LESSON 2

ACADEMIC TEXT
STRUCTURES
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Target

At the end of this lesson, you are expected

use knowledge of text structure to glean
the information you need
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How do you build

a HOUSE?
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Why should a reader

know the essential parts
of an academic text?
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Academic Text

Academic texts can be articles, conference papers,

reviews, and theses/dissertations. How are academic texts
typically formed?
In general, the academic text is organized with the
following characteristics: (1) has a clear structured
introduction-body-conclusion, (2) is formal, (3) includes
information from credible sources which are properly cited,
and (4) includes a list of references (Barrot & Sipacio, 2016).
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Text Structure

Academic texts usually follow an established

structure, which refers to the internal organization of
a text. This is called Text Structure.
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Text Structure

The text structure is one of the two categories of how a

text can be organized. The other category is Text Feature.
Text Structures refer to the organizational patterns of a text.
Generally, it comprises text types, parts, transition words and
phrases, patterns of organization, sentences, and
paragraphs.
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Text Features Text Structures

(visual & design) (organization & arrangement)
• Title • Type (argument, informational,
• Headings and subheadings narrative)
• Graphics (charts, pictures, maps) • Introduction, body, and conclusion
• Captions • Transition words and phrases
• Table of contents • Patterns of organization: description,
• Index sequence, problem - solution, cause
• Glossary and effect, compare or contrast
• Sentence
• Paragraph
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How does knowing the parts

of a paragraph and text
ensure better
comprehension?
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Paragraph

Paragraphs are a collection of sentences that deal

primarily with one topic or idea at a time.
• Topic sentence: presents the main point of the paragraph
• Supporting sentences: Support the main idea of the
paragraph
• Concluding sentence: Close out the main idea by summing
up the main idea.
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I. Three-Part Essay
& IMRaD
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A. The Three-Part Essay Structure

A three-part essay, or the I-B-C, is composed of three

essential parts:
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion
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A. The Three-Part Essay Structure

INTRODUCTION
▸ Catches the readers’ interest: This is crucial as it
hooks the readers and encourages them to continue
reading.
▸ Introduces the topic: Let the reader know what the
text is about from the start. Provide a brief overview/
background.
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A. The Three-Part Essay Structure

▸ Explains why the topic could be considered

interesting: This helps establish the topic's
relevance and engages the reader's curiosity.
▸ Provides a thesis statement for the text: The
thesis statement is a key element as it presents the
central argument or purpose of the text.
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A. The Three-Part Essay Structure

BODY
▸ Presents evidence to support the thesis statement.
▸ It may elaborate directly on the topic sentence by giving
definitions, classifications, explanations, contrasts,
examples, and evidence.
▸ It is considered the “heart” of the essay, for it expounds
specific ideas for the readers to understand the topic better.
▸ Usually, the most significant part of the essay.
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A. The Three-Part Essay Structure

CONCLUSION
▸ It acts as the "mirror image" of the introduction,
starting with specific information and concluding
with general information, in contrast to the
introduction's progression from general to specific.
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A. The Three-Part Essay Structure

▸ Briefly summarize the main structure and scope of
the paper.
▸ Confirms the topic introduced in the introduction.
▸ Concludes with a general statement about the
topic's broader context, which may include:
▪ Evaluation of the topic's importance.
▪ Implications for future research.
▪ Recommendations for theory or practice.
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B. IMRaD
(Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion)

▸ This kind of structure is usually used for academic

texts, mostly research papers.
▸ The sections of the IMRaD structure are
Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion.
▸ IMRaD aims to discuss the research topic at hand
with the intention of explaining the topic and its
intended purpose.
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B. IMRaD
(Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion)

▸ Introduction: This is where you introduce your topic and

explain why it is important. You also present your research
question or hypothesis.

▸ Methods: Here, you describe how you conducted your

research. You explain what you did, how you did it, and the
materials or equipment you used.
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B. IMRaD
(Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion)

▸ Results: This section presents the findings of your research.

You show your data through tables, charts, or graphs and
describe what you observed.

