Text structure is HOW an author organizes information. Understanding text structure helps you find information faster and understand what you read better. Authors leave clues called signal words to show you the structure!
➡️ Cause and Effect
Explains WHY something happens (cause) and WHAT happens as a result (effect).
Signal Words: because, as a result, therefore, so, since, due to, leads to, consequently
⚖️ Compare and Contrast
Shows how things are ALIKE (compare) or DIFFERENT (contrast).
Signal Words: similarly, however, unlike, both, but, on the other hand, in contrast, same as, different from
💡 Problem and Solution
Presents a PROBLEM and tells how it was or could be SOLVED.
Signal Words: the problem is, one solution, as a result, solved by, the answer is, one way to fix
📋 Sequence / Chronological
Presents events or steps IN ORDER. The order matters!
Signal Words: first, next, then, finally, before, after, following, later, meanwhile, last
🔍 Description
Describes CHARACTERISTICS, FEATURES, or EXAMPLES of a topic. Order doesn't matter.
Signal Words: for example, such as, includes, characteristics are, in addition, also, features
See It In Action!
Cause and Effect:
"Because the weather was very cold, the pipes in the building froze. As a result, water could not flow through the pipes."
Compare and Contrast:
"Frogs and toads are both amphibians. However, frogs have smooth, wet skin, while toads have dry, bumpy skin."
Problem and Solution:
"The problem was that plastic pollution was harming ocean animals. One solution communities tried was banning single-use plastic bags."
Sequence:
"First, gather your ingredients. Next, mix the flour and sugar. Then, add the eggs. Finally, bake at 350 degrees."
Description:
"The rainforest has many interesting features. For example, it has four different layers. In addition, it is home to millions of species of plants and animals."
How to Find the Text Structure
Step 1: Read the passage carefully. Step 2: Look for signal words and underline them. Step 3: Ask yourself: What is the author trying to show? Step 4: Match the signal words and purpose to a text structure.
Your Turn! Identify the Text Structure
1. Read the passage:
"Butterflies and moths look similar, but they have key differences. For instance, butterflies have thin antennae with knobs at the end, while moths have feathery antennae. Additionally, butterflies usually fly during the day, unlike moths which are mostly active at night."
What text structure is used?
2. Read the passage:
"Many students were not getting enough sleep. As a result, they were tired at school and had trouble focusing. The school decided to start classes 30 minutes later. This solution helped students feel more rested and ready to learn."
What text structure is used?
3. Read the passage:
"Due to heavy rain, the river flooded. Consequently, many roads were closed and people had to find different routes to work."
What text structure is used?
What signal words helped you identify it?
4. Read the passage:
"To make a simple sandwich, first get two slices of bread. Next, spread peanut butter on one slice. Then, spread jelly on the other slice. Finally, press the two slices together."
What text structure is used?
💭 Remember!
When figuring out text structure, ask yourself:
Is the author explaining WHY something happens? (Cause/Effect)
Is the author showing similarities and differences? (Compare/Contrast)
Is there a problem that gets solved? (Problem/Solution)
Are things happening in a specific ORDER? (Sequence)
Is the author just DESCRIBING something? (Description)