1. What they are, and why they’re important.
Text Structures
What they are, and why they’re important.

2. Objective
By the end of the lesson you will be able to read various passages and determine the text structure by looking for key words, phrases, and overall idea of the text.
By the end of the lesson you will be able to analyze the structure of a piece of writing, and determine how the parts contribute to the whole.

3. What are text structures?
Text structure refers to how information is organized in a passage.
It is important to know text structure so that you will understand the author’s purpose.
There are six important types of text structure:
Cause & Effect
Sequence/Process
Chronology
Compare & Contrast
Problem & Solution
Descriptive/Spatial

4. Cause & Effect
The author describes an event or several events (cause) and the events that follow (effect).
Key Words:
“This led to…”
“As a result…”
“Consequently…”
“If… then…”
Examples:
The heavy rain has been going on for ten days. As a result, the rivers, streams, and roads are flooded.
Cause
Effect
Cause

5. Sequence/Process
The author provides readers with a list of steps in a procedure.
Key Words:
“First…”
“Second…”
“Then…”
“Finally…”
Example:
To make a peanut butter and jam sandwich, first you grab the bread from the bag. Then, when you spread the peanut butter on one slice of the bread. Next, you spread the jam on the other slice of bread. Finally, you put the slices together and enjoy a delicious sandwich.
1st step
2nd Step
3rd Step
4th Step

6. Chronology
The author provides the reader with events listed in chronological order. This happens a lot in history textbooks.
Key Words:
“In {given year} ….”
“Last century…”
“At {years old}…” “{X years} later…”
“First…” “Second…” “Third…”
Example:
World War II began in 1939 when the Germans attacked Poland. The United States did not join the allied forces until December 1941, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The war did not end until September 1945 when Japan surrendered.
1st Event
3rd Event
Earliest Point in Time
Most recent events
2nd Event
4th Event

7. Compare & Contrast
The author discusses similarities and differences between people, places, things, and/or ideas.
Key Words
“Like”
“Unlike”
“In contrast…”
“On the other hand…”
“Also,”
“As well as”
Example:
All cookies are yummy, and they are all very different. For instance, chocolate chip cookies have chunks of chocolate throughout, whereas sugar cookies don’t have any morsels. On the other hand, sugar cookies are sprinkled and topped with chunky sugar crystals, and chocolate chip cookies aren’t topped with anything.

8. Problem & Solution
The author gives information about a problem and explains one or more possible solutions.
Key Words:
“Consequently this led to…”
“A solution…”/ “Possible solutions…”
“Working to improve…”
“One step of the solution is…”
“Mistake”/ “Problem”
Example:
The coastline in Louisiana is shrinking everyday due to the manmade levees. One solution that the government has developed is to put dried out Christmas trees in the delta area in order to add to and strengthen the delta.
Problem
Solution

9. Descriptive/Spatial
The author provides several details of something to give the reader a mental picture. This will include powerful/descriptive adjectives.
***HINT*** If the writing discusses two things, it is probably compare contrast – not descriptive.
Key Words:
Uses the senses (smells, feels, tastes, sounds, looks)
“Appears”/ “Looks”
“Characteristics include…”
Example: My favorite food is sushi. The sushi rolls looks like miniature pieces of art. The fish is brightly colored, and the toppings are always interesting additions. Most sushi is round, and served in six to eight small pieces. The sushi chefs usually use the sauces to make intricate designs on the plate before it is served. The best thing about sushi is how it tastes! It is always cool, crisp, and refreshing.