▸ Discussion: In this part, you interpret your results and explain

what they mean. You also discuss the implications of your
findings and how they relate to existing research.
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Each part consists of sub-components that could

help readers identify the main ideas (stated or implied)
and supporting details using patterns of organization.
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There are five common patterns of organization

(also known as text structures) used in a text, which are
as follows: (1) Description/List, (2) Cause and Effect,
(3) Comparison/Contrast, (4) Order/Sequence, and (5)
Problem - Solution.
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Another aspect of text organization involves

using transition words or phrases. These words help
demonstrate connections between ideas and are
present throughout the text. Transition words ensure
that the links between different ideas or sections of the
text are formal, clear, and organized.
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II. Five Text Structures

or Patterns of
Organization
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These text structures serve as frameworks that

help organize information and ideas, making it easier
for readers to understand and engage with the text.
Depending on the type of writing and the purpose of
the text, writers may choose one of these structures to
effectively convey their message.
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1. Description/List

This structure resembles an outline. Each section opens

with its main idea, and then elaborates on it, sometimes dividing
the elaboration into subsections.

Transitions:
For example, for instance, specifically, in particular, in addition,
to illustrate, such as, most important, another
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1. Description/List
Examples:
(a) Filipinos are very appreciative of arts such as plays, paintings,
music, and literature.
(b) Volcanoes are a feared and destructive force for good reason. A
volcano is like a pressure valve for the inner earth, but it can also be very
beautiful. One part of the volcano that people rarely see is the magma
chamber. The magma chamber is way beneath the Earth’s bedrock. It is
tremendously hot. Running from the magma chamber to the crater of the
volcano is the conduit. The conduit connects the magma chamber to the outer
world. At the top of the volcano is the crater. This is where the magma exits.
Volcanoes are a beautiful yet dangerous natural phenomenon.
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2. Cause and Effect

In texts that follow this structure, the reader is informed

about the result of an event or occurrence and why it
happened.

Transitions:
Consequently, therefore, as a result, thereby, leads to, because
of, in order to, for these reasons, thus, if-then, maybe due to
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2. Cause and Effect

Examples:
(a) Everyone followed health protocols. As a
result, the pandemic was gradually eradicated.
(b) Baby-painted turtles spend all winter in their
nests. They have special chemicals in their blood that
can keep their blood from freezing. As a result, baby-
painted turtles can survive freezing temperatures.
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3. Comparison / Contrast

Texts that follow this structure talk about the differences

and similarities of two or more objects, places, events, or
ideas by grouping their traits for comparison.

Transitions:
However, unlike, like, by contrast, yet, in comparison, although,
whereas, similar to, different from, as opposed to, instead of, as
well as
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3. Comparison / Contrast
Examples:
(a) Unlike quantitative research, qualitative research uses
descriptive data.
(b) The cardinal and the cedar waxwing are two common
birds. Both have crests on their heads. Both are common at
birdfeeders. But the birds have some differences. The male
cardinal is a bright red, while the waxwing is brown. The cedar
waxwing often migrates from place to place. On the other hand,
the cardinal stays in one place year after year.
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4. Order / Sequence

Texts that follow this structure tell the order in which

steps in a process or series of events occur.

Transitions:
next, first, last, second, another, then, additionally, next, finally,
before, preceding and others
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4. Order / Sequence
Examples:
(a) First, read the manual of the device. Second, turn on
the device. Then, set the location, time, and date
(b) Through the ages, Pennsylvania has seen. This is the
many interesting events. The state was founded in 1681 by
William Penn. Later, Pennsylvania was the site of important
Revolutionary War battles. After that, Pennsylvania was home to
new factories during the Industrial Revolution. Today,
Pennsylvania continues to make history.
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5. Problem – Solution

This presents a problem and several possible solutions.

The author may also describe the pros and cons of each solution.

Transitions:
The problem is, the difficulty is, it is possible to, if-then,
one challenge is, therefore
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5. Problem – Solution
Examples:
(a) The problem that we are facing is the lack of self-
discipline of the society.
(b) The Chesapeake Bay faces an uncertain future. Issues
such as pesticides, too many nutrients, and habitat loss all
threaten the Bay’s water quality and animal life. However,
scientists are hopeful that the future may be brighter. If everyone
in the Chesapeake Bay watershed works together, solutions may
be found.
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Graphic Organizer

A graphic organizer is a visual presentation with

various shapes and connecting marks that is used to
show the organization and relationship of ideas and
parts in a text. It serves as the backbone of writing a
formal and effective academic text.
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Graphic Organizer
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WRAP-UP!

✓ Academic texts follow a predetermined structure

called Text Structure, which includes text types,
parts, transition words, patterns of organization,
sentences, and paragraphs.
✓ There are two basic structures in writing: the three-
part or I-B-C in essays and IMRaD (Introduction,
Methods, Results, and Discussion) in research
papers.
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WRAP-UP!
✓ The five common text structures or patterns of
organization in academic texts are Description/List,
Cause and Effect, Comparison/Contrast,
Order/Sequence, and Problem-Solution.
✓ Transition words and phrases connect ideas and
enhance clarity and organization.
✓ Graphic organizers help visualize the structure and
relationships of ideas in academic texts, aiding
comprehension.
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WRAP-UP!
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Activity 2: Academic
Text Structures
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Create an infographic presenting the following:

✓ The Five Academic Text Structures or Patterns of Organization
✓ Importance
✓ Transitional Words or Phrases (five for each structure)
✓ Examples (give two examples for each structure)
✓ Graphic Organizer

✓ Use long bond paper

✓ Write the title, your full name, section, and the date of
submission
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Total: ____ / 100

Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs Improvement Unacceptable

Criteria
(10 points) (8 points) (6 points) (4 points) (0 points)
Content (50 points)
All five structures are Most structures are Some structures are Few structures are
Five Academic Text No structures are
identified and explained identified and explained identified and explained identified and explained
Structures identified or explained.
clearly and accurately. accurately. with minor errors. with major errors.
The importance of each The importance of most The importance of some The importance of few The importance of
Importance of Each
structure is described structures is described structures is described structures is described structures is not
Structure
clearly and concisely. clearly. with minor errors. with major errors. described.
Five appropriate Four appropriate Three appropriate Two appropriate
One or no transitional
Transitional Words or transitional words or transitional words or transitional words or transitional words or
words or phrases for
Phrases phrases for each phrases for each phrases for each phrases for each
each structure.
structure. structure. structure. structure.
Two relevant and Relevant and accurate
Some examples are Few examples are No relevant or accurate
Examples accurate examples for examples for most
relevant and accurate. relevant and accurate. examples.
each structure. structures.
An appropriate graphic
Graphic organizers are Some graphic organizers Few graphic organizers No graphic organizers
Graphic Organizer organizer for each
mostly appropriate. are appropriate. are appropriate. are appropriate.
structure.
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Total: ____ / 100

Design and
Organization (30
points)
Well-organized, easy to
Mostly well-organized Somewhat organized Poorly organized and Not organized or visually
Layout and Readability follow, and visually
and visually appealing. and visually appealing. not visually appealing. appealing.
appealing.
Graphics and colors Graphics and colors Some graphics and Graphics and colors do
Use of Graphics and Few graphics and colors
enhance understanding mostly enhance colors enhance not enhance
Colors enhance understanding.
and complement text. understanding. understanding. understanding.
Text is clear, concise, Text is mostly clear and Text is somewhat clear Text is unclear or Text is not clear or
Clarity and Conciseness
and relevant. concise. and concise. verbose. concise.
Mechanics (20 points)
Free from spelling and Few spelling and Some spelling and Many spelling and Numerous spelling and
Spelling and Grammar
grammatical errors. grammatical errors. grammatical errors. grammatical errors. grammatical errors.
Follows all guidelines,
Does not follow
Adherence to Guidelines including format and Follows most guidelines. Follows some guidelines. Follows few guidelines.
guidelines.
submission details.