Name That Structure
This text structure gives details and characteristics about a person, place, thing, or idea. It helps the reader picture or understand what something is like.
What is Description?
Which text structure is most likely signaled by words such as first, next, then, finally, and afterward?
Sequence
The peregrine falcon is a remarkable bird. It has sharp, curved talons, powerful wings, and excellent eyesight. Its feathers are usually dark gray on top and lighter underneath.
Description
The old house stood at the edge of town. Its windows were cracked, its paint was peeling, and weeds covered the front porch.
Question: What structure is this, AND give one clue from the passage that proves it.
Description
Evidence: cracked windows, peeling paint, weeds, etc.
A passage contains the words because and as a result. Does that automatically mean the entire passage is Cause and Effect?
No. Signal words are clues, but students must look at how the whole passage is organized.
This structure explains events or steps in the order they happen.
What is Sequence?
Which structure is most likely signaled by because, since, therefore, as a result, and consequently?
Cause and Effect
First, the scientist collected water samples from the river. Next, she tested each sample in the laboratory. Then, she recorded the results. Finally, she compared the samples.
Sequence
The school cafeteria throws away hundreds of plastic utensils every week. This creates unnecessary waste. To address the problem, the school could provide reusable utensils that students return after eating.
Question: What structure is this? Identify the clue that proves the structure.
Problem and Solution
Problem: plastic utensil waste.
Solution: reusable utensils.
Clue: problem, to address the problem.
A passage explains how to bake a cake:
First, mix the flour and sugar. Next, add the eggs. Then, pour the batter into a pan. Finally, bake it for 30 minutes.
What is the structure, and why isn't it Description?
Sequence, because the information is organized by steps in order, not characteristics.
This structure explains why something happens and what happens as a result.
What is Cause and Effect?
Which structure is most likely signaled by similarly, both, unlike, however, in contrast, and whereas?
Compare and Contrast
Heavy rainfall caused the river to rise quickly. As a result, several nearby roads flooded. Because the roads were underwater, drivers had to find alternate routes.
Cause and Effect
After the alarm rings, students enter the classroom. They first unpack their materials. Next, they complete the warm-up. Finally, they begin the day's lesson.
Question: What structure is this, AND which words help you identify it?
Answer: Sequence
Evidence: first, next, finally
A passage says:
Wolves and coyotes are both members of the canine family. Wolves are generally larger, while coyotes are smaller and more adaptable to living near humans.
What structure is this? Name two clues.
Compare and Contrast
Clues: both, while, and information about similarities/differences.
This structure examines two or more subjects by explaining how they are similar and different.
What is Compare and Contrast?
A passage repeatedly uses the words problem, issue, challenge, solution, solve, and improve. What structure should you suspect?
Problem and Solution
Both electric cars and gas-powered cars can transport people long distances. However, electric cars use electricity, while gas-powered cars burn gasoline. Electric cars are also generally quieter.
Compare and Contrast
The temperature dropped below freezing overnight. Therefore, the roads became icy by morning. As a result, several schools delayed opening.
Question: What structure is this, AND identify the two details that tell you the structure.
Cause and Effect
Cause: temperature dropped below freezing.
Effect: roads became icy / schools delayed opening.
or key words: As a result, Therefore
A passage begins by explaining that students are constantly distracted by notifications. The author then recommends turning off unnecessary notifications and putting phones away during homework.
What structure is being used? What is the issue?
Problem and Solution
Answer: Phone notifications distract students while they work.
A text explains that a town has a serious litter problem. It then discusses several ways the community could reduce the amount of trash.
What is Problem and Solution?
A passage describes a rainforest using words such as humid, dense, colorful, enormous, and tropical. What structure is most likely being used?
Description
Many students struggle to get enough sleep because they stay up late using their phones. One possible solution is to create a “phone-free” hour before bedtime. Students could charge their phones outside their bedrooms and use that time to prepare for sleep.
Problem and Solution
Basketball and soccer are both popular team sports. Both require players to communicate and work together. However, basketball is played primarily with the hands, while soccer is played primarily with the feet.
Question: What structure is this, AND identify one similarity and one difference.
Compare and Contrast
Similarity: both require teamwork.
Difference: basketball uses hands; soccer uses feet.
This passage contains no obvious signal words:
The desert receives very little rainfall each year. During the day, temperatures can become extremely hot. At night, the temperature may drop dramatically. Many desert plants have adapted by storing water in their stems
What structure is most likely being used? Why? explain why its the text structure and also why it's not the other ones.
Description
Answer: The author is giving characteristics and details about the desert rather than showing a sequence, cause/effect relationship, comparison, or solution.