Determining Text Structure of a Nonfiction Text

Which of the following signal words are writers most likely to use when comparing and contrasting two animals?

• As a result, due to

• In addition, for example

• similar, unlike

• a solution is

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

Which of the following is the best example of a cause and effect structure?

• Amy studied for the test; therefore, she passed.

• Marcus writes an essay on the benefits of running.

• First, Lisa bought a present, then she wrapped it, and lastly she gave it to her friend.

• Daniel wrote a paragraph about the life cycle of a butterfly.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

If someone wants to write a recipe to make chocolate cake, what would be the best text structure to use?

• description

• sequence

• problem and solution

• compare and contrast

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

Flowers can brighten up a room with their colors and their scents. When it comes to choosing flowers, some people have to choose between real and silk flowers. Fresh flowers give life to the room with its smell and the fact that they are real. Also, these flowers can be very expensive because they have to be grown. They can be very fragile as well. In contrast, silk flowers are made of more durable material and will not wilt like real flowers. Depending on how they are made, these flowers can be less expensive. Sometimes, silk flowers do not look real. This causes the flowers to lose their appeal. Either way, flowers, real or silk, give much cheer to a room.
How is this passage organized?

• compare and contrast because real flowers are compared to silk ones
• classification because the topic of real flowers is divided into subtopics
• definition because the flower's scent is defined and and its uses are given
• cause and effect because the reasons a person buys flowers are described

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

Every day, technology has a huge effect on our lives. However, do we ever wonder what it changes? We are constantly connected with world with e-mail, Internet, and cell phones. This overload of technology causes us to be overexcited. In effect, technology can be distracting. It can make us forget the simplest of tasks as well as hinder creativity. As a result, we are less efficient as workers and as learners.
Which of the following best describes how the passage is organized?

• The passage compares and contrasts everyday work with creative ones.
• The passage defines the term technology and describes its function.
• The passage describes how technology affects a person's everyday life.
• The passage compares and contrasts everyday work with creative ones.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

People learn to read in two different ways. Some people learn to read by using phonics. Phonics teaches people to sound out words as they read. Other people learn to read by using the whole language method. They learn to read by listening to others read and by writing out their thoughts so that they learn how sentences are put together.
What organizational structure does this paragraph use?

• chronological order
• cause/effect
• compare/contrast
• description

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

The "Fall of Rome" happened after many years of trouble in the Roman Empire. Many Roman citizens were poor because of the high taxes they paid. The Roman army became disorganized. It could not keep the empire safe from invasions. People cared less and less about their country and did not perform their civic duties.
This selection is organized by

• chronological order.
• sequence
• cause/effect.
• compare/contrast.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

Laundry needs to dry before being folded. When a cloth item is put away before being allowed to dry, the moisture consequently gets trapped in the fabric. Bacteria - because it thrives in damp areas - builds up, resulting in a smell that clings to the clothing.

• Cause and Effect

• Problem/Solution

• Compare/Contrast

• Description

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

Properly building a firepit takes detail. Before starting, make sure there are no roots or plants nearby that might catch fire. Build stone around the perimeter, then spread a layer of sand and rocks over the base. Finally, gather your firewood and safely start and maintain your fire.

• Cause and Effect

• Descriptive

• Chronological

• Problem/Solution

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

Every morning, the cat would jump on the counter and knock over glasses of water. Removing the cat didn't solve the issue. The spray bottle didn't help. Finally, laying tin foil across the countertops scared the cat enough to get him to stop.

• Sequence

• Cause and Effect

• Compare/Contrast

• Problem/Solution

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5