Text Structures (def)
a text structure that explains how or why something happened
When I got home from school after a long boring day, I took out the peanut butter, jelly, and bread. After taking the lid off of the jars, I spread the peanut butter on one side of the bread and the jelly on the other, and then I put the two pieces of bread together. After that, I enjoyed it while watching “Cops” on the TV. I swear, that was the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich I ever ate.
Chronological/Sequential
Consider this claim:
People should avoid getting tattoos because of the associated health risks.
Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?
1. One survey found that one in six people ultimately come to regret their tattoos
2. One member of an online tattoo forum reported, "I acquired a serious infection after getting my tattoo and needed to take antibiotics."
3. According to US News & World Report, infections can occur even when tattoo parlors sterilize their needles because bacteria can contaminate the tattoo ink.
3. According to US News & World Report, infections can occur even when tattoo parlors sterilize their needles because bacteria can contaminate the tattoo ink.
a persuasive technique that appeals to logic and reasoning
logos
a text structure that presents facts, events, or details in the order in which they occurred in time
sequential/chronological
Before applying the screen protector, clean the surface of your phone’s screen with a soft cloth. Once the surface of your screen is clean, remove the paper backing on the screen protector. Evenly apply the sticky side of the screen protector to your phone’s screen. Smooth out any air bubble trapped on between the protector and the phone screen. Enjoy the added protection.
Description
Consider this claim:
Educators should incorporate computer games into their classroom instruction.
Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?
1. A study published in an academic journal found that student engagement increased when a computer game about genetics was used in a high school classroom.
2. A 9th grade student stated that playing computer games in her math class was the highlight of her day
3. In recent years, a number of tech companies have prioritized the development of computer games that are both appropriate and fun for students in a classroom environment.
1. A study published in an academic journal found that student engagement increased when a computer game about genetics was used in a high school classroom.
a persuasive technique that attempts to stir up emotions
pathos
a text structure that explains similarities and differences between two or more things
compare/contrast
Robert James Fischer was born in Chicago but unlocked the secrets of chess in a Brooklyn apartment right above a candy store. At the age of six he taught himself to play by following the instruction booklet that came with his chess board. After spending much of his childhood in chess clubs, Fischer said that, “One day, I just got good.” That may be a bit of an understatement. At the age of 13 he won the U.S. Junior Chess Championship, becoming the youngest Junior Champion ever. At the age of 14 he won the U.S. Championship and became the youngest U.S. Champion in history. Fischer would go on to become the World Champion of chess, but he would also grow to become his own worst enemy. Instead of defending the title, he forfeited it to the next challenger without even making a move, and the rise of a chess superstar ended with a fizzle.
Chronological/Sequential
Consider this claim:
Contrary to what some may say, bike-sharing programs are safe.
Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?
1. A caller to a radio program about bike-sharing programs said, "Bike-sharing programs allow people who may not own bicycles a transportation option that lets them get physical exercise while reducing carbon emissions."
2. One study found that only thirty percent of riders participating in a bike-share program in Washington, D.C., wore helmets, as compared with seventy percent of riders who owned their own bikes.
3. A team of Seattle-based researchers found that cities that adopted bike-sharing programs saw cyclist injuries decrease by twenty-eight percent.
3. A team of Seattle-based researchers found that cities that adopted bike-sharing programs saw cyclist injuries decrease by twenty-eight percent.
a coherent series of reasons, statements, or facts intended to support or establish a point of view
Evidence
a text structure that details a subject’s characteristics
description
Dr. Miller doesn’t want the tigers to vanish. These majestic beasts are disappearing at an alarming rate. Dr. Miller thinks that we should write to our congress people. If we let them know that we demand the preservation of this species, maybe we can make a difference. Dr. Miller also thinks that we should donate to Save the Tigers. Our donations will help to support and empower those who are fighting the hardest to preserve the tigers. We owe it to our grandchildren to do something.
Consider this claim: To reduce stress, people should try watching funny movies or stand-up comedy.
Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?
1. In a survey conducted by National Public Radio, almost half of respondents said that they had gone through a major stressful experience within the past year.
2. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that laughing can help decrease the physical symptoms of stress by helping muscles relax and stimulating circulation.
3. When asked to list ways in which they dealt with stress, participants in a survey included humor along with physical activity and sleep.
2. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that laughing can help decrease the physical symptoms of stress by helping muscles relax and stimulating circulation.
the writer’s or speaker’s position on a debatable issue or problem
Claim
a text structure that presents a problem or series of problems with suggestions on how to solve them
problem/solution
All matter, all things can be changed in two ways: chemically and physically. Both chemical and physical changes affect the state of matter. Physical changes are those that do not change the make-up or identity of the matter. For example, clay will bend or flatten if squeezed, but it will still be clay. Changing the shape of clay is a physical change, and does not change the matter’s identity. Chemical changes turn the matter into a new kind of matter with different properties. For example, when paper is burnt, it becomes ash and will never be paper again. The difference between them is that physical changes are temporary or only last for a little while, and chemical changes are permanent, which means they last forever. Physical and chemical changes both affect the state of matter
Compare and Contrast
Consider this claim: Criminalizing cyberbullying is not the most effective solution to the problem. Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?
1. The co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center stated that the best responses to cyberbullying include in-school detention and family partnership programs.
2. A Democrat in the New York Senate introduced a bill that called for prison time in some cyberbullying cases.
3. More than half of young people reported being cyberbullied in 2014.
1. The co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center stated that the best responses to cyberbullying include in-school detention and family partnership programs.
an explanation that states why others should accept a claim
reason