Text Structure What is Text Structure Text Structure

Text Structure

What is Text Structure? Text Structure is HOW text is organized In fiction there is a typical sequence of events that follows plot structure (exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution) Expository, non-fiction text has a variety of text structures to relay information We will learn 5 types of text structure

What are Clue Words? They are words that are typically used for specific types of expository text Readers can look for these words to help determine what type of expository text they are reading Understanding clue words to determine text structure will help readers understand the function of what they are reading

Description Format a single topic with details clarifying and supporting the description of a central topic Example: Describes Many children enjoy eating sandwiches. For Function example, a PB&J is a Used to inform the reader on a specific topic sandwich that includes a layer of peanut butter and Clue Words a layer of jelly between For example, for instance, such as, like, including, to two pieces of bread. illustrate, furthermore, in fact, in addition

Sequence/Order Format Describes a topic in order of events or through a list of characteristics Function Used to explain a topic in an order of time or series of connected events or steps Clue Words First, second, third, later, next, before, then, finally, , after, since, now, previously, until, lastly, initially, to begin Example: To make a PB&J you first need to get bread. Second you open the jars of peanut butter and jelly. Then you need to spread the peanut butter, next the jelly. Finally, combine the slices and enjoy.

Compare & Contrast Format Describes two or more topics Function Used to show the relationships between topics through similarities and/or differences Clue Words Similar, likewise, also, similarly, alike, same as, in the same way, just like, just as, in comparison, nevertheless, although, different, in contrast, the difference between, as opposed to, however, but, on the other hand, either/or, whereas, yet Example: The difference between a PB&J and a turkey sandwich is that they have different ingredients between the two slices of bread. Nevertheless, PB&J and turkey are both sandwiches.

Cause & Effect Format Describes the results of a topic, event, or idea Function Used to show the effect(s) of one or more cause Clue Words If-then, reasons why, as a result, therefore, because, consequently, since, so that, hence, due to, thus, this lead to, for this reason, on account of Example: The reason why I made a PB&J sandwich is because I am hungry.

Problem & Solution Format Describes a problem and gives an answer to the problem Function Used Clue to propose a solution to a problem Words The problem is, dilemma is, if-then, because, question/answer, for one reason, the solution is, the question is, one answer is, recommendation, suggestion, proposition Example: The problem is that I am out of peanut