Text Structure

5 Types of Text Structure Chronological Sequence Cause and Effect Problem and Solution Compare and Contrast

Gives readers a timeline of events or actions. Chronological Gives readers a timeline of events or actions. Example: A book about the American Revolution might list the events in order of the time they occur(beginning with the earliest date) leading to the war.

Sequence Gives readers a step-by-step process. Examples: A recipe An instruction manual How to set something up Driving directions

Cause and Effect Presents the relationship between a specific event,idea, or concept and the events, ideas, or concepts that follow. Example: Weather patterns could be described that explain why a big snow storm occurred.

Problem and Solution Sets up a problem or problems, explains the solution, and then discusses the effects of the solution. Example: In Northern areas, the weather is too cold to grow crops all year long.But some farmers have found a way to grow food all year. A greenhouse is a special building that stays warm in the winter.Crops like lettuce and basil can grow well in a greenhouse, even when the weather is cold.

Compare and Contrast Examines the similarities and differences between two or more people, events, concepts, or ideas. Example: A book about ancient Greece may explain how the Spartan women were different from the Athenian women.