TEXT STRUCTURE WAYS THAT TEXTS CAN BE ORGANIZED

Compare/Contrast o Shows how two or more things are similar and different o. Example: ”Hurricanes and tornadoes are both amazing, although dangerous, forces of nature. Both generate deadly conditions but in different ways. Tornadoes are likely to damage people and property with their high winds, but hurricanes are generally feared for their ability to flood large areas of land. ”

Description o. Focuses on one idea or topic o. Supported with plenty of facts, details and imagery o. Words commonly seen in descriptive text structure: such as, including, for instance, for example, to illustrate o. Example: “Ice cream is a classic treat enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It is especially delicious because it is available in several flavors, such as vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. Ice cream can be smooth and creamy or thick and lumpy. ”

Cause and Effect o. The “cause” tells us why something happened o. The “effect” tells us what happened because of the “cause” o. Signal words indicate that a cause-and-effect relationship is happening o. Examples: o. Andy got a one hundred on his test because he studied often. o. Max stayed up late playing fortnight, so he was tired for school. o. Common signal words: since, so, thus, because, due to, therefore, if…then, consequently, as a result