Text Structures: Patterns & Organization of Expository Text

Six Types of Expository Text Organizational Patterns/ Internal Structures Concept/Definiti on Listing/ Enumeration Chronological/ Sequential Cause/Effect Comparison/Contrast Problem/Solution Generalizatioin Process -Piccolo, J. (1987). Expository text structure: teaching and learning strategies. The Reading Teacher, 40,

Concept/ Definition When the new idea is too foreign or strange to explain in terms of other things, the writer may choose to just spell it out with a plain definition or an explanation of a concept. Signal Words: Refers to, thus

Listing (Enumeration) States main topic in the topic sentence and has a list of examples for support Signal words: first, second, third, next, last, finally Is the author trying to give a specific list of things that are related to the topic and tell about each? Graphic organizers commonly used: Flow map or flow chart

Chronological/Sequential Has a main topic supported by details which must be in a specific order to convey the correct meaning Signal words: first, second, third, then, before, after, next, last, finally Is the author trying to tell someone how to do something or make something by relating the order of steps? Is the author trying to relate a series of events in time order? Graphic organizers commonly used: Flow map or flow chart

Cause/Effect Makes a statement in the topic sentence; supporting details tell why the statement was made Signal words or phrases: so, so that, because of, as a result of, since, in order to Is the author trying to give reasons why something happens or exists? Graphic organizers commonly used: Multi-flow map

Compare/Contrast Subjects are compared, contrasted, or both; supporting details show how subjects are either alike (comparison) or different (contrast), or both Signal words or phrases: different from, same as, alike, similar to, resembles, compared to, unlike Is the author trying to show the similarities or differences between two topics or aspects of a topic? Graphic organizers commonly used: Double bubble map or Venn diagram

Problem/Solution States a problem in topic sentence; supporting details describe the problem, its causes, and solutions Signal words or phrases: a problem is, a solution is, the problem is solved by Is the author trying to state a problem and offer some solutions? One-sided multi-flow map

Generalization When you observe something a handful of times, and decide it is always the case, you are making a generalization. Generalizations over-simplify things, often with harmful results. It presents statements as truths, even when they are not true in every case.

Generalization Signal words: always, never

Process Process uses a series of steps to accomplish a task. Your “how-to essays” are an example of process organization. Signal words: in order to, begins with

Identify Example: Daylight savings time refers to the practice of setting our clocks an hour forward in the spring and back in the fall to maximize the amount of sunshine during our waking hours. The sun rises earlier in the summer, often when many people are still in bed. Ben Franklin came up with the plan to “save” daylight by turning the clocks an hour ahead, thus bring our waking hours into closer harmony with daylight.

Identify Example: Before the 18 th century, sailors went without fruit for months at a time while at sea. As a result, they often developed a disease called scurvy, which is caused by the lack of Vitamin C.

Identify Example: Here is why I deserve a bigger allowance. For one thing, I have been doing more chores every year. Second, my allowance has been the same for three years. Finally, I want to be responsible for my own entertainment costs.

Identify Example: People who don’t participate in the neighborhood watch are never interested in improving their communities.

Identify Example: The party was a great success! Today was David’s birthday. I made plans to meet him for lunch and then see a movie. Meanwhile, his mom let the others in to decorate the house. Afterward, everybody came over to yell, “Surprise!” and have cake.

Identify Example: Soy milk is a beverage you find in the dairy case with the milk. People use them similarly, on cereal and in coffee like milk. They both provide calcium and protein. On the other hand, only soy milk provides isoflavones, a component believed to fight some diseases.

External Text Structures A text may contain multiple external text structures: Underlining key words Subheadings Illustrations Italics Definitions

Now You Try It Locate the selections in the Literature textbook as outlined by your teacher. Identify which internal text structure/organizational pattern is used in each. Create a PowerPoint presentation including a sample of the selection and why it fits the text structure/organizational pattern. Your are creating this presentation for a good friend of yours who missed the lessons on text organization and structure. Your friend will use your presentation as a study guide for the test.