Definitions
the author states a problem and lists one or more possible solutions
problem and solution
tell how two or more things are alike
compare
first, next, then, before, after, finally, following, dates, and times
sequence
To surprise her mother on her birthday, Samantha got up early and make coffee. First, she filled the pot with water. Then she cleaned and replaced the filter. Next, she got fresh coffee, measured just the right amount, and poured it into the filter. Finally, she pressed the "on" button and within seconds, the aroma of the fresh-brewed coffee filled the house. The MAIN text structure used in this paragraph is . . .
sequence
the author explains a topic, person, place, or thing by listing characteristics, examples, or features
description?
a resolution or fix
solution
same as, similar, alike, as well as, also, both, instead of, on the other hand, different from, and as opposed to
compare and contrast
Willow Creek is very different from New York City. There are no tall skyscrapers in Willow Creek. All you can see are fields and sky. Instead of taxicab horns and fire truck sirens, it is so quiet at night that you can hear the crickets chirping. The MAIN text structure used in this paragraph is . . .
compare and contrast
the author lists one or more causes and the resulting effects
cause and effect
tell how two or more things are different
contrast
problem is, question is, if/then, because, puzzle is solved
problem and solution
The music was blasting so loud, Marco thought his ears would burst. The stage was filled with bright blue laser beams and a shower of yellow and green paper streamers. All around him, the crowd was singing and dancing wildly. The MAIN text structure used in this paragraph is . . .
description
the author explains how two or more things are alike and how they are different
compare and contrast?
an action or event that makes something else happen
cause
so, because, since, therefore, if/then, this led to, as a result, a reason why, may be due to, consequently, for this reason
cause and effect
Joey lost his science book. He knew he would be in big trouble if he was unable to study for the final. What should he do? He thought for a few worried moments, and then decided to retrace his steps. He remembered putting the book in his backpack that morning. He had taken it out at school when his friend Kim asked to look something up. Now he remembered - Kim still had his book! The MAIN text structure used in this paragraph is . . .
problem and solution
the author lists the items or events in chronological order; how to make or do something
sequence?
It is the result
effect
for instance, such as, an example, an illustration, characteristics
description
Every spring, shortly after the tulips bloom, farmers in Holland go through the tulip fields and cut the blooms off the tulips. This seems strange, because it leaves a field full of green stems. However, it makes the colorful tulip blooms grow back even bigger and stronger later that spring. The MAIN text structure used in this paragraph is . . .
cause and effect