Non Fiction Text Structures Lesson

How do text structures differ from text features?

• Text structures focus on the elements that make up a nonfiction text, while text features focus on the ideas presented within the main body of the text.

• Text structures include the title, subtitle, sidebar, graphic aid, caption, and the author’s purpose.

• Text Features include description, chronological, problem and solution, cause and effect, sequential, and compare and contrast order.

• Text structures focus on how the ideas within a nonfiction text are organized, while text features focus on the elements that are not the main body of the text.

If an article discusses the personality traits, behaviors, and physical characteristics of a tiger, what text structure would best organize the ideas within this article?

• Compare and contrast

• Description

• Sequential

• Problem and solution

If an article discusses the importance of brushing your teeth and flossing in order to avoid cavities, what text structure would best organize the ideas within this article?

• Chronological

• Compare and contrast

• Description

• Cause and effect

If an article discusses the similarities and differences between Golden Retrievers and German Shepard’s, what text structure would best organize the ideas within this article?

• Description

• Compare and contrast

• Cause and effect

• Problem and solution

The author used a _______ passage in order to convey the idea that a meteor may have led to the extinction of dinosaurs.

• compare contrast

• problem solution

• cause and effect

• description

Choose the clue words that indicate compare and contrast.

• therefore, cause, effect, consequently

• similar, different, common, on the other hand, venn diagram

• later, then, next, Monday

• possibility, struggle, hope, problem

This has been the worse summer in years for acorn production in northeastern forests. While some may think this is not a big deal, in fact it is. If there are fewer acorns, it may result in a decrease in populations of squirrels and field mice. Since these animals are often hosts to insects, including ticks, the ticks will be on the move and more likely to bite humans. As a result, scientists expect to see an increase in the number of cases of Lyme Disease, an infection carried by ticks.

• problem & solution

• compare & contrast

• descriptive

• cause & effect

Author's use different text structures to

• give facts about global warming

• organize their ideas

• do research

• add visuals to their writing

Which text structure would an author use when writing about the life of Abraham Lincoln

• Compare and Contrast

• Chronological / Sequence

• Cause and Effect

• Problem and Solution

Which text structure would an author use when writing about events causing the Civil War?

• Cause and Effect

• Compare and Contrast

• Chronological / Sequence

• Problem and Solution