Text StructureHow Information Is Arranged
NONFICTION
Non-Fiction Text StructuresDescriptionSequenceProblem/SolutionCause/EffectCompare/Contrast
Gives details about something, someone, or someplace
Presents the step-by-step events in a process
Identifies a problem and possible solutions
Explains how something occurred as a result of something else
Explains how things are similar or different
Chronological Arranges events over a period of time
Non-Fiction Text StructureDescriptionSignal Words
For example
For Instance
Characteristics include
Specifically
In addition to
Non-Fiction Text StructureDescription
The Super Bowl
Two Conference
winners
People throw parties
February 7
Huge Advertising
money
Most Watched Sporting
Event
Broadcast in 34
languages
Gives details about something, someone, or someplace
The Super Bowl
Non-Fiction Text StructureSequence
1
5
4
3
2
Signal Words
Before, To start, In the
beginning,
First, During, After,
Finally
Then, Last, Later
In the middle, In the end
Non-Fiction Text StructureSequence
Get Bread
Spread jelly on Slice One
Spread Peanut Butter on Slice
Two
Eat
Join both pieces of
bread
1
5
4
3
2
Presents the step-by-step events in a process
Making A Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich
Non-Fiction Text StructureProblem/Solution
OR
Signal Words
Problem, Issue, Cause,
As a result, Because of,
Leads to
Due to, Solve, So,
Consequently, Since
Non-Fiction Text StructureProblem/Solution
Neighbor’s dog continues to bark Spray with hose
OR
Identifies a problem and possible solutions
Barking Dog Problem
Non-Fiction Text Structure Cause and Effect
CAUSE
Effect
Effect
Effect
EFFECT
Cause
Cause
Cause
Signal Words
Since, Because, If,
Due to,
As a result of, So, Then,
Leads to, Consequently,
Cause,
Reason, Long-term,
Non-Fiction Text Structure Cause and Effect Prejudice
Fights
Hurt Feelings
Wars
Equality
Courtesy
Respect
Humility
Explains how something occurred as a result of something else
Non-Fiction Text StructureCompare/Contrast
Signal Words
Similar, Alike, Same,
Just like
In Common, Both,
Different, Unlike, In
Contrast,
On the other hand
Non-Fiction Text StructureCompare/Contrast
Male TeenagersNo Parents
Neighborhood Danger f
Females
Full Family Dynamic Camp Danger Overcome Obstacles
Internal Conflict
Explains how things are similar or different
Ponyboy and Hannah
Ponyboy Curtis Hannah Stern
Non-Fiction Text StructureChronological
Signal Words
First, Second, Initially,
Preceding, Next, Then,
When, After, Before,
Finally
On (date)
Non-Fiction Text StructureChronological
Arranges events over a period of time
Semester One of English 8
Sept
embe
r 201
5 Beg
an th
e yea
r
Read
First
Ficti
on –
“Flow
ers f
or A
lgern
on”
Octobe
r – B
egan
The O
utsid
ers
Then
Read
The D
evil’s
Arit
hmeti
cFe
brua
ry 20
16 be
gin sc
ience
ficti
on no
vel
Exam
s end
the s
emes
ter
Text Structure Signal Questions
Problem / Solution1. What is the problem?2. Why is this a problem?3. What can be done to solve it?
Sequence1. What steps are listed?2. Do they always happen in this order?3. What is the final result?
Description1. What topic is being explained?2. How is it being described? What is 3. important to remember about it?
Cause and Effect1. What happened?2. Why did it happen? 3. What caused it to happen?
Compare / Contrast1. What things are being compared?2. In what ways are they alike?3. In what ways are they different?
Chronology1. What is the subject being discussed?2. What events took place?3. In what order did the events happen?
Non-Fiction Text Structure
Does this make sense?
Let’s See!
What goes in each box?1. Name of Structure
2. Definition3. Graphic Organizer Example
4. Signal Words5. Signal Questions
6. Creativity