1. Text Structure
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2. The Four Kinds of Text Structure
Chronological Order/Time Sequence
Comparison and Contrast
Cause/effect
Problem/Solution
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3. Chronological Order/Time Sequence
Putting facts or events into a sequence sometimes using references to time
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4. Signal Words for Chronological Order
first, second, third, etc.
Next finally initially then
not long after on (date)
now before after
when preceding
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5. Example of Chronological Order
John F. Kennedy was the Democratic candidate for President when in October 1960 he suggested there should be a Peace Corps. After he was elected, Kennedy asked his brother-in-law, Sergeant Shriver, to help set up a Peace Corps.
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6. Comparison/ Contrast
Points out likenesses and/or differences
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7. Signal Words for Comparison/Contrast
Either….or conversely however
to the contrary but as well as
Similarly on the other hand
Not only but also either or
while although unless except in spite of even though
instead
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8. Example: Comparison/Contrast
The Spanish often enslaved the Native Americans and forced them to work in the gold mines. On the other hand, the French were more interested in furs than gold. They often lived among the Native Americans and learned their ways.
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9. Cause and Effect
Showing how facts or events affect other facts or events
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10. Signal Words Cause and Effect
Because cause since therefore
consequently as a result of
This led to so that nevertheless accordingly
If…….then thus
This resulted in for and so
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11. Example: Cause and Effect
The fire was started by sparks from a campfire left by a careless camper. Thousands of acres of important watershed burned before the fire was brought under control. As a result of the fire, trees and the grassland on the slopes of the valley were gone.
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12. Problem and Solution
Shows the development of a problem and the solution to the problem.
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13. Signal Words Problem and Solution
Because cause since therefore
consequently as a result of
This led to so that nevertheless
accordingly if then thus
this resulted in
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14. Example: Problem and Solution
The skyrocketing price of oil in the 1970s created a serious problem for many Americans. The oil companies responded to the high cost of purchasing oil by searching for new oil supplies. This resulted in new deposits being found in some Third World nations, such as Nigeria.
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15. Steps to Identify Text Structure
#1 Survey the text
Scan the text and note general organization.
Read the headings, subheadings and note any graphics
#2 Read the Text and Identify Signal Words
Circle, highlight or use sticky notes
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16. Steps to Identify Text Structure
#3 Identify the Structure of the text
Examine the signal words and ask:
1. What kind of thinking will be necessary to understand the information in the text?
2. How would I best display the information in the reading?
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