Text Structure
This text structure gives information in the order that it occurred, or lists the steps in a process.
Sequence or chronological
La’Shay wanted to be a famous musician and singer when she grew up. As she began taking piano lessons, she realized how difficult it would be to learn how to play piano. She met with her piano teacher once a week for a year and had only learned to play a couple of songs. “I don’t want to take piano lessons anymore,” she told her mom one day. “Don’t you want to be a superstar?” Her mom asked. “Yes, but piano is so hard,” La’Shay whined. “Baby girl, if it was easy, everyone would be playing piano. I know it’s hard. But if you give up piano, you give up your dream.” Her mom’s words gave her the push she needed to keep practicing. As the years went by, La’Shay got better and better. When she was 21 years old, she was discovered and went on to become a famous musician and singer, just as she had always dreamed.
What is a possible theme of this passage?
Never give up
Maggie was getting ready to walk to school. She put on her coat and grabbed her backpack. As she was leaving, her mother said, “I love you. Be careful.”
What can you infer about where Maggie lives?
Maggie lives close to school
If the lightbulb is too dim to illuminate, or light up, the room, it should be replaced. Using context clues, what does illuminate mean?
to light up
This text structure often uses key words like due to, reason, because, consequently, and as a result.
Cause / Effect Text Structure
I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave!
The main idea of this passage is? How do you know?
The writer enjoys spending time with family.
We always have such a good time together!
we still don't want to leave!
Hudson hurried out of the house so he wasn't late for work. He wore overalls and carried a toolbox with wrenches in it. He hopped in his truck and drove off. The sign on his truck said, “Pipe Masters.”
What is Hudson's job?
Plumber
The father and son collected kindling, such as dry twigs and sticks, so they could start a campfire. Using context clues, what does kindling mean?
dry twigs and sticks
Name the text structure of the following passage:
My dog is a French Bulldog. He has black and tan fur, and brown eyes. He has very big ears like a bat and his face is smushed like a gorilla. He is not very big, but he is very strong and heavy.
Descriptive
Mrs. Turner was a tough teacher. She assigned a project every month. One Friday, her student Stephen didn’t turn in his science project. “Where is your project?” Mrs. Turner asked him. “I left it at home,” Stephen lied. He thought that he could probably work on it over the weekend and turn it in on Monday. Later in the day, Stephen’s mom came to the school to eat lunch with him. Mrs. Turner spoke with his mom as students went through the lunch line. “Stephen said he accidently left his science project at home today, but I told him he could bring it in on Monday,” Mrs. Turner said. “Oh, really? Well, thank you for letting me know,” Stephen’s mom said. When Stephen got home that day, his parents grounded him for a week and made sure his project was ready to be turned in on Monday.
What is a possible theme of this passage?
Honesty is the best policy.
Everett held his father's hand as he crossed the busy parking lot. They walked into a grocery store. Everett's dad lifted him into the seat of the shopping cart. “Here,” said dad, “You can hold my shopping list.”
What can you infer about Everett's age?
Everett is very young.
We do not like how the animals in the circus are treated, so our plan is to boycott—refuse to support—the circus. Using context clues, what does boycott mean?
refuse to support
Name the text structure of the following passage:
Thousands of species are in danger of becoming extinct caused by human activities. Hunting, overfishing, pollution, and loss of habitat are the main ways animals become endangered. Laws are one way that people try to protect animals. Others form groups to raise awareness about animals that might go extinct.
Problem and Solution
Wilbur and Orville Wright were brothers who were inventors, even from a young age when they built kites and bicycles. Many people credit the Wright Brothers with designing and building the first successful airplane. In 1903, their first flight only lasted 12 seconds, but it continues to inspire people all over the world to learn about science and math, to work hard to realize their dreams, and to use imagination to achieve success.
The main idea of this passage is ? How do you know?
The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.
but it continues to inspire people all over the world to learn about science and math...
Recess is a time for kids to take a break from sitting at their school desks. If the weather allows, they go outside to get some exercise. Running around and playing sports gets their blood pumping. For many students, it is a chance to recharge. When they go back to their schoolwork, they are able to concentrate easier.
What inference can you make about recess?
Recess is healthy for kids.
Olivia stared at the newest style of jeans in the catalog. She just had to have them. Her birthday money was not quite enough to cover the expense. Although she didn't want to GROVEL, she decided to plead with her parents for the money to buy them.
Using context clues, what does the word GROVEL mean?
plead; beg
Name the text structure for the following passage:
An electromagnet is a temporary magnet that can be turned on and off. You can make an electromagnet to see how this works. First, coil a wire around an iron bar. Second, attach the ends of the wire to the poles of a battery. An electric current will begin to flow through the wire. The electric current has now made the iron bar a magnet! You can turn your electromagnet off by disconnecting the wire from the battery and stopping the flow of the electric current.
Sequence / Chronological
Zach couldn’t wait to turn 15. His parents promised that when he turned 15, they would loosen up on their rules. One rule that Zach couldn’t wait to change was his bedtime. His parents always made sure he was in bed by 10 on school nights, but when he turned 15, they said he could stay up as late as he wanted, as long as he got to school on time. Zach began staying up later and later after his birthday. Then one day Zach slept through his alarm. Somehow, he still managed to catch the bus and get to school on time. Unfortunately, Zach fell asleep in his first block class, and his teacher gave him detention.
What is a possible theme of this passage?
With freedom comes responsibility.
In elementary school, students typically have one teacher for all subjects. In middle school, they begin to change teachers for each subject. One person teaches them math, another teaches, social studies, and so on. Students walk to a different classroom for each subject. That means they get more exercise!
What can you infer about the teachers in middle school?
They only teach one subject.
Lou was sent to the haberdashery to find a new suit. He needed to wear one for his uncle’s wedding. Using context clues, what does haberdashery mean?
a place where clothes for men are sold