Understanding Text Structure

©Mauri Fava 2014

What is a text structure?Buildings are constructed and so are texts!

Text structure refers to the framework for a text or how it is organized.

2

Why is text structure important?As a reader:

Understanding of text structure improves understanding of text.

As a writer:

Knowing the different ways to organize your ideas is an essential skill for a

writer.

3

Six Most Common Text Structures

Description/ Definition

Chronological order

Compare/Contrast

Cause/Effect

Problem/Solution

Sequential/ process

4

How can you identify text structure?

Signal Words

On the other hand…

As a result…

Not long after

For example…

One solution is…

5

6

Topic

Characteristic #11.

2.

3.

Characteristic #21.

2.

3.

Description / definition

Descriptive Structure

for example for instance most important

in front ofbeside

near

Topic information is organized by characteristics, features, and examples.

Signal Words:

7

Descriptive: find the signal words.

Chimpanzees are extremely intelligent. For example, they can use tools, shaping sticks to pull insects from logs and termite mounds. They also have a fairly complex system of communication. For instance, they use 30 different calls. Some chimps have even been taught to express their thoughts and feeling through American Sign Language.

8

Descriptive:

Chimpanzees are extremely intelligent. For example, they can use tools, shaping sticks to pull insects from logs and termites mounds. They also have a fairly complex system of communication. For instance, they use 30 different calls. Some chimps have even been taught to express their thoughts and feeling through American Sign Language.

9

10

Chronological order

Chronological StructureTopic information is organized by steps.

Signal Words:

11

DatesTimesLater

Before thatSeveral years later

Chronological: find the signal words.

Jane Goodall’s work with chimpanzees has changed the world’s attitudes towards our closest cousins. In 1957, she first went to Africa to observe chimpanzees in the wild and discovered their ability to make tools. Several years later, Goodall learned more about chimp society, documenting its complexity and even its brutality. After many years of research, Goodall presented her observations in a the book, Shadow of Man. Her work showed the world the intelligence of chimpanzees.

12

Chronological:

Jane Goodall’s work with chimpanzees has changed the world’s attitudes towards our closest cousins. In 1957, she first went to Africa to observe chimpanzees in the wild and discovered their ability to make tools. Several years later, Goodall learned more about chimp society, documenting its complexity and even its brutality. After many years of research, Goodall presented her observations in a the book, Shadow of Man. Her work showed the world the intelligence of chimpanzees.

13

14

Things being compared

Differences Differences

similarities

Compare and Contrast

Compare/Contrast Structure

like

also

unlike

as well as

but

too

in contrast

however

both

also

Similarities and differences are presented.

Signal Words:

15

Compare/Contrast: find the signal words.

Chimpanzees and humans are alike in many ways. Both humans and chimps have large brains and opposable thumbs. Similar to humans, chimps can use their intelligence and dexterity to create and use tools. But there are key differences between chimpanzees and humans. Chimpanzees are much stronger and lift more weight. Also, humans have a spoken language unlike chimps which do not have a vocal tract to produce speech.

16

Compare/Contrast:

Chimpanzees and humans are alike in many ways. Both humans and chimps have large brains and opposable thumbs. Similar to humans, chimps can use their intelligence and dexterity to create and use tools. But there are key differences between chimpanzees and humans. Chimpanzees are much stronger and lift more weight. Also, humans have a spoken language unlike chimps which do not have a vocal tract to produce speech.

17

18

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 6 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 age 13, he won the U.E. Championship and became the youngest Junior Champion ever. At age 14, he won the U.S. Championship and became the youngest U.S. Champion in history

Test Yourself19

What type of text structure was used to write the passage on Bobby Fischer?

a. Compare and contrast

b. Chronological

c. descriptive

20 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 for ever.

Test Yourself21

What type of text structure was used to write the passage on chemical reactions?

a. Compare and contrast

b. Chronological

c. descriptive

22

The Space Needle was built in 1962 in Seattle, Washington for the World’s Fair. It is 605 feet tall from the ground to the aircraft warning beacon at the very top. Visitors can ride an elevator to the observation deck at 520 feet. They can also dine in a revolving restaurant near the top of the needle.

Test Yourself23

What type of text structure was used to write the passage on the Space Needle?

a. Compare and contrast

b. Chronological

c. descriptive

24

Electricity can flow through some kinds of materials, but not through others. Materials that electricity can flow through are called conductors. By contrast, materials that electricity cannot flow through are called insulators. Plastic, glass, fabric, and wood are all insulators.

Test Yourself25

What type of text structure was used to write the passage on electricity

a. Compare and contrast

b. Chronological

c. descriptive

26

Practice Time

You will be assigned a group.

Each group will rotate through the stations.

At each station, you will read the passage and complete the graphic organizer.