Analyzing Nonfiction Text Structure

Choose the clue words that indicate compare and contrast.

• therefore, cause, effect, consequently
• first, second, thirds, fourth
• similar, different, both, on the other hand
• possibility, struggle, hope, problem

Choose the clue words that indicate cause and effect.

• next, after, then, first, last
• struggle, promise, problem, solution
• consequently, as a result of, so, therefore
• similar, common, compare, contrast

Choose the clue words that indicate sequential order.

• first, then, next, finally 
• cause, effect, as a result of, because
• problem, solution, promise, struggle
• compare, contrast, similar, different

What text structure is used to show a series of events happening over a period of time?

• Problem/Solution
• Cause/Effect
• Timeline
• Main Idea

Read the following paragraph. Which text structure is used?
Have you ever made macaroni and cheese? It’s simple! First, boil some water and make some macaroni. Then, make your cheese sauce. After the cheese sauce is ready, mix it with the macaroni. Bake the entire thing in the oven. Finally, it’s time to eat!

• sequential order
• compare and contrast
• description
• problem and solution

Read the following paragraph. Which text structure is used?
The cardinal and the cedar waxwing are two common birds. Both have crests on their heads. Both are common at birdfeeders. 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.

• compare and contrast
• problem and solution
• description
• cause and effect

Read the following paragraph. Which text structure is used?
The pond was a beautiful place to visit. The falling leaves, all different colors, decorated the surface of the water. At the edges of the pond, small wildflowers grew. The golden forest glowed faintly in the distance.

• compare and contrast
• main idea/description
• chronological
• problem and solution

Making ice-cream is not easy.  Cream and sugar have to first be mixed in a frozen container.  Ingredients may be added at this point, if desired.  The mixture must be stirred and whipped until the cream and sugar mixture is frozen.  Depending on the equipment, this may take as long as an hour.  After the ice-cream is prepared, it must be kept frozen until it is ready to be enjoyed.  Making ice-cream is difficult, but most people would agree that it is worth the trouble.

• Compare and Contrast
• Chronological
• Cause and Effect
• Sequential

Frogs and toads can live in the water and on the land. They both catch food with long, sticky tongues. They eat insects and small animals. You can tell them apart by their bodies. Frogs have long, strong back legs and thin, moist skin. Toads have shorter back legs and drier skin. 
Which text structure is used?

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

What text structure is used?

• Timeline
• Compare/Contrast
• Problem/Solution
• Main Idea