TEXTSTRUCTURE

Text structure refers to how the author organizes the text.Text structures can often be identified by certain signal words.

Today we are going to review some of the main text structuresand their signal words. We will go over examples of each.See if you can come up with examples of your own for each type of text structure when we are finished.

The author presents a sequence of events in the time orderin which they occur.

This type of organization is oftenused in fiction, biography, andautobiography. It mayinclude flashbacks

that describe previousevents or experiences.

in the eveningTuesday

after 20 minuteslater that day

at the same time

Compare and Contrast The author organizes information

about two or more topics accordingto their similarities and differences.This organization is often used in informative essays.

alsotoo like

unlike but

Compare and Contrast

Signal Words

similarlyin the same way

however on the other hand

as well as

Cause and EffectThe author uses statements or ideas to explain how one event or condition leads to another. It focuses on something that has happened(effect) and tells you why it has happened (cause).

This organization is often usedin persuasive speeches andinformative essays.

becauseas a result

consequentlysince

however

afterso

this led toso that

therefore

Spatial OrderThe author describes scenes, objects,or people in a specific pattern based

on their location. Spatial = Space (where thingsare around other things)

DescriptiveThe author describes people,

places, things, and events, butnot always in a specific order.Spatial and Descriptive fall into the same category.

Spatial Order / Descriptive

Signal Words

abovebelownorthunderneathfor example

to the leftin frontalso

in additionmost important

Problem and Solution

The author uses logical methodto present a problem and propose

a solution

This organization is often used in persuasive speeches and informative

essays.

Can You Identify the Text Structure?

Giant otters speak in a unique language of whistles, whines, squeals and snorts. Each sound has a different meaning. One type of snort warns the other otters of danger, such as when a predator is nearby.

Red howler monkeys communicate by howling. Their howls can be heard up to three miles away. In fact, these monkeys are the world’s nosiest land animal.

• Are you one of those people who is bothered more than others by mosquitoes? If you are, there are many ways to help prevent mosquitoes from biting. Dark colors and rough colors attract mosquitoes. If you will be out doors, wear pale, smooth clothing instead of jeans. Some scents attract mosquitoes, so don’t wear perfume or after- shave lotion.

• Emily was a skilled and capable driver. She had driven all the way from Florida in her brand-new red sports car without any problems. Suddenly, because she hit a patch of ice, she lost control of the car and landed in a ditch. As she climbed out, she realized her car was badly damaged.

• Alligators are dangerous animals! They are cute when they are small, and some people have tried to make them pets. As they grow older, the alligators grow very sharp teeth and gain lots of strength. They are not friendly animals and do not enjoy human company. It is uncommon, but alligators will attack humans. If you see an alligator, by all means, stay away from this dangerous animal!

• Brandon was invited to his best friends birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. He was so excited until he found out that the party was the same day as his sister’s graduation. He did not want to disappoint his best friend or his sister. Brandon decided that he would spend an hour at his friends party and attend his sister’s graduation. Brandon realized that he would miss most of the party. So, he also suggested spending the following day with his friend.

Today was the day that the Great Penguin Sled Race was to be held on Slip and Slide Hill. Peter began to get ready for the race in the morning. He ate a good breakfast of fish, because he knew that he needed lots of strength and energy to do well in the race. After that, he searched the house for all of his warm clothes. He found his mittens and ear muffs in his drawer. He looked for his boots in the closet. They were not there. He looked in the bathroom, but they weren't there either. At last, he found them hidden under his bed! Finally, Peter went to work on his sled..

• Sammy and Ralph were snowmen. Sammy was Ralph’s cousin. Sammy was a very proper little snowman and Ralph was a rebel. Ralph always wanted to do things differently, while Sammy always wanted to do what he was supposed to do.

• Some people believe that the word turtle is another word for tortoise. They believe that the two words are names for the same animal, but that is not true. Turtles and tortoises are related, and they are both reptiles. However,there are differences between these two animals. Most turtles live in salt water and can swim. They have hard shells and flippers for swimming. Tortoises usually live on land. Land tortoises have legs instead of flippers so that they can move on land. Sometimes tortoises live in fresh water, but not in salt water like turtles.

• In 1732, a person was born who would be important to the United States of America. His name is George Washington. He grew up in this country before it was a free country. He played in the wilderness as a boy, and when he grew up he was a leader in the Army that made America free. People thought he was brave, honest, and smart. They asked him to be the first President of the United States. Washington was not sure if he should take the job of president at first. He knew it was a hard job. However, Washington loved the new United States of America, and so he did become the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789.

• Saturn is so big, has rings and so many moons that it called a "system". The rings are made up pieces of rocks and ice. These pieces can be as small as a pebble or as big as a building. The rings get their pretty colors because the sun shines on them from far away. Sometimes after it rains on Earth, we see a rainbow. This is because there are many tiny drops of water in the air.

• Peter and his friends met at the top of Slip and Slide Hill at noon. All of the penguins had different taste. His friend Patty Penguin had a green and white sled, green was his favorite color. Perry Penguin’s sled was a beautiful blue, he disliked the color green. Penny Penguin’s sled was the most beautiful of all. It was a shining, silvery color, penny was very flashy. Peter taste was plain, but when he saw Penny’s sled he was glad he had polished his red and white sled.

Answer Key

13 Description14 Problem/Solution15 Cause and Effect16 Description17 Problem/Solution18 Sequential Order19 Compare and Contrast20 Compare and Contrast21 Sequential Order22 Cause and Effect23 Compare and Contrast