The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held every year at Arlington Cemetery. The ceremony always starts at 11 o’clock. A wreath is laid on a special monument that honors soldiers. The Veterans Day Ceremony also includes a parade and speeches by important figures.

• By implementing a school uniform policy, many people feel that peer pressure regarding clothing would be largely eliminated. Specific clothes, including basic white shirts, navy or black pants and skirts could be purchased at any local chain store. Proponents also say that teens and their parents would save money and that with uniformity, students’ behavior would improve. According to a recent study conducted at the University of Notre Dame, school uniforms have no effect on teen behavior at school. Nevertheless, there are other comprehensive studies that differ with this position. According to a study conducted in Long Beach, California, school discipline improved when school officials mandated uniforms.

Which of the following passages has a compare and contrast text structure? 

• The ExoMars 2016 mission blasted off on March 14, 2016. The spacecraft is owned by Russian and European space programs. It left from the country of Kazakhstan. The ExoMars spacecraft has special tools to help scientists learn more about Mars.

• Scientists at NASA, the United States space program, think that there is liquid water on Mars. Pictures of the surface of Mars showed wet-looking spots. Researchers used these pictures to figure out that liquid water exists there.

• Mars is farther away from the Sun than the Earth is. It’s much colder. Mars is 142 million miles from the Sun, while Earth is 93 million miles away. Even though Mars is smaller and colder than Earth, the two planets are similar. Both have seasons, like winter and summer.

• Mars is a red-orange planet in our solar system. There are eight planets in the solar system that orbit, or travel around, the Sun. Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun.