Text Structure
This text structure presents events in the order that they happen (time order, from first to last).
Chronological order (sequence)
"Despite hearing his friends cheer him on, Kevin was reluctant to attempt the high dive, fidgeting nervously at the edge of the pool." In this sentence, what does reluctant most likely mean?
Unwilling or hesitant
The underlying message, moral, or lesson of a story, or universal lesson(what the author wants you to learn) is called the _______ of the story.
Theme
After the teacher hands back the test, Emily grins and gives a thumbs-up. Other students high-five.
What can you infer?
A. The test was unfair
B. They all failed the test
C. The class did well on the test
D. They are getting ready to leave school
C. The class did well on the test
Part A: What does timid mean in the sentence:
"The puppy was timid, cowering behind its owner whenever a stranger approached."
A. Brave
B. Shy
C. Curious
D. Playful
Part B: Which phrase best helps define timid?
A. "the puppy was timid"
B. "whenever a stranger approached"
C. "cowering behind its owner"
D. "behind its owner"
B- Shy
C- "cowering behind its owner"
An author explaining why something happened and what happened as a result is using this text structure.
Cause and effect
"Mia was skeptical of the magician’s claim that he could saw a woman in half and put her back together — she rolled her eyes, not believing it for a second." What does skeptical mean as used in this sentence?
Doubtful; not easily convinced
The central idea of a nonfiction passage is the __________ that the text is mostly about (the main point the author wants to convey).
Main idea (overall key point).
When you make an educated guess based on clues in the text and your own knowledge, it’s called a:
A. Summary
B. Prediction
C. Inference
D. Opinion
C. Inference
Part A: What happened to the pizza?
"The kitchen was full of smoke and the pizza was black as coal."
A. He dropped the pizza
B. It was undercooked
C. It burned
D. He ate it
Part B: Which detail supports this?
A. "black as coal"
B. "remembered to check"
C. "left it in the oven"
D. "cooked too long"
C- It Burned
A- "black as coal"
In which text structure does an author introduce a problem and then explain how it is solved?
Problem and solution
Jonah’s artwork was incredibly meticulous – he used a tiny brush to paint each hair on the cat, and the pattern on the vase had every dot and line perfectly placed." Given this context, what is the meaning of meticulous?
Very careful and detailed (showing great attention to detail).
Read the passage and answer the question below:
"Many cities are planting more trees and gardens to help the environment. Studies show that increasing green space can reduce pollution, lower city temperatures, and improve people’s mental health. As a result, some urban areas have started tree-planting campaigns to make their communities healthier and more pleasant."
Question: What is the central idea of this passage?
Green spaces in cities are beneficial, so many cities are working to plant more trees and gardens (to improve the environment and community health).
"Amy peered out the window at the empty street. It was well past midnight, and her father still wasn’t home. She paced back and forth, biting her nails. When headlights finally appeared in the driveway at 1 AM, she breathed a sigh of relief." What can you infer about how Amy felt while waiting?
She was anxious and worried about her father.
Part A: What is the central idea of this paragraph?
"After years of research, scientists have discovered several deep-sea species that survive in extreme pressure and total darkness. These species have evolved unique traits like bioluminescence and the ability to process chemicals instead of sunlight. Their existence challenges our understanding of what life needs to survive."
A. Most deep-sea animals cannot survive in total darkness.
B. Deep-sea species are often colorful and large.
C. Life can exist in extreme conditions, and some species have adapted in surprising ways.
D. Scientists are no longer interested in studying the deep sea.
Part B: Which sentence best supports that idea?
A. "Scientists have discovered several deep-sea species."
B. "These species have evolved unique traits like bioluminescence..."
C. "Their existence challenges our understanding of what life needs to survive."
D. "These species live in total darkness."
C- Life can exist in extreme conditions, and some species have adapted in surprising ways.
C-"Their existence challenges our understanding of what life needs to survive."
Signal words like "similarly," "on the other hand," "in contrast," and "both" are clues that a passage is organized using this text structure.
Compare and contrast
After weeks without rain, the farmers knew that crop failure was inevitable. No amount of irrigation could save the withered plants at that point." In this context, inevitable most nearly means:
Unavoidable (certain to happen)
Consider the short story scenario: Brianna auditioned for the school play but didn’t get a part. Instead of giving up, she took acting classes and practiced all year. At the next tryouts, she performed with confidence and earned the lead role.
Question: What is a possible theme illustrated by this story?
Perseverance and hard work pay off (never give up on your goals).
City officials banned watering lawns. The lake was nearly empty, and the air was dusty."
What can you infer about the situation in this town?
A. The town just had a flood
B. The town is experiencing a drought
C. The lake is being cleaned
D. It’s the middle of winter
B. The town is experiencing a drought
Part A: What theme is best illustrated in this summary?
"In the story, Kayla wants to join the robotics club, but the members ignore her ideas. She builds a working prototype by herself, impresses the judges, and is later asked to lead the next project."
A. Sometimes you have to follow the rules to succeed.
B. Acceptance by others is more important than talent.
C. Standing up for yourself and persevering can lead to respect.
D. People should always work alone to achieve the best results.
Part B: Which detail best supports the theme?
A. "Kayla builds a prototype on her own."
B. "She wants to join the robotics club."
C. "The group apologizes and invites her to lead."
D. "The members ignore her ideas."
C. Standing up for yourself and persevering can lead to respect.
C. "The group apologizes and invites her to lead."
Identify the text structure used in the passage below:
"The canyon was vast and dry. Its walls were layered with red and orange rock, towering above the dusty trail. At the canyon floor, sparse shrubs and cacti dotted the landscape, providing the only bursts of green in the otherwise barren terrain."
What text structure is shown here?
Descriptive (description of a topic using details)
Thunder rumbled in the distance as dark, ominous clouds gathered overhead. The once sunny afternoon now felt threatening." What does ominous mean in this description?
Threatening or giving the impression that something bad is going to happen
What is one key difference between a story’s theme and an article’s central idea?
A theme is a general life lesson or moral implicit in a story, while a central idea is the explicit main point or factual focus of a nonfiction text.
"‘Sure, I’d love to go,’ Jenna said, forcing a smile and fiddling with her bag strap."
What can you infer about Jenna’s true feelings?
A. She is excited to go
B. She is being polite but doesn’t want to go
C. She is happy and confident
D. She forgot the event was happening
B. She is being polite but doesn’t want to go
Part A: What is the author’s purpose in this passage?
"Some parents choose to homeschool their children, believing it provides a more personalized education. Homeschooling allows students to learn at their own pace and explore interests more deeply. However, critics argue it may lack the social opportunities found in traditional schools. Still, homeschooling continues to grow across the country."
A. To entertain with a story about education
B. To persuade readers to choose homeschooling
C. To inform readers about the pros and cons of homeschooling
D. To explain how homeschooling works step-by-step
Part B: Which sentence best supports that purpose?
A. "Some parents choose to homeschool their children..."
B. "Critics argue it may lack the social opportunities..."
C. "Still, homeschooling continues to grow..."
D. "Homeschooling allows students to learn at their own pace..."
C. To inform readers about the pros and cons of homeschooling
B. "Critics argue it may lack the social opportunities..."