Structural Analysis and Author's Purpose

Who am I

Signal Words and Phrases

When do I ask ???

100

the way in which a piece of writing is organized

structure

100

because, since, therefore
if . . . then
as a result
consequently
for this reason

cause and effect

100

ask questions related to interesting ideas you want to learn more about.

after

200

the author’s reason for writing the text

author's purpose

200

first, second, third . . .
next, then, during, finally
before, after
at the same time, not long after
(dates, such as “in 1812,” or “on Thursday, March 2”)

chronological order

200

ask questions to make connections with the text or better understand unclear or confusing ideas. Be sure to look for and write down answers to your questions as you read.

during

300

one paragraph or multiple paragraphs.

chunk

300

to solve this
one reason for this
one answer is

problem and solution

300

ask questions to establish a purpose and focus for reading.

before

400

recounts events in the order in which they happened

chronological

400

likewise, similarly
on the other hand
although, however
in contrast, as opposed to
both
different from
either . . . or

compare and contrast

400

Based on the title, what predictions can I make about the text?

before

500

presents an event or idea and describes what happens as a result

cause and effect

500

to illustrate
for instance
an example
such as
(words that describe the characteristics of something,
words that use the senses)

description

500

What would I do if I were in this situation?

during