Text Structures
What is a text structure?
How a text is organized or put together
What are signal words?
Words or phrases that connect ideas.
What is a technique?
A method an author uses to make writing clear or convincing.
What is the main idea?
The most important point the author is trying to make.
Define ‘evidence’.
Information from the text that shows something is true.
Which text structure shows similarities and differences?
Compare and Contrast.
What signal word shows cause and effect?
Because, since, due to.
What does it mean to develop an idea?
To build it up with facts, examples, and explanations.
What is a supporting detail?
A fact or example that explains or proves the main idea.
Define ‘analyze’.
To look at something carefully and figure out what it means.
Which structure explains steps in a process?
Sequence.
What signal words show sequence?
First, next, then, finally.
Why use headings and subheadings?
To organize and separate information.
How can you identify the main idea?
Look at the title, repeated words, and first/last sentences.
Define ‘informational text’.
A nonfiction text that gives facts about a topic.
Which structure shows one event causing another?
Cause and Effect.
What signal words show compare and contrast?
Similarly, however, although, both.
Why do authors include evidence?
To support their claims or points.
What is the difference between topic and main idea?
Topic is the subject; main idea is what the author says about it.
What is a paragraph?
A group of sentences that talk about one part of a topic.
What text structure tells events in time order?
Chronological.
Why are signal words important?
They help show how ideas are connected and give hints to the text structure.
How does structure affect meaning?
It helps readers understand the author’s purpose and ideas.
Why is the main idea important?
It helps you understand what the whole text is about.
Define ‘support’.
Details or facts that help explain or prove the main idea.