Text Structure
A passage explains how to bake a cake using signal words like first, next, then, and finally. Which structure BEST fits AND what clue supports it?
Sequence; the signal words show steps in order.
A story about a boy and his dog includes vivid details and emotional moments. Why is the author’s purpose MOST LIKELY to entertain instead of inform?
It tells a story and focuses on emotions, not facts or teaching.
“He ran like the wind.” What type AND what does it suggest?
Simile; it suggests he ran very fast.
A character makes a risky decision that changes the story. Is this plot, character, or conflict—and why?
Plot; it is an event that moves the story forward.
If events are listed in order BUT also show cause and effect, which structure is STRONGER and why?
Cause and effect; it explains why events happen.
A passage explains how pollution leads to climate change by showing a chain reaction of events. Which TWO text structures are being used?
Cause and effect AND sequence; events happen in order and show results
An article explains how hurricanes form but includes warnings about safety. Which purpose is PRIMARY and which is SECONDARY?
Primary: inform; Secondary: persuade or warn.
“The stars danced in the sky.” Why is this NOT literal, and what mood does it create?
Stars can’t dance; it creates a joyful or magical mood.
The struggle between characters AND their environment both affect the story. Which conflict is CENTRAL?
The one that most impacts the outcome of the story.
If an author uses facts AND opinions, how can you tell which purpose dominates?
Look at what the author mainly wants the reader to do or believe.
A passage describes sharks’ teeth, habitats, and diets, but does NOT tell events in order. Why is this NOT sequence?
Because it describes information, not steps or events in order
A speech convinces students to wear uniforms by using statistics AND emotional language. Which technique is MOST effective and why?
Emotional language (or both acceptable with reasoning); it connects to the audience and influences feelings.
“My phone is my lifeline.” Is this exaggeration or metaphor, and how do you know?
Metaphor; it directly compares the phone to something essential.
Character vs. self conflict is shown when a character hesitates before acting. What internal struggle might this reveal?
Fear, doubt, or guilt.
“Her eyes were diamonds.” What type and what does it reveal?
Metaphor; suggests they are bright or beautiful.
A passage introduces a problem with school lunches and gives multiple possible solutions. How is this different from cause and effect?
Problem/solution focuses on fixing an issue, while cause/effect explains why something happens.
A passage teaches how to solve a math problem but also explains WHY the method works. How does this strengthen the author’s purpose?
It improves understanding by explaining both steps and reasoning.
“I’ve told you a million times.” How does this exaggeration affect tone?
Shows frustration or emphasis.
A story’s theme is “actions have consequences.” Which event BEST supports this theme?
The event where a character faces results of their actions.
A passage explains a problem but gives NO solution. How does this affect the reader?
Leaves the reader thinking or concerned without resolution.
A passage explains volcanoes using facts, examples, and descriptions, but includes one short story at the beginning. What is the OVERALL structure and why?
Description; most of the passage gives facts and details.
A passage gives facts about recycling but strongly encourages action. How does the author blend informing and persuading, and which dominates?
Uses facts to support persuasion; persuasion dominates.
“The classroom was a zoo, buzzing with energy.” Identify TWO types and effect.
Metaphor (“zoo”) and onomatopoeia (“buzzing”); shows chaos and energy.
A character struggles against nature but also learns something about themselves. How does this affect BOTH conflict and theme?
Conflict drives the lesson; the struggle reveals the theme.
A passage compares two things but mostly focuses on differences. Why is this NOT just description?
It is compare/contrast because it analyzes similarities and differences.