Grade 7 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.7.R.2.1
Authors organize their writing deliberately. The way they structure their text helps convey meaning and achieve their purpose. Learning to recognize text structures helps you understand what you read and see how ideas connect. Today you'll master the five main text structures!
Events arranged in time sequence
Shows why things happen and their results
Examines similarities and differences
Presents an issue and ways to address it
Description is a fifth structure that provides details about a topic's characteristics (signal words: for example, such as, specifically, in addition).
The introduction of smartphones has dramatically transformed how teenagers socialize. Because young people now have constant access to social media, face-to-face interactions have declined significantly. As a result, many teens report feeling more connected to online friends than to classmates they see daily.
This shift has led to both positive and negative consequences. On one hand, teens can maintain friendships across distances. However, studies show that excessive screen time has resulted in increased anxiety and reduced ability to read nonverbal cues. Consequently, schools are now teaching digital citizenship alongside traditional social skills.
| Signal Words Found | What They Show |
|---|---|
| "Because," "As a result," "led to" | Cause and Effect relationship |
| "consequences," "resulted in," "Consequently" | Effects/outcomes of smartphones |
Structure: CAUSE AND EFFECT - The passage shows how smartphones (cause) have changed teen socialization (effects).
Many coastal cities face a serious problem: rising sea levels threaten to flood low-lying neighborhoods within the next few decades. In Miami, the issue is particularly urgent, with some areas already experiencing regular flooding during high tides.
To address this challenge, cities are exploring multiple solutions. One approach involves building sea walls and improving drainage systems. Another solution focuses on elevating roads and buildings. Some urban planners propose relocating residents from the most vulnerable areas. While no single answer will completely solve the problem, combining these strategies offers the best hope for protecting coastal communities.
"Solar and wind energy are both renewable power sources, but they have important differences. Solar panels work best in sunny climates, while wind turbines require consistent breezes. Similarly, both technologies have become more affordable over time. However, solar installation is typically easier for individual homes, whereas wind farms require large open spaces."
Text Structure:
"The American Revolution unfolded over many years. First, tensions grew as Britain imposed new taxes in the 1760s. Then, in 1770, the Boston Massacre increased colonial anger. Next came the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Finally, in 1775, fighting began at Lexington and Concord."
| ___ A biography of a famous scientist | a. Compare/Contrast |
| ___ How deforestation affects wildlife | b. Problem/Solution |
| ___ Reducing plastic waste in schools | c. Chronological |
| ___ Cats vs. dogs as pets | d. Cause/Effect |
Authors choose text structures deliberately. Ask yourself:
Key Insight: The structure an author chooses shapes how readers understand the information!