Scribd
Upload
29 views

Intro To Text Structures

The document discusses several common text structures used in writing: compare and contrast, cause and effect, problem and solution, sequence/chronological. Each structure organizes information in a different way. Compare and contrast explores similarities and differences between two or more things. Cause and effect explains reasons for events or effects of events. Problem and solution identifies a problem and proposes a solution. Sequence/chronological orders events or steps chronologically by time. Examples are provided to illustrate each structure.

Uploaded by

Esha Mae Malabayabas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
29 views

Intro To Text Structures

The document discusses several common text structures used in writing: compare and contrast, cause and effect, problem and solution, sequence/chronological. Each structure organizes information in a different way. Compare and contrast explores similarities and differences between two or more things. Cause and effect explains reasons for events or effects of events. Problem and solution identifies a problem and proposes a solution. Sequence/chronological orders events or steps chronologically by time. Examples are provided to illustrate each structure.

Uploaded by

Esha Mae Malabayabas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

NF Text Structures

Text structure is how information is organized in writing. Text structures, or patterns of organization, not only
vary from writing to writing, but text structures may also change frequently from paragraph to paragraph within
a single piece of writing.

Compare and Contrast


Compare and contrast is a text structure or pattern of organization where the similarities and differences of
two or more things are explored. It is important to remember that with the compare and contrast text structure
the text should be discussing similarities and differences.

Signal Words?

Cause and Effect


Cause and effect is a common way to organize information in a text. Paragraphs structured as cause and
effect explain reasons why something happened or the effects of something. These paragraphs can be ordered as
causes and effects or as effects and then causes.

Signal Words?

Problem and Solution


Problem and solution is a pattern of organization where information in a passage is expressed as a dilemma or
concerning issue (a problem) and something that was, can be, or should be done to remedy this issue (solution
or attempted solution).

The problem and solution text structure may seem like it would be easy to recognize, but it can be moderately
difficult to identify because it is frequently confused with the cause and effect pattern of organization, as they
both have relational structures; however, if you read the passage and look specifically for both a problem and a
solution to the problem, this will make it easier to distinguish from cause and effect, as cause and effect
passages do not propose solutions to any negative occurrences within the passage but rather just explain why or
how they happen.

Signal Words?

Sequence/Chronological

When information in a passage is organized by the time in which each event occurred, it is organized
chronologically. Nonfiction passages that are organized chronologically often contains dates while fiction
passages (or narratives) are more subtle and are organized chronologically but usually have no dates.

Signal Words?

1
NF Text Structures

Example 1
Sometimes, the middle school classroom can feel like a zoo. Upon further inspection, these two spaces are quite
similar, though not identical. For example, both house animals. But while a zoo houses many different species
of animals, the classroom caters to just one- Homo sapiens, human animals. Also, at the zoo, there are specific
routines, just like there are in the classroom. At the zoo, the routine may consist of feeding times, play times,
and even bath times, depending on the species. While the classroom also has its own routines, they are quite
different from those at the zoo. Students may read first, and then listen to a lesson before performing certain
skills in groups or individually, and there are other schedules, like assessment schedules. All in all, I’m sure
you’ll agree that zoos and the modern classroom are quite similar in some ways.

The structure is the paragraph above is:

Example 2
Long, long ago, a man named Andy Simon was born. He said his first word when he was only three months old.
That word was electromagnetic. Years later, when he was but nine, Simon graduated from high school and set
his sights on attending the Harvard of the Midwest: Hanover College. After only two years, he graduated top of
his class and went on to author a best-selling book: Because Science. He was only eleven years old.

The structure is the paragraph above is:

Example 3
Students are not allowed to bring their pets to my class. While some students think that I am just being mean,
there are many good reasons for this rule. First, some irresponsible students may not clean up after their pets.
Their pets may make messes on the floor or desks, and many times, students will not pick it up. Another reason
why I don’t allow students to bring their pets is because it is a distraction. When they are allowed to bring their
pets, students are more worried about grooming their pets, comparing them to other pets, or keeping their pets
from eating or being eaten than they are in listening, writing, reading, and learning. This is why I don’t allow
students to bring their pets to my class.

The structure is the paragraph above is:

Example 4
It seems like there has been a surge in teen vampire novels these days, and this trend comes with a heavy price-
adult readers may not take teen literature seriously. Fortunately, there are solutions. First, use self-control, don’t
buy or borrow these vampire books. Second, encourage friends and family to read other books. If they like
fantasy, you might suggest Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. There are lots of fantasy stories that have both
action and romantic elements. And third, write to your congress person. Let your voice be heard, tell them this
problem is solvable, and one possible way is through common sense legislation that cracks down on such
books.

The structure is the paragraph above is:

You might also like