Text Structure 6/1/2019

The Four Kinds of Text Structure Chronological Order/Time Sequence Comparison and Contrast Cause/effect Problem/Solution 6/1/2019

Chronological Order/Time Sequence Putting facts or events into a sequence sometimes using references to time 6/1/2019

Signal Words for Chronological Order first, second, third, etc. Next finally initially then not long after on (date) now before after when preceding 6/1/2019

Example of Chronological Order John F. Kennedy was the Democratic candidate for President when in October 1960 he suggested there should be a Peace Corps. After he was elected, Kennedy asked his brother-in-law, Sergeant Shriver, to help set up a Peace Corps. 6/1/2019

Comparison/ Contrast Points out likenesses and/or differences 6/1/2019

Signal Words for Comparison/Contrast Either….or conversely however to the contrary but as well as Similarly on the other hand Not only but also either or while although unless except in spite of even though instead 6/1/2019

Example: Comparison/Contrast The Spanish often enslaved the Native Americans and forced them to work in the gold mines. On the other hand, the French were more interested in furs than gold. They often lived among the Native Americans and learned their ways. 6/1/2019

Cause and Effect Showing how facts or events affect other facts or events 6/1/2019

Signal Words Cause and Effect Because cause since therefore consequently as a result of This led to so that nevertheless accordingly If…….then thus This resulted in for and so 6/1/2019

Example: Cause and Effect The fire was started by sparks from a campfire left by a careless camper. Thousands of acres of important watershed burned before the fire was brought under control. As a result of the fire, trees and the grassland on the slopes of the valley were gone. 6/1/2019

Problem and Solution Shows the development of a problem and the solution to the problem. 6/1/2019

Signal Words Problem and Solution Because cause since therefore consequently as a result of This led to so that nevertheless accordingly if then thus this resulted in 6/1/2019

Example: Problem and Solution The skyrocketing price of oil in the 1970s created a serious problem for many Americans. The oil companies responded to the high cost of purchasing oil by searching for new oil supplies. This resulted in new deposits being found in some Third World nations, such as Nigeria. 6/1/2019

Steps to Identify Text Structure #1 Survey the text Scan the text and note general organization. Read the headings, subheadings and note any graphics #2 Read the Text and Identify Signal Words Circle, highlight or use sticky notes 6/1/2019

Steps to Identify Text Structure #3 Identify the Structure of the text Examine the signal words and ask: 1. What kind of thinking will be necessary to understand the information in the text? 2. How would I best display the information in the reading? 6/1/2019