Text Structures
Author's Purpose
Main Idea & Relevant Details
Conclusions and Inferences
Cause and Effect & Compare Contrast
100
The writer places events in the order in which they happen. Look for words like "first," "then," "finally," "a few minutes later," "next," "after lunch," "last year." Example: First, Rhett was late getting to school. Then, he lost his homework. A few minutes later, the teacher asked him to clean out his desk. Now Rhett thinks it will be a bad day.
What is "chronological order"
100
"Some writing describes something or how to do something. For example, the directions that come with a new toy have the purpose of describing how to put the toy together."
What is Describe
100
What is "the idea that most of the passage covers or the basic point that the author wants to convey to the reader? In simpler terms, the idea that the passage is mostly about. The main idea of a passage
What is "The main idea of a passage"
100
These are EVIDENCE-BASED guesses. They are the conclusions a reader draws about the "unsaid" based on what is "actually" said.
What is "inferences"
100
An organizational pattern that shows the relationship between two things.
What is "cause and effect organization pattern"
200
The text shows how ideas or things are alike or different. Look for words like "best," "more," "better," "less," "worse," "easier," "than." Example: The best time to visit the Rocky Mountains is early fall. The weather is cooler in the fall than in the summer. You will see fewer people and more animals. The fall colors are more beautiful.
What is "compare/contrast"
200
"Some writing has the purpose of informing. Most news articles in the newspaper are written to inform. A biography (a book written about the life of a person) usually has the purpose of informing the reader about the person's life."
What is "inform"
200
The sentences that explain, describe or support the main idea."
What is "Supporting Details"
200
When the meanings of words are not stated clearly in the context of the text, they may be "suggested" or "hinted" at.
What is "implied" or "you may infer them."
200
similar, in the same way, likewise, just like, as well
What is "key words that signal comparable or similar relationships" (compare/similarities)
300
The text shows that one event causes another thing to happen. Look for words like "because," "then," "since," and "as a result." Example: It rained for the first few days of the camping trip. As a result, most of the campers were restless and wanted to go home.
What is "cause and effect"
300
"Some writing is written for the purpose of persuasion. A good example of persuasive writing is the writing found in advertisements. Advertisements are designed to persuade you to buy a certain product. Speeches by politicians are also examples of persuasive writing."
What is "persuade"
300
"A GENERAL category, like the paparazzi or global warming" A "Topic"
What is a "topic"
300
Writers often tell you more than they say directly. They give you hints or clues that help you "read between the lines." Using these clues to give you a deeper understanding of your reading.
What is "inferring"
300
different, in contrast, on the other hand, however, on the contrary, instead, although, but
What is "key words that signal contrasting or differing relationships" (contrast/differences)
400
The writer presents a question and then tries to answer it. Example: Many schools are thinking about this question: Should students be made to wear uniforms? I believe they should not. First, clothing is a very important way that kids express themselves. . . .
What is "question/answer"
400
"Has the purpose of telling a story. The narrator relates a series of events."
What is "narrate"
400
"a SPECIFIC idea about that topic, like "The paparazzi should not be allowed to follow celebrities in their cars," or "Global warming is already impacting the North and South Poles."
What is a "main idea"
400
There are several ways to help you draw conclusions from what an author may be implying.
What is "general sense", "examples" and "antonyms and contrasts."
400
for this reason, consequently, hence, because, since, as a result, so
What is "key words that signal a cause-and-effect relationship
500
The writer presents his or her opinion about a particular argument and then supports it. Example: Some would say that caricatures are funny pieces of art, but I think that they are fascinating things. They pick at specific little quirks about a person or thing and emphasize them to such a degree. . . .
What is "argument/support"
500
"Some writing has the purpose of entertaining. The comic strips in the newspaper are there to entertain the readers with humor. A mystery novel and a fairy tale are also good examples of writing that has the purpose of entertaining."
What is "entertain"
500
Once winter is gone and spring officially arrives, it is time to enjoy longer days, warm weather, and new seasonal produce. During the spring, many vegetables and fruits are at their peaks. This includes green beans, corn, sweet onions, peas, greens, and squash. On the fruit front, apples, citrus fruits, and pears have made way for juicy stone fruit, like peaches, nectarines, and plums. Melons and berries are also available in the spring.
What is "many seasonal fruits and vegetables hit their peak during the spring"
500
The reader combines clues from the text with their own background knowledge or from other parts of the text.
What is "draw conclusions"
500
When comparing one passage to another, key words won’t be as helpful in finding similarities and differences. You have to use your comprehension skills to compare and contrast the information presented in more than one text.
What is "look for similarities and differences in main idea, point of view, purpose, characters, setting, problem/conflict and themes."
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