Expository Techniques/Text Structure definitions
the relationship between why something happens and what happens because of it
What is cause and effect?
the big idea of the entire text, not just one paragraph. It’s the overall message or point the author wants you to know.
What is central idea?
able to believe/trust based on the source's reputation, expertise, and perceived trustworthiness.
What is credible?
Cats and dogs are both popular pets, but they have many differences. Cats are usually more independent and can entertain themselves, while dogs often need more attention and enjoy playing with their owners. Dogs must be taken outside for walks, but cats use a litter box indoors. However, both animals can be loving companions and bring joy to their families. They each need food, care, and affection to stay healthy and happy.
What is compare and contrast?
Is this written correctly?
I love reading; and my favorite books are mysteries.
No, this is wrong because the semicolon and “and” are doing the same job.
Correct: I love reading; my favorite books are mysteries.
the order in which things happen in a story or in real life
What is sequence of events?
the most important point the author wants you to understand about a paragraph or passage.
What is main idea?
consistently trustworthy based on factual data and consistent outcomes
What is reliable?
Yesterday was a busy day. First, I woke up early and ate breakfast. Next, I packed my backpack and walked to the bus stop. Then, I rode the bus to school and went to my classes. After school, I played soccer with my friends at the park. Finally, I came home, ate dinner, and went to bed.
Combine these two sentences to make a compound sentence.
She likes pizza. She does not like pasta.
She likes pizza, but she does not like pasta.
shows a challenge or issue and how it is fixed
What is problem and solution?
the facts, examples, and explanations that help explain or prove the main idea of a paragraph or passage. They give more information so the reader understands the topic better.
What are supporting details?
closely connected and source that gives information that matches your topic.
What is relevant?
It rained all night, and as a result, the soccer field was too muddy to play on. Because the field was muddy, the coach decided to cancel practice. Since practice was canceled, the players had extra time to finish their homework. The heavy rain caused a chain of events that changed everyone’s plans for the day
What is cause and effect?
A compound sentence is made up of what 3 things
What is an independent clause, coordinating conjunction, independent clause
to look at two or more things and find out how they are alike and how they are different
What's the main idea of this paragraph?
Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world. They are loyal and friendly animals that enjoy spending time with people. Many dogs can be trained to do tricks or help with important jobs, like guiding people who cannot see or working with police officers. Dogs also need care, such as food, exercise, and love, to stay healthy and happy.
Dogs are loyal, helpful pets that need care and attention.
something can be checked to see if it’s true. You can look it up in other trusted places to make sure it’s correct. Evidence needs to be this as well.
What is verifiable?
The school library was getting too crowded during lunchtime, and students had trouble finding a quiet place to read. To solve this problem, the librarian decided to open the library earlier in the morning and keep it open after school. Now, students can visit at different times, and the library is no longer overcrowded.
What is problem and solution?
Which sentence is a compound sentence?
A) The dog barked loudly.
B) The dog barked loudly, and the cat ran away.
C) The cat ran away.
D) The dog barked.
What is B?
explains a topic by giving details about it. It helps the reader understand what something looks like, sounds like, feels like, or how it works.
What is description?
What are the supporting details of this paragraph?
Cats are independent and curious animals that make great pets. They often enjoy exploring their surroundings and can entertain themselves for hours. Unlike dogs, cats do not need to be walked, which makes them easier to care for. Many cats also help keep homes free of pests by hunting mice and insects. With their soft fur and gentle purring, cats can be very comforting companions.
Lanie is researching how recycling programs help the environment. She finds two articles:
Article A: Written by Dr. M. Lynch, an environmental scientist, published in Envirotec Magazine 2025, with citations and references.
Article B: Published on a personal blog in 2023, with no author listed and many opinions but no sources.
Which source should Lanie trust?
What is A?
The rainforest is a warm, wet place filled with amazing plants and animals. Tall trees stretch high into the sky, creating a thick roof of green leaves called a canopy. Brightly colored birds fly through the trees, and monkeys swing from branch to branch. The air feels damp, and the ground is covered with soft moss and fallen leaves. Everywhere you look, the rainforest is full of life and color.
What is description?
True or False:
In a compound sentence, each clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
What is true?