1. ---HOW WE ORGANIZE NONFICTION---
TEXT STRUCTURES
---HOW WE ORGANIZE NONFICTION---

2. What is text structure?
External Text Structures– titles, headings, graphs, pictures, bolded words, indexes, tables of content, etc.
They help us to use access and understand information more easily.
Internal Text Structures – the way the text is written
Also help us get information from non-fiction text more easily.
Type of Text Structures- 6 types
Spatial/Descriptive, Sequence/Order of Importance, Chronological Order, Cause & Effect, Compare & Contrast, Problem & Solution

3. Spatial / Descriptive SIGNAL WORDS
The concept is initially defined and then further expanded with examples and restatements. The textual information is organized in order of space & details (described from top to bottom, left to right).
SIGNAL WORDS Is
For example
Involves
Can be defined
An example
For instance
In fact
Also
Is called
Refers to…

4. Sequence/Order Of Importance
Changing the order would change the meaning. The main idea’s supporting details are written in a specific order.
SIGNAL WORDS
First
Following
Second
While
Third
Last
Now
During, on (date)
Then
Before
Not long
After
When…
Next
Finally

5. Chronological Order CHRONO = TIME
The textual information is organized in order of time and order.
SIGNAL WORDS
First
Following
Second
While
Third
Last
Now
During, on (date)
Then
Before
Not long
After
When…
Next
Finally

6. Cause & Effect SIGNAL WORDS
Shows a relationship between the cause of something and the effect that follows as a result. The results of something are explained.
SIGNAL WORDS
So that
If…then
Because of
Consequently
Thus
An explanation for
Unless
Therefore
This reason
Since
Nevertheless
In order to
Accordingly…
As a result of
This led to
Then
Reasons for

7. Compare & Contrast SIGNAL WORDS Not only…but also Different from
Points out similarities and differences between two or more topics.
2 or more things are described. Their similarities and differences are discussed.
SIGNAL WORDS
Not only…but also
Different from
Same as
Alike/Like
Compared to
Similar to
In contrast
Unlike
While
But
However…
As well as
Yet
Either…or
APPLES
ORANGES
FRUITS

8. Problem-Solution SIGNAL WORDS
The text states a problem and then suggests one or more solutions.
The problem is solved by
A potential alternative is
Solution
Issue
A possible answer
Therefore
In Conclusion…