Lesson 2

Text Structure
Have you ever wondered how are
the thoughts in academic texts
organized?
Now, let us learn how academic texts
are structured.
 Common Text Structures
Text structures (WDPI, 2012) refer to the way
authors organize information in text. Recognizing
the underlying structure of texts can help
students focus attention on key concepts and
relationships, anticipate what is to come, and
monitor their comprehension as they read.
Text Structure Definition Graphic Transitions/ Questions
Organizer Signal
Words
Narrative Narrates an Descriptive - Who is the
narrative about?
event/story language
- Where is it set?
with (adjectives,
- What is the
adverbs, conflict?
characters, similes, and - Who is telling
setting, metaphors) the narrative? -
conflict, What is
point of view, happening?
and plot
 Text Definition Graphic Transitions/ Questions
Structure Organizer Signal
Words
Chronolo Present Step by First, second,
third...
What items,
events, or steps are
gical, ideas or step - Later listed?
- Next - Do they have to/
Process, or events in - Before always happen in
Sequence - Then this order?
the order - Finally - What sequence of
- After events is being
in which - When described? - What
they - Since
- Now/
are the major
incidents that
happen previously
- Actual use of
occur?
- How is this
dates structure revealed
in the text?
Text Structure Definition Graphic Transitions/ Questions
Organizer Signal
Words
Cause and Provide - If/then - What happened?
- reasons why - as a - Why did it happen?
explanations or
Effect reasons for
result
- therefore
- What caused it to
happen?
phenomena - because
- consequently - since
- so that
- for
- due to
 Text Definition Graphic Transitions/ Questions
Structure Organizer Signal
Words

- What is the
Problem/ Compare -problem is -
problem?
and dilemma is -
Solution Contrast if/then - Why is this a
problem?
- because - Is anything
Identify - so that being done to
problems - question/ try to solve the
and pose answer problem?
solutions - puzzle is - What can be
done to solve the
solved problem?
 Text Definition Graphic Transitions/ Questions
Structure Organizer Signal Words
Compare Discuss two - However/yet - - What items are
ideas, events, or Nevertheless - on being compared?
and phenomena,
the other hand - In what ways are
- but/ whereas – they similar?
Contrast showing how similarly Different?
they are - although - What conclusion
different and - also/likewise does the author
how they are - in contrast/ reach about these
comparison items?
similar - different - What conclusion
- either/or does the author
- in the same way/ reach about these
just as items?
Text Structure Definition Graphic Transitions/ Questions
Organizer Signal
Words
Definition or Describes a - for example - What are the most
Description topic by listing - characteristics important
characteristics? -
characteristics, - for instance how is it being
features, - such as described (what
attributes, and - including does it look like,
examples - to illustrate how does it work,
etc.)?
- What is important
to remember about
it?
 Why is Text Structure Important?

The readers can significantly improve their comprehension and

retention of information when they can identify and recognize
the text structure of a text. It can also help them:
Organize information and details they are learning in their
minds while reading.
Make connections between the details being presented in a text
Summarize the important details shared in a text
Thank you!