Nonfiction Text Structures

Description: The author provides several details to give the reader a mental picture. Signal Words (write in your notes): For example For instance In addition Characteristics include

Compare and Contrast: The author discusses similarities and differences between ideas. Signal Words (write in your notes): Similar On the other hand Different Alike/ Unlike

Sequence and Order: The author puts things in chronological order or gives a how-to list. Signal Words (write in your notes)

Problem and Solution: The author gives information about a problem and then offers one or more solutions. Signal Words (write in your notes): As a result Therefore Otherwise Solve/ Solution

Cause and Effect: The author describes an event (or several events) and the effects that follow. Signal Words (write in your notes): Because If As a result Consequently

Find signal words/ clues and define the text structure Wild chimpanzees are rapidly disappearing. Some people are trying to solve this problem. Otherwise, chimpanzees may one day exist only in zoos. People are trying to save the rain forests and woodlands where the chimps live from being cut down. It will take many people working together to solve this problem.

Problem and Solution Wild chimpanzees are rapidly disappearing. Some people are trying to solve this problem. Otherwise, chimpanzees may one day exist only in zoos. People are trying to save the rain forests and woodlands where the chimps live from being cut down. It will take many people working together to solve this problem.

Find signal words/ clues and define the text structure Chimpanzees and humans are alike in many ways. A baby chimp laughs when its mother tickles it. After chimpanzees fight, they kiss and make up. When one chimpanzee comforts another, it gives a hug or pat on the back. There are, of course, many ways that chimpanzees and humans are different. Chimpanzees are smaller and stronger than humans. An adult male chimpanzee stands three or four feet tall and weights about 100 pounds. But a chimpanzee can lift more weight than a man who is six feet tall.

Compare and Contrast Chimpanzees and humans are alike in many ways. A baby chimp laughs when its mother tickles it. After chimpanzees fight, they kiss and make up. When one chimpanzee comforts another, it gives a hug or pat on the back. There are, of course, many ways that chimpanzees and humans are different. Chimpanzees are smaller and stronger than humans. An adult male chimpanzee stands three or four feet tall and weights about 100 pounds. But a chimpanzee can lift more weight than a man who is six feet tall.

Find signal words/ clues and define the text structure A chimpanzee’s body is made for climbing and swinging in the trees. First, it uses its long arms to reach a branch. Next, with its flexible hands and feet, it grabs and hooks on to the branch. Finally, it swings from that branch to another branch of tree.

Sequence and Order A chimpanzee’s body is made for climbing and swinging in the trees. First, it uses its long arms to reach a branch. Next, with its flexible hands and feet, it grabs and hooks on to the branch. Finally, it swings from that branch to another branch of tree.

Instructions 1. Highlight signal words 2. Cut out passages and squares 3. Fill out graphic organizers 4. Create collage!