Organizational Text Features Why the need for organizational text features? -To help the reader understand the information presented! Consider your purpose when looking for or using a text feature.

Italics Bold Underlining Indentation Sidebars External Text Features External text structures are often found outside the main body of text. They include: Pictures and graphics Headings and subheadings Footnotes

Internal Text Features Internal text structure is how the main body of the text is organized. It will be organized a certain way depending on its purpose. There are 7 different internal structures: Sequential / Chronological Compare and Contrast Cause and Effect Enumeration / Listing Concept / Definition Generalization Process

Sequential/Chronological (Process*) It tells the order of facts, events, or concepts Signal words/phrases: TodayExamples: timelines, records of Meanwhile historical events, First how-to guides (first, Now turn the widget Not long ago until it’s tight, next, Finally take a nap...) Next

Sequential/Chronological Example First, Golden Eagles soar high along ridges near their nests. Then, they search for prey. When a meal is spotted, they attack in a long swoop.

Compare and Contrast Tells how facts, people, and events and concepts are similar and different Signal words/phrases:  Similarly  On the other hand  However  Yet  In spite of

Compare and Contrast Example Golden Eagles are apt to hunt for prey while Bald Eagles are more likely to take an easy meal.

Cause and Effect Tells how fact, events, people, concepts happen or exist because of other facts Signal words/phrases:  As a result of  Consequently  So that  Because of  Since Examples: history books, science books

Cause and Effect Example So many Bald Eagles were killed by pesticides and illegal hunting. They were in danger of becoming extinct.

Enumeration/Listing Tells a listing of facts and events in no special order Signal words/phrases:  Also  Another  Several  First Examples: grocery list, listing of examples

Enumeration/Listing Example 1. Golden Eagles are birds of prey. 2. Golden Eagles search for prey. 3. Golden Eagles swoop through the air to attack their prey.

Concept/Definition Tells the explanation or description of a concept or topic by using synonyms and signal words Signal words/phrases:  Refers to  Thus  In other words  Described as  Equals Example: textbooks, encyclopedias

Concept/Definition Example Golden Eagles are powerful raptors with large dark brown bodies and small heads with golden crowns.

Generalization A statement about a whole group. Could be too broad and not based on fact. Often the word "all" will make a generalization untrue. Ex. "All trees lose their leaves in the fall.” Signal words/phrases:  Always  In fact Examples: editorials, advertising

Generalization Example Golden Eagles are birds of prey.

Process Tells the procedure or process for how something is done/created Signal words/phrases:  Begins with  In order to Examples: cookbooks, how-to books, science textbooks