A
Information is organized in steps or time order.
Sequence / Chronological Order
The author shows similarities and differences between ideas.
Compare and Contrast
A problem is presented along with one or more solutions.
Problem-solution
The author explains a topic using details, characteristics, or examples.
Description
Give two examples of signal words for Problem-solution text structure.
issue, challenge, solution, resolve, answer
Give two signal words for cause-and-effect text structure.
because, since, as a result, therefore, leads to
Give two signal words for compare and contrast.
however, but, similarly, in contrast, on the other hand
The author explains reasons something happens or the results of an event.
Cause and Effect
How to know if the author uses description?
The author explains a topic using details, characteristics, or examples.
Why would an author use a Problem-Solution Text Structure?
To explain an issue and how it can be resolved.
Why would an author use Chronological order?
To show how something happens over time or explain a process.
Why would an author use cause and effect text structure?
To show relationships between actions and outcomes.
Identify the correct text structure and signal words used:
Blaeser describes her friend's hair as a complex web of curls. Specifically, she notes how her mother's fingers would become captured by the loops. The hair is characterized by its circular growth, serving as a metaphor for the overlapping nature of identity.
Description — Signal words: specifically, notes how, characterized by. The text provides sensory details and characteristics of the friend's hair.
Identify the structure and signal words used:
Because the world often pulls people in different directions, individuals may feel a loss of identity. Therefore, Blaeser relies on the rituals of memory to provide a center. As a result of these traditions, she is able to maintain balance in her life.
Cause and Effect — Signal words: Because, Therefore, As a result of. The text explains how the "pull" of the world leads to the need for rituals to maintain balance.
Identify the structure and signal words used:
The Memorial Day ceremonies began early in the morning. First, the Legionnaires gathered at the edge of the woods. Next, they marched in formation into the green thicket. Finally, after the ceremony, the men shared stories from the trunks of their cars.
Sequence — Signal words: First, Next, Finally. The text outlines the chronological steps of the Memorial Day ceremony.
Identify the structure and signal words used:
The community faced the challenge of keeping their stories alive for the next generation. The solution was to repeat the stories a hundred times. By doing so, they were able to answer the need for cultural continuity and anchor their identity.
Problem and Solution — Signal words: faced the challenge, solution, answer the need. The text presents the loss of stories as a problem and repetition as the solution.
Which sentence best expresses the main idea of Paragraph 1 of Rituals of Memory?
A) "Memory begins with various wonders."
B) "Her fingers became hopelessly captured by the curls."
C) "Hair, she deduced, must grow in loops..."
D) "Our lives remain connected, always loop back to that center of our identity, our spirit."
D) "Our lives remain connected, always loop back to that center of our identity, our spirit."
How does the author develop her claim about memory in Paragraphs 2–3?
A) By listing steps in a ceremonial process
B) By comparing different cultural groups participating in shared rituals
C) By explaining the causes of cultural conflict
D) By describing the problem of cultural misunderstanding
A) By listing steps in a ceremonial process
In Paragraph 9, what text structure does Blaeser use to refine her idea about “two types of education”?
A) Cause and Effect
B) Compare and Contrast
C) Problem and Solution
D) Description
B) Compare and Contrast
How does Blaeser refine her central idea about memory in Paragraph 6?
A) By explaining the causes of cultural conflict in her childhood
B) By showing how repeated stories and rituals shaped her understanding of identity
C) By listing the steps involved in Memorial Day ceremonies
D) By comparing her school education with her family’s expectations
B) By showing how repeated stories and rituals shaped her understanding of identity