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Exploring Text Structures in 7th Grade

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
12 views

Exploring Text Structures in 7th Grade

Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Exploring Text

Structures
Objectives
 Examine text structures for clarity of
meaning and purpose:
Introduction to Text Structures

 Text structures are ways authors organize information


 Help readers understand and remember content better
 We'll explore five common text structures in non-
journalistic texts
 Understanding these structures improves reading
comprehension
What are Non-Journalistic Texts?

Non-journalistic texts: Writing that isn't news


reporting
Examples:
 Textbooks
 Encyclopedias
 Instruction manuals
 Scientific papers
 Often use expository (informational) writing style
Expository Text

Definition: Writing that explains or informs


Purpose: To provide information on a topic
Characteristics:
 Clear and direct language
 Facts and examples
 Often uses other text structures within it
Sequence/Process Structure

Definition: Presents information in a specific


order
Used for:
 Step-by-step instructions
 Describing historical events
 Explaining life cycles
Key words: first, next, then, finally, before, after
Sequence/Process Example
How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich:
 Gather ingredients: bread, peanut butter, jelly
 Lay out two slices of bread
 Spread peanut butter on one slice
 Spread jelly on the other slice
 Put the slices together
 Cut the sandwich (optional)
 Enjoy your PB&J!
Comparison-Contrast Structure
Definition: Shows similarities and differences
between two or more things
Used for:
 Comparing characters in a story
 Contrasting different scientific theories
 Evaluating pros and cons
Key words: similar, different, in contrast,
whereas, but, however
Comparison-Contrast Example
Cats vs. Dogs as Pets:
 Similarities:
 Both are popular household pets
 Both can be affectionate companions
 Differences:
 Cats are generally more independent
 Dogs often require more exercise
 Cats use litter boxes; dogs need to be walked
Cause and Effect Structure

Definition: Shows how events or actions lead to


specific results
 Used for:
 Explaining scientific phenomena
 Describing historical impacts
 Analyzing consequences of actions
 Key words: because, as a result, therefore,
consequently, due to
Cause and Effect Example

Cause: Deforestation
Effects:
 Loss of habitat for animals
 Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
 Soil erosion
 Changes in local climate patterns
 Reduction in biodiversity
Problem and Solution Structure

Definition: Presents an issue and proposes ways


to resolve it
Used for:
 Addressing social or environmental concerns
 Troubleshooting technical problems
 Proposing improvements to systems
 Key words: problem, issue, solution, resolve,
overcome, fix
Problem and Solution Example
Problem: Too much plastic waste in oceans
Solutions:
 Reduce single-use plastics
 Improve recycling programs
 Develop biodegradable alternatives
 Organize beach clean-ups
 Implement stricter regulations on plastic
production
Identifying Text Structures

 Look for key words and phrases


 Consider the author's purpose
 Examine how information is organized
 Ask yourself: "How is this information
presented?"
 Remember, texts may use multiple structures
Why Text Structures Matter

 Improve reading comprehension


 Help predict what information comes next
 Make it easier to take notes and summarize
 Assist in organizing your own writing
 Prepare you for more complex texts in higher
grades
Practice: Sequence/Process

Read the following paragraph and identify the


text structure:"The water cycle has four main
stages. First, water evaporates from oceans and
lakes. Then, it forms clouds in the sky. Next, the
clouds release water as precipitation. Finally, the
water returns to bodies of water or soaks into the
ground."
Practice: Comparison-Contrast

Read the following paragraph and identify the


text structure:"While both poetry and prose are
forms of writing, they have distinct differences.
Poetry often uses rhythm and rhyme, whereas
prose typically does not. Poetry can be more
abstract, but prose is usually straightforward.
However, both can be used to express emotions
and tell stories."
Practice: Cause and Effect

Read the following paragraph and identify the


text structure:"Lack of sleep can have serious
effects on your health. Because of insufficient
rest, your immune system weakens, making you
more susceptible to illnesses. Additionally, sleep
deprivation can lead to difficulty concentrating
and mood changes."
Practice: Problem and Solution
Read the following paragraph and identify the
text structure:"Many students struggle with test
anxiety. To overcome this issue, students can try
several strategies. Practicing relaxation
techniques, studying consistently over time
rather than cramming, and getting enough sleep
before the test can all help reduce anxiety and
improve performance."
Tips for Using Text Structures in Your
Writing
 Choose the structure that best fits your
purpose
 Use transition words to guide your reader
 Create an outline before writing to organize
your thoughts
 Practice identifying structures in your reading
to improve your writing
 Remember, you can combine structures in
longer pieces of writing
Review and Conclusion
 We've explored five text structures:
 Sequence/Process
 Comparison-Contrast
 Cause and Effect
 Problem and Solution
 Expository (overarching structure)
 Understanding these structures improves reading and writing
skills
 Practice identifying and using these structures in your work
 Questions? Ask your teacher for more examples or exercises!

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