Text Structure

Grade 5 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.5.R.2.1

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What is Text Structure?

Text structure is the way an author organizes information in a text. Recognizing text structure helps you understand what you read and remember important information. Authors choose structures that best fit their purpose!

The Five Main Text Structures

Authors use these five patterns to organize informational text. Look for signal words to help identify the structure!

1. COMPARE/CONTRAST

What it does: Shows how things are ALIKE and DIFFERENT

Signal Words: similarly, both, alike, however, but, on the other hand, different, whereas, while, in contrast

2. CAUSE/EFFECT

What it does: Explains WHY something happens and WHAT happens as a result

Signal Words: because, since, therefore, as a result, consequently, due to, if...then, leads to, so

3. PROBLEM/SOLUTION

What it does: Presents a PROBLEM and explains how to SOLVE it

Signal Words: the problem is, the issue, solved by, one solution, as a result, resolved, answer, fixed

4. SEQUENCE/CHRONOLOGICAL

What it does: Shows events or steps in ORDER

Signal Words: first, next, then, finally, before, after, during, later, dates, step 1/2/3, meanwhile

5. DESCRIPTION

What it does: Describes a topic by listing features, characteristics, or examples

Signal Words: for example, such as, includes, characteristics, features, in addition, also, specifically, is/are

Let's Practice: Read and Identify the Structure

Passage A: Dolphins and sharks both live in the ocean, but they are very different animals. While dolphins are mammals that breathe air, sharks are fish that breathe through gills. Dolphins are similar to whales because they are warm-blooded, whereas sharks are cold-blooded like other fish.

Structure: COMPARE/CONTRAST - The author shows similarities and differences between dolphins and sharks. Signal words like "but," "while," "similar to," and "whereas" are clues!

Another Example

Passage B: Because the city had too much traffic, many people were late to work. As a result, the mayor decided to build a new subway system. Due to this change, traffic decreased by 40%, leading to happier commuters and cleaner air.

Structure: CAUSE/EFFECT - The author explains why something happened (traffic caused lateness) and what resulted (subway built, traffic decreased). Signal words like "because," "as a result," and "due to" show causes and effects!

Match the Structure to Its Graphic Organizer

Venn Diagram Two overlapping circles
Best for: Compare/Contrast
Flowchart/Timeline Boxes connected by arrows
Best for: Sequence
Cause-Effect Chain Shows causes leading to effects
Best for: Cause/Effect
Problem-Solution Box Problem on left, solutions on right
Best for: Problem/Solution

How to Identify Text Structure: 3 Steps

  1. Look for Signal Words: Circle or underline words that give clues about structure
  2. Ask: What is the author mainly doing?
    • Showing how things are alike/different? = Compare/Contrast
    • Explaining why something happens? = Cause/Effect
    • Describing a problem and how to fix it? = Problem/Solution
    • Showing events or steps in order? = Sequence
    • Describing features or giving examples? = Description
  3. Check Your Answer: Can you use a matching graphic organizer to map the text?

Your Turn! Identify the Text Structure

1. Read the passage and identify the structure:

"Making a peanut butter sandwich is easy. First, get two slices of bread. Next, spread peanut butter on one slice. Then, add jelly to the other slice. Finally, press the two slices together."

What is the text structure?

What signal words helped you decide?

2. What structure would an author use to explain why rainforests are disappearing?
3. Read and identify: "Many students struggle with homework because they have too many after-school activities. One solution is to create a schedule that sets aside specific homework time. Another solution is to break large assignments into smaller parts."

Text Structure:

How do you know?

4. Which graphic organizer would BEST fit a text about how butterflies develop from caterpillars?

Remember: Authors Choose Structures for a Reason!

The structure an author chooses depends on their purpose:

FAST Success Kit | Grade 5 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.5.R.2.1