Informational Text Structures

Did you know there are different kinds of clouds in the sky? There are many different types of clouds. Stratus clouds are low to the ground. Sometimes they are so low to the ground that we call it “fog” They are thick and usually gray. Stratus clouds usually indicates that the weather could be rainy or just cloudy. Cirrus clouds are high in the sky. They are thin and wispy. Usually, cirrus clouds mean that the weather will be nice and fair. Both clouds help predict what kind of weather is coming!

How does this text structure contribute to the meaning of this text?

• A. It provides the sequence of cirrus clouds becoming stratus clouds.

• B. It compares the characteristics of cirrus clouds to the characteristics of stratus clouds.

• C. It describes the characteristics of only stratus clouds, explaining how they form.

• D. It describes the effects cirrus clouds have on the weather.

Several things must occur before a cloud to form. In order for a cloud to form, water must first evaporate from oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams.  Then, the evaporated water, or water vapor, floats high into the air where it’s very cold. After that, the water vapor turns back into either liquid water or ice crystals.  Finally, you have a cloud.

How does this text structure contribute to the meaning of this text?

• A. It explains the sequence of events that must occur before a cloud is formed.

• B. It describes the characteristics of a cumulus cloud.

• C. It indicates the effects of a cloud floating in the sky.

• D. It indicates the solution of evaporated water floating high into the air.

Today I looked up at the sky and saw cumulonimbus clouds as I walked to the barn to meet my dad. I immediately ran and told my dad that a storm was coming.  He didn’t believe me until it started to thunder and pour! We grabbed an umbrella and quickly headed back to the house before it began to flood. Due to my accurate prediction, he said I should do the weather on the news.

How does this text structure contribute to the meaning of this text?

• A. It indicates the effect of the author telling their father they saw cumulonimbus clouds.

• B. It describes the features of a cumulonimbus cloud found in the sky.

• C. It compares cumulonimbus clouds to the cirrus clouds found in the sky.

• D. It explains the sequence of events, telling how a thunderstorm occurs.

Which text structure is written in a way that tells why something happens and explains what happens?

• A. Compare and Contrast

• B. Description

• C. Cause and effect

• D. Chronological Order/Sequence

What does the prefix INTER mean in the word interrupt?

• Self

• Against

• Between

Read the following sentence: Drink fluids to hydrate the body. Which word is the root for "Hydrate"?

• science

• water

• life

What does the suffix less in restless mean?

• Full of

• Without

• The most

Cumulus clouds are white and puffy with flat bottoms.  They look like big cotton balls or marshmallows.  They look extremely soft, as if you laid on them, you would instantly fall asleep.  Even though it may look like you can jump on them, you would actually fall right through, since they are made of water.  Cumulus clouds are found in the middle of the sky on bright, sunny days.  You can see these clouds when the weather is good.

How does this text structure contribute to the meaning of this text?

• A. It indicates the sequence of events that must occur for a cumulus cloud to form.

• B. It provides the effect of a cumulus cloud on your eyes if you look at them too hard.

• C. It describes the features of a cumulus cloud found in the sky.

• D. It compares cumulus clouds to other types of clouds.

Which text structure describes or organizes information for an event or tells how to do something in the order that the events or steps occurred?

• A. Cause and Effect

• B. Problem and Solution

• C. Compare and Contrast

• D. Chronological Order/Sequence

Which text structure explains how two or more topics are similar and how they are different?

• A. Cause and Effect

• B. Compare and Contrast

• C. Description

• D. Problem and Solution