Text Structure | Answer Keys

Student Concept Worksheet Answers

Question	Answer
1	Structure: Sequence/Chronological Signal words: First, Next, Then, Finally The passage shows steps in order to make a sandwich. These time-order words clearly indicate sequence structure.
2	B. Cause/Effect To explain WHY rainforests are disappearing, an author would use cause/effect to show the causes (deforestation, climate change) and their effects.
3	Structure: Problem/Solution Evidence: The passage presents a problem (students struggle with homework) and offers solutions (create a schedule, break assignments into smaller parts). Signal words include "struggle" and "one solution," "another solution."
4	B. Timeline/Flowchart Butterfly development (egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly) is a sequence showing stages in order, which is best represented by a timeline or flowchart.

Practice Worksheet Answers

Question	Answer
1	D. Sequence/Chronological The water cycle passage shows a continuous process in order.
2	First, Next, Then, After, Finally (any three) These time-order words indicate the sequential nature of the water cycle.
3	The author chose sequence structure because the water cycle is a process that happens in a specific order. Showing the steps in order helps readers understand how water moves through each stage.
4	C. Problem/Solution
5	Sea turtles are endangered due to pollution, habitat loss, and fishing nets that trap them.
6	Any two: Creating protected beaches, using turtle excluder devices (TEDs), reducing plastic use, participating in beach cleanups, passing strict laws
7	A. Compare/Contrast
8	Both, similarly, however, while, whereas, unlike, in contrast (any three) These words signal comparison (both, similarly) and contrast (however, while, whereas, unlike, in contrast).
9	B. Venn diagram showing similarities and differences A Venn diagram is ideal for compare/contrast texts as it shows what is shared (overlap) and what is different (outer sections).
10	B. Cause/Effect
11	The movement of Earth's tectonic plates / Heat and pressure deep within the Earth causing plates to move and create cracks
12	Any two: Buildings collapse, roads crack, tsunamis form, ground shakes
13	Because, as a result, since, leads to, due to (any two)
14	B. Sequence - to show steps to take in order Preparation instructions need to be followed in order, making sequence the most appropriate structure.
15	C. Description The passage describes features and characteristics of the Amazon Rainforest using "for example" and listing details.
16	Sample answer: Understanding text structure helps readers know what to expect and how information is organized. It helps readers follow the author's ideas and remember important information. It also helps readers take better notes using the right graphic organizer.

FAST Format Quiz Answers

Question	Answer
1	B. Problem/Solution - The passage describes a problem and ways to address it.
2	B. "The problem with invasive species" This phrase directly signals problem/solution structure by explicitly naming "the problem."
3	A. Compare/Contrast
4	B. "both," "however," "in contrast," "unlike" These words signal comparison (both) and contrast (however, in contrast, unlike).
5	B. A Venn diagram showing similarities and differences
6	B. Cause/Effect - It explains why volcanoes form and what results.
7	B. Heat and pressure causing magma to rise through cracks in the crust
8	C. "because," "as a result," "consequently," "due to"
9	See rubric and sample response below.
10	See rubric and sample response below.

Question 9 Scoring Rubric

Score	Criteria
2	Explains why authors use text structure (to organize information effectively) AND explains how it helps readers (comprehension, memory, expectations). Includes specific examples or details.
1	Explains either why authors use structure OR how it helps readers, but not both. May lack specific details.
0	Does not address the question or provides inaccurate information about text structure.

Sample 2-Point Response for Question 9:
Authors use text structure to organize their ideas in a way that makes sense for their topic and purpose. For example, if an author wants to explain why something happens, they use cause/effect structure. Recognizing text structure helps readers because they know what kind of information to expect and how it connects. It also helps readers remember information better because they can visualize it using graphic organizers like Venn diagrams or flowcharts.

Question 10 Scoring Rubric

Score	Criteria
2	Correctly identifies the structure as DESCRIPTION and provides clear evidence (listing features, characteristics, or examples; no signal words for other structures; focus on describing one topic).
1	Correctly identifies description but provides weak or incomplete explanation, OR identifies wrong structure with reasonable but flawed justification.
0	Incorrect identification with no valid support or does not address the question.

Sample 2-Point Response for Question 10:
This paragraph uses DESCRIPTION structure. I know this because the author is describing the features and characteristics of giant pandas - their fur color, what they eat, and where they live. The paragraph lists facts and details about one topic (pandas) without comparing them to anything, showing a process, or presenting a problem. There are no signal words for other structures like "because," "first," or "however."

Quick Reference: Text Structures and Signal Words