Text Structure - Practice

Grade 4 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.4.R.2.1
Name:
Date:
Directions: Read each passage carefully. Then answer the questions about text structure. Remember to look for signal words that give you clues!
Passage 1: The Water Cycle

The water cycle is a continuous process that moves water around Earth. First, the sun heats water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, causing it to evaporate into the air as water vapor. Next, as this water vapor rises, it cools and condenses into tiny water droplets that form clouds. Then, when the clouds become heavy with water, precipitation falls back to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Finally, the water collects in rivers and lakes, flows into the ocean, and the cycle begins again.

Questions About Passage 1

1. What text structure does the author use in this passage?
2. Which signal words from the passage helped you identify the text structure? List at least THREE.
3. Why did the author choose this text structure for writing about the water cycle?
Passage 2: Saving the Bees

Bee populations around the world have been declining rapidly. The problem is serious because bees pollinate many of the fruits and vegetables we eat. Without bees, farmers would struggle to grow crops like apples, almonds, and blueberries.

One solution that has helped is creating "bee-friendly" gardens with native flowers that bloom throughout the year. Another approach is reducing the use of pesticides that harm bees. Some communities have also installed "bee hotels" - structures where wild bees can safely nest. These efforts are helping bee populations slowly recover.

Questions About Passage 2

4. What text structure does the author use in this passage?
5. What is the PROBLEM described in the passage?
6. Name TWO solutions mentioned in the passage:
Passage 3: Dolphins and Sharks

Although dolphins and sharks both live in the ocean and have similar body shapes, they are very different animals. Dolphins are mammals, which means they breathe air and give birth to live young. Sharks, on the other hand, are fish that breathe through gills and most lay eggs.

Similarly, both animals are skilled hunters. However, dolphins are social creatures that live in groups called pods, while sharks usually hunt alone. Unlike sharks, which have rough, sandpaper-like skin, dolphins have smooth, rubbery skin. Despite these differences, both animals are important parts of the ocean ecosystem.

Questions About Passage 3

7. What text structure does the author use?
8. List THREE signal words from the passage that show compare/contrast:
9. Name ONE similarity and ONE difference between dolphins and sharks mentioned in the passage:

Similarity:

Difference:

Passage 4: How Volcanoes Erupt

Volcanic eruptions happen because of intense heat and pressure beneath Earth's surface. Deep underground, temperatures are so hot that rock melts into a liquid called magma. Because this magma is lighter than the solid rock around it, it rises toward the surface.

As a result of this rising pressure, cracks form in the earth. Consequently, magma pushes through these cracks. When the pressure becomes too great, the volcano erupts, sending magma (now called lava), ash, and gases into the air. Due to the explosive force, volcanic eruptions can reshape landscapes and affect weather patterns around the world.

Questions About Passage 4

10. What text structure does the author use?
11. What CAUSES magma to rise toward the surface?
12. What is the EFFECT of pressure becoming too great?
Passage 5: The Amazing Octopus

The octopus is one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. For example, an octopus has three hearts and blue blood. It also has eight flexible arms covered with suction cups that help it grip objects and catch prey.

In addition, octopuses are masters of camouflage. They can change their skin color, pattern, and even texture to blend in with their surroundings. Another remarkable feature is their intelligence - octopuses can solve puzzles, open jars, and even use tools. These characteristics make the octopus one of the most interesting animals in the sea.

Questions About Passage 5

13. What text structure does the author use?
14. List THREE signal words that show this is a description structure:
15. Name TWO characteristics of octopuses described in the passage:

Mixed Practice: Identify the Structure

16. "Ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks both built impressive temples. However, Egyptian temples were made of stone and honored their pharaohs, while Greek temples were often made of marble and honored their gods."
17. "Too much screen time was affecting students' sleep. To solve this, parents set time limits on devices. As a result, students began sleeping better and feeling more alert at school."
18. "Since deforestation removes trees that absorb carbon dioxide, there is more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Consequently, this leads to higher global temperatures."
19. Why is it helpful to understand text structure when you read informational text?
20. Choose ONE text structure. Write 2-3 sentences using that structure about a topic you know well. Circle the signal words you use.

Text structure I'm using:

My sentences: