Organizational Patterns (Internal Text Structure)

What are ways that authors can organize information they write?

Best map? Open IN to page 127.

How do oysters make pearls? As oysters grow, their shells grow too. Oysters use minerals from the food they eat to make a special substance called nacre, which they use to make their shells. Sometimes small bits of rock get inside the oyster’s shell, especially if the animal lives in rough waters, and this irritates the creature. The oyster’s reaction is to cover up the piece of grit with the same material it uses to build its shell—nacre. It builds up the nacre in layers to make a ball around the grit, and the end result is a pearl. Cause & Effect

entire passage contains cause and effect key words: as a result, then, so

School—and definitely math—has increased in its difficulty over the years. Kindergarten was carefree; all we had to do was finger paint, sing songs, and take a daily nap. During elementary school, math went from adding and subtracting to multiplication and division. Middle school came with even more advanced math like algebra and geometry. Finally, high school was the most difficult. Responsibilities increased, and the content in math became especially difficult with areas like trigonometry and calculus. From start to finish, skills in school grew in difficulty over the years. Sequential or Chronological

passage tells something in specific order (number order or time order) key words: first, next, finally, specific dates

The world’s most popular pets include cats, dogs, rabbits, goldfish, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats and mice, gerbils, and tropical fish. In the United States, the most popular pet names include Max, Buddy, Molly, Lucy, and Jake. Enumeration or Listing

a list (could be listed using words, numbered, bulleted) key words: and, next, also

Stories we have read this year: 1. “Charles” 2. “Three Skeleton Key” 3. “Sir Gawain and the Loathly Lady” 4. “Rikki Tikki Tavi” Enumeration or Listing

The eye of a hurricane is very small compared to the rest of the storm. Normally it is between 5 and 15 miles (8 and 24 kilometers) across. Toward the middle of a hurricane the winds get faster. But in the eye the winds are light. Concept & Definition

an idea (concept, term, area of study) is explained with details key words: refers to, is described as

Earning good grades is a simple thing to do. First, come to school prepared with the materials needed for the day. Then, pay attention in each class from the beginning to end. Write down homework assignments before leaving class. When all of your classes are over, fill your backpack with everything you need to complete your homework. Go home, have a snack, then get to work. Get to bed early so you can repeat this routine again. Process

a process (or way of doing something) is explained key words: result, first, step one, next

Fiction and nonfiction are both examples of writing. Both contain words, organization, and written expression. However, fiction and nonfiction offer two different methods of writing. Fiction is made-up and typically written to entertain. Nonfiction is based on facts and is typically written to inform or persuade. Compare/Contrast

the similarities and differences are shown for two or more things key words: both, similarly, however, on the other hand, but

Upper Crust pizza offers barbeque chicken pizza. Therefore, all pizza restaurants offer barbeque chicken pizza. Generalization

passage generalizes (takes a broad view) on a topic key words: always, typically, only

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