TEXT STRUCTURE

TEXT STRUCTURE The term “text structure” refers to how information is organized in a passage.  The structure of a text can change multiple times in a work and even within a paragraph.  Students are often required to identify text structures on state reading tests; therefore, it is important that they are given exposure to the various patterns of organization.  This page will briefly explain seven commonly used patterns of organization, provide examples, and then offer users free text structure worksheets and interactive online practice activities to help students learn this essential reading skill. Cause and Effect:The results of something are explained. Example: Students are not allowed to chew gum in my class. While some students think that I am just being mean, there are many good reasons for this rule. First, some irresponsible students make messes with their gum. They may leave it on the bottoms of desks, drop it on the floor, or put it on other people’s property. Another reason why I don’t allow students to chew gum is because it is a distraction. When they are allowed to chew gum, students are more worried about having it, popping it, chewing it, and snapping it then they are in listening, writing, reading, and learning. This is why I don’t allow students to chew gum in my class. Chronological: information in the passage is organized in order of time. Example: This morning was crazy. My alarm clock was set for PM instead of AM, so I woke up really late. I just threw on some clothes and ran out the door. I rode my bike as fast as I could and thought that I was going to be late for sure, but when I got there everyone was outside and there were fire trucks all lined up in front of school. I guess somebody pulled the fire alarm before class started. It worked out though, because nobody really noticed or minded that I was tardy. Compare and Contrast: two or more things are described.  Their similarities and differences are discussed. Example: Apples and oranges are both fruits, which means that they have seeds inside of them. Each has a skin, but orange skins are thick and easy to peel. Apple skins are thinner and do not peel easily. Oranges also contain more acid than apples, but both fruits are delicious. Order of Importance: information is expressed as a hierarchy or in priority. Example: The company has a clearly laid out hierarchy. All major decisions go through the president, who controls the entire operation, but most daily decisions go to the board. Beneath the board members are the regional managers, who oversee the branch managers, who run each local branch. Problem and Solution: a problem is described and a response or solution is proposed or explained. Example: It seems like there has been a surge in teen pregnancies these days. Teen pregnancies make it very difficult for young mothers to pursue their dreams and meet the demands of an infant. Fortunately, most teen pregnancies can be easily prevented by using birth control; however, even birth control is not 100% effective. The most effective way to prevent teen pregnancies is abstinence, which is 100% effective. Sequence / Process Writing: information is organized in steps or a process is explained in the order in which it occurs.   Example: How to Make Cookies. First, get your materials. Then, make your dough. Lastly, cook your dough at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Spatial / Descriptive Writing: information is organized in order of space (top to bottom, left to right). Example: Volcanoes are a feared and destructive force for good reason.  A volcano is like a pressure valve for the inner earth, but they can also be very beautiful.  One part of the volcano that people rarely see is the magma chamber. The magma chamber is way beneath the Earth’s bed rock.  It is tremendously hot. Running from the magma chamber to the crater of the volcano is the conduit. The conduit connects the magma chamber to the outer world.  At the top of the volcano is the crater. This is where the magma exits. Volcanoes are a beautiful yet dangerous natural phenomenon.