How is the text organized? Text Structures How is the text organized?

Text structure Helps the reader comprehend the text. Organizes information Helps to determine author’s purpose so you know how the text functions Helps the reader analyze the information.

Seven main types of text structure Patterns of Organization Chronological order Sequential Cause/Effect Compare/Contrast Problem/Solution Description Spatial

Chronological Order What is it? The author lists items or events in numerical order or the author writes about events in the order they happened

To describe the order of events or how to do or make something Chronological Order How do authors use it? To describe the order of events or how to do or make something Look for it in short stories and novels, historical writing, biographies, and autobiographies

Is there any extra information that will help me? Chronological Order Is there any extra information that will help me? Hint: “Chron” means “time” May be called “sequence”

Chronological Order Key Words I First, second, third Next Then, after Before, prior to Not long after While, meanwhile Simultaneously At the same time

Chronological Order Key Words II Following Finally At last In the end On (date) At (time) Directions Words that indicate when (during the summer)

Sequential What is it? Sequential order, or process writing as it is sometimes called, is when information in a passage is organized by the order in which it occurs. Unlike chronologically ordered texts, information organized sequentially does not occur at any specific time but, rather, anytime. 

Sequential or Sequence How do we use it? Sequence is often a shorter period of time than chronological. Sequence is often used for instructions. Could be used in order of importance.

Sequential This method of organizing text is generally used for instructions or directions, but it can also be used to explain processes in nature or society, such as how a president is elected. 

Key words First, second, etc. Next Then Before Last Words preceded by bullets, numbers, or letters

Cause and Effect What is it? The author lists one or more causes (or events) and the resulting consequences (or effects)

To explain why or how something happened, exists, or works Cause and effect How do authors use it? To explain why or how something happened, exists, or works

Is there any extra information that will help me? Cause and Effect Is there any extra information that will help me? Effect = What happened? Cause = What made it happen? Often there will be an “if/then” pattern

Cause and effect Key words I Reasons why Reasons for If…then As a result of Therefore Because of So Since

Cause and effect Key words II In order to Leads or leads to Effects of Caused by Result Outcome Impact Influenced by Brought about by

Compare/Contrast What is it? The author explains how two or more things are alike and/or how they are different

Compare/Contrast How do authors use it? To show specific similarities and differences in the characteristics of two or more items

Is there any extra information that will help me? Compare/Contrast Is there any extra information that will help me? You can use a Venn diagram as a graphic organizer to understand the text

Compare/contrast Key words I Differs from Similar to In contrast Alike Same as As well as On the other hand

Compare/contrast Key words II Either…, or… Not only…, but also… Yet, although, but However Also look for “- est” words: best, fewest, tallest, etc.

Problem/Solution What is it? The author states a problem and lists one or more possible solutions to the problem

To persuade, such as an editorial or proposal Problem/Solution How do authors use it? To persuade, such as an editorial or proposal

May also include the pros and cons for the solutions Problem/Solution Is there any extra information that will help me? May also include the pros and cons for the solutions

Problem/solution Key words I Problem is… Dilemma is… Puzzle is… Solved Question Answer Because Since

Problem/solution Key words II This led to The main difficulty One possible solution is… One challenge… Therefore, This led to, so that If…then, thus

Description What is it? Uses descriptive language to paint vivid pictures in your mind. Descriptive texts highlight features, qualities, distinctive aspects, in order to furnish a clear, complete image.

Key words Uses adjectives and adverbs to provide a clear picture of an object or person or idea in exposition or narrative. Also found in dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, and guides. Words like for example, in particular, specifically, such as.

Spatial What is it? Spatial organization is when information in a passage is organized in order of space or location when the narrator describes how something looks.

Spatial If you were to describe the room in which you are sitting right now, you would be using spatial organization. Spatial organization may also be called descriptive writing, and it is most frequently used when the narrator describes how something looks.

Key words for spatial text structure Top Bottom Left Right Front Back Higher than or lower than In front of or behind

Key Words II for Spatial Between In the East, West, etc. Turning left or right Beneath Inner/outer

The end! Hope this presentation helps you understand text structure.