Text Structure
What are our five main text structures?
OR
Which 3 examples of text structure did we see in the informational article, "Martian Metropolis"?
Description. OR Cause/affect
Cause and Effect Advantages/Disadvantages
Chronological Order Classification
Problem and Solution
Compare and Contrast
What is the Main Idea?
Central, or most important, idea in a paragraph or passage
What are key details?
1. Descriptions of characters in a story.
2. Details that tell the setting, who the characters are, and the main idea of a text.
3. Important pieces of information that support the main idea of the text.
3. Important pieces of information that support the main idea of the text
True or False
The theme is always stated in the text.
False
Why is the word NASA colonized in paragraph 1 of the article, "Martian Metropolis"?
Proper nouns (the names of people, places, and things) must be capitalized. NASA is short for the name of an organization, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The problem began before I even woke up however, I didn’t know this when I stepped into the classroom that fateful morning. On this morning it had been downpouring for hours. The ground outside of the classroom was starting to flood. In reality, it was not surprising that I walked into a classroom filled with bugs and critters taking over. However, this did not stop me from being horrified! What text structure is used?
Cause and Effect
People often refer to taxes in terms of their being much too high. In reality, they are probably even higher than you think, because, in addition to the federal income tax, there are many other Federal, State, and local taxes, including sales taxes, inheritance taxes, state income taxes, personal property taxes, real estate taxes, and others. These are just some of the most obvious ones.
a. Taxes are much too high.
b. We pay more taxes than we may realize.
c. Inheritance taxes and real estate taxes are unfair.
d. Some taxes are hidden.
b. We pay more taxes than we may realize
What do key details do?
Explain and provide evidence.
Growing up, Sally was always in the shadow of her older sister Mary. Mary always got better grades, was better at sports, and seemed to even be prettier. Sally spent a lot of time in the family's garden feeling sorry for herself. Then one day Mary needed help on a science project about plants. Due to all of her time in the garden, Sally knew a lot about plants and was able help Mary with the project. Sally was shocked that she was better at something than her sister. What is the theme?
Accept yourself for who you are.
Sports are not important
You can learn a lot from plants.
Accept yourself for who you are.
The word "atmosphere" comes from the Greek roots -atmos (meaning vapor) and -sphaera (meaning ball or globe). What can you infer about the Martian Atmosphere based on the following sentence?
"Even if Mars’s atmosphere were thicker, we wouldn’t be able to breathe it."
The martian atmosphere/layer of vapor must be thin because the sentence explains, "even if it were thicker..." which means that it is not thick (thin is the opposite of thick).
That day, I knew my life would never be the same. I saw her across the hall. Her beautiful brown hair was down to her shoulders. Her bright pink shirt had white polka dots all over it. Her blue jeans were faded just perfectly as to make you think that they were a couple of years old. She was just barely five feet tall and she had striking light brown eyes. She was a dream come true.
What text structure is used in this passage?
Description
When a new city was being built on the rocky hills of Greece, both Athena and Poseidon wanted to be its guardian. They started to argue. Poseidon said, “I am the god of the sea. These people will make their living from the sea!” Athena said, “I am the goddess of wisdom. The people who live here will love learning and peace.” Zeus sent Kekrops, a child of Earth, to keep the two from clashing. Kekrops said, “Let’s have a contest. Each of you must make something for this new city. The one who creates the most valuable thing will become the protector of this place.” Poseidon created a well. “A well,” said Kekrops. “Yes, water will be very important. This is a hot and rocky place. But wells can dry up. What then?” Athena created an olive tree. “This tree will give shade to this scorching place,” said Kekrops. “But it will also give food and oil. And this tree is made to grow in the heat and live without much water. I say that Athena is the winner!” Athena was happy and smiled. Poseidon grumbled but bowed to Athena and said, “A fine effort!” And that is how the new city came to be named Athens.
How the city of Athens got its name.
What are two key details in the following text?
The Continental army finally fought off the British ships and the harbor opened back up. The Patriots began receiving shipments of supplies. However, they were disheartened to find that the muskets they had been waiting for came without gunpowder or bullets. The muskets were useless. Abigail, knowing the army could not continue their fight for independence without usable weapons, collected all the silver and steel she could find. She then melted it down to make bullets for the army. Even though the army was still missing gunpowder and they could not fire their muskets, this loyal act by Abigail inspired them to steal gunpowder and cannons from a nearby British base.
Key Detail #1 When the harbor opened back up, the army received shipments of muskets but not any bullets or gunpowder so they were disheartened.
Key Detail #2 Abigail gathered all the silver and steel in her home and melted it down to make bullets for the army.
Key Detail #3 This action inspired the army to attack a British base to steal gunpowder so they could use their muskets.
Blaine opened up the present and began pouting. He screamed in a high-pitched voice, "This is Captain Thunder! I wanted Captain Lightning!" His mother looked at him with dismay and handed him another present, which he greedily opened. "Why did you get me a red hat? You know I like blue more," Blaine whined as he threw the hat across the room. His mother straightened her expression and squinted at him. Earlier she had hoped to take some pictures of this moment, but by now she had put away her camera. She sighed and handed him one more present in hopes that this year wouldn't be a total bust. Blaine huffed and opened it. "A Game Box 4000? wow! Where's the Game Box 5000 that I asked for?" His mother could bear his ingratitude no longer. The next day, Blaine went to his father's house for a couple of hours. Once he returned, he was shocked to find that all of his gifts, along with many other of his things, had been generously donated to needy children.
What is the Theme?
You need to be grateful for what you have and what you receive
Why does NASA consider Mars the best planet to colonize?
It is the planet that is most similar to Earth in our solar system.
A boy decided to try out for his school's basketball team. However, the boy needed to practice before he tried out. The boy began by dribbling the ball. Then, the boy worked on shooting the ball. Finally, the boy worked on passing the ball to his friends.
What text structure is used in this passage?
a. Problem and Solution
b. Chronological Order
c. Compare and Contrast
d. Description
B. Chronological Order
True or False? Why?
The main idea is always stated in the text.
False, you may have to infer the main idea.
What are three key details from the following passage?
There are many different ways to make a friend. One way to make a friend is to be a friend. If someone needs you, be there. Second, remember that everyone is a different person. Respect the way other people are, and get to know them. They will respect you, and want to get to know you too. Another thing you can do is always to be kind to everyone. You’d be surprised how many great friends are waiting for you.
Be a friend.
Be kind.
Remember everyone is different.
A theme is
a. an underlying message
b. a key idea
c. a description of the characters
a. an underlying message
Which two ideas are supported by the information in the section "4th Rock From The Sun"?
A. Electricity on Mars will be generated mainly from gas.
B. Life on Mars will be very different from Earth
C. Colonizing Mars will be challenging
D. NASA will not be able to colonize Mars
How does the author illustrate this idea?
A. By comparing/contrasting Earth and Mars
B. By explaining the sequence/order of steps involved in building colonies on Mars
C. By explaining the problems with colonizing Mars and the possible solutions to each problem
D. By informing the reader of the cause and effect relationships between colonizing on Mars and society.
B & C
Everyone knew that Michael was older and had more street smarts however, everyone also knew that Gabriel was more cunning and had more book smart. Knowone knew who would win a prank war between the two. Both of the boys had access to water and balloons however, only Michael had access to paint and only Gabriel had access to glue.
What text structure is being used in this passage?
How do you know?
Compare and Contrast
Clue Words
What is the Main Idea of the text?
The Louisiana Purchase proved to be one of the shrewdest business pacts in the entire history of the United States. The purchase doubled in the area of the country and provided territory from which fourteen new states were created either wholly or in part. It also gave us control over the mouth of the Mississippi River and opened up the way to foreign trade. Prior to the purchase, the waterway had been blocked by the Spanish, probably with the approval of Napoleon. The land that was bought was rich in timber, minerals, and natural resources of many kinds. Finally, the cost of the transaction was unbelievably low; the total of $15 million amounted to about four cents an acre.
The purchase of the Louisiana Purchase was a great deal for the United States.
Give me three key details from the passage that support the following main idea.
Main Idea: Abigail Adams supported the Patriots through her actions.
Abigail supported the Patriots through her many actions. While John was away from home as an active member of the war, Abigail was appointed by the Massachusetts Colony General Court to question other women to determine whether they were Patriots or loyal to the British crown. She was asked by her husband to influence those women loyal to the crown to take sides with the Patriots. Abigail was close to many of the battles because she lived in Boston during most of the war. The war came very close to Abigail’s home when Britain closed off Boston’s harbor and denied shipments of supplies to the Patriots. When the British began firing cannons on the harbor, Abigail could see the destruction. She offered aid in the form of food, clothing, and care to the Continental army. She even hid soldiers in her home and allowed them to train in her yard.
Main Idea: Abigal Adams supported the patriots through her actions.
Key Detail #1 Abigail attempted to influence those women loyal to Britain to side with the Patriots.
Key Detail #2 She questioned other women to determine whether they were Patriots or loyal to the British crown.
Key Detail #3 She offered aid in the form of food, clothing, and care to the Continental army, and she hid soldiers in her home and allowed them to train in her yard.
“I don’t want a new baby brother!” whined Kim. “Honey, you don’t have a choice. He will be here next month,” mom said rubbing her big belly. Kim couldn’t believe that she would have to be around a loud, slobbery baby. Plus, the thought of sharing anything, especially attention from her mom and dad, with a new baby didn’t sound fun at all! “You will be one of the most important people in his life!” mom exclaimed. “He will need you to look out for him and to teach him new things!” “Hmm, I guess that’s true. I will be showing him a lot of new things. Maybe it won’t be all that terrible having a little rugrat running around here,” Kim replied with a sigh. “Just don’t expect me to change his diapers!”
Feeling important can make people accept change easier.
Each member of your group must reread the following sections and find one sentence that is an example of each text structure:
-"Living Off the Land" (Problem/Solution)
-"Smaller is Better" (Cause/Effect)
-"Smaller is Better" (Chronological/Sequence)
-"All Work and No Play" (Classification)
Possible Answers (actual answers may vary):
-Problem/Solution: "Sending stuff to Mars is very expensive. The cheapest way to colonize will be to make everything there."
-Cause/Effect: "Because it has to produce its own air, the Martian city will be small."
-Chronological/Sequence: "At first, residents will probably live underground to protect themselves against cosmic radiation...Once that’s in place, settlers can live above ground in brick buildings with windows, or even under a dome or tent."
-Classification: "Colonists will keep busy with work, but they’ll want entertainment too. They can venture outside for short sightseeing trips. They’ll have television, radio, and movies—some transmitted from Earth, some made right on Mars. They can read and do crafts. Colonists will probably make up new sports that take advantage of Mars’s low gravity. Zip lines, rock climbing, and trampolines will be popular."