Chronology
Which clue words tell you the author is listing steps in order? Name two.
Can name more for bonus points.
"First" or "Next" (or "last", "before", "after", etc.)
A signal word or phrase for cause & effect.
Bonus points for multiple.
"Because" (or "consequently", "so")
What visual helps show similarities and differences?
Bonus points for the name and drawing off it.
Venn Diagram
What does a descriptive text tell the reader about a topic?
Describes characteristics or details.
This text structure presents a difficulty and then explains how to fix it.
What is problem and solution?
Read this sentence: "First, Maya packed her bag. Next, she locked the door." What text structure is used and how do you know?
Points for each part of the question.
Chronology—because events are given in order.
Identify the cause and effect in this sentence: "Because the power went out, the students used flashlights."
Cause = power went out; Effect = students used flashlights.
Name two clue words that indicate a compare and contrast text structure.
Bonus points for more.
"like/unlike", "similarly", "on the other hand"
Which clue words signal that a passage is giving examples or details?
Points for each word.
- for example", "- such as", "adjectives".
Identify the problem and solution in this sentence: "The playground had puddles after rain, so the school added drains."
Problem = puddles; Solution = added drains.
Put these events in chronological order: (A) The seed sprouts, (B) The seed is planted, (C) The plant produces flowers.
B, A, C
Read: "The heavy rain flooded the field; consequently, the game was canceled." Rewrite this as two separate sentences that still show cause and effect.
Example: "The heavy rain flooded the field. As a result, the game was canceled."
Choose two animals (for example, cat and dog). Write one sentence that shows a similarity and one sentence that shows a difference between them using clue words.
Similarity: "Both cats and dogs like attention." Difference: "Unlike cats, dogs often enjoy going for walks."
Read this phrase: "A tall, leafy tree with rough bark." Identify the descriptive words and explain which senses they appeal to (one sentence).
Descriptive words: "tall", "leafy", "rough"—senses: sight and touch
Read a short scenario: "Students were late to class because the bell was too quiet." Propose one solution and write it as a complete sentence using a clue word.
Example solution: "Because the bell was too quiet, the school installed a louder bell."
A procedure lists steps to build a birdhouse. Write one sentence that uses a chronology clue word to introduce the second step. (Complete sentence.)
Example: "Next, attach the roof with nails."
List one real-world example (school or home) of a cause and its effect, using a clue word from the chart.
Bonus points for multiple.
Example: "Because the snack table was messy, the teacher asked students to clean it."
Given two short paragraphs about bicycles and scooters, list three features you would compare to help a reader decide which to buy.
Bonus points for more than three
Compare weight, cost, speed, safety, storage—choose three.
Write a short descriptive topic sentence for a paragraph about a soccer ball that uses a clue word from the chart.
Example: "A soccer ball, for example, is round, bouncy, and stitched in panels."
A passage presents a community pollution problem and three possible solutions. Describe one good way an author could show which solution worked best.
Compare solutions using criteria (cost, time, effectiveness) and report results.
A historical account gives dates, years, and shows how events led from 1900 to 1950. Explain how chronology helps the reader understand cause and effect across time (one or two sentences).
Chronology shows sequence so readers can track how one event leads to later consequences (e.g., earlier policies caused later conditions).
A passage explains several causes that led to a poor harvest and then lists effects like higher food prices and migration. Describe how an author might organize this passage so readers clearly see which effects match which causes (two clear steps).
Organize by listing each cause followed by its specific effects, or use a chart matching causes to effects; include signal words.
Explain how signal words and a Venn diagram together help a reader understand complex similarities and differences in a textbook (two or three sentences).
Use signal words and a Venn diagram or side-by-side headings; give clear topic sentences for each section
A descriptive passage lists many features of a historic building. Explain how the author can organize details so the description is easy to follow (mention at least two organizing choices).
Group details by topic (exterior, interior, history), use clear headings or logical order, and include examples.
Analyze a text that presents multiple problems and multiple solutions. Describe how signal words and structure can help the reader match each problem to its correct solution (two or three clear points).
Use headings for each problem, list solutions under each, include signal words ("the problem", "one solution", "as a result") and use a table or matching device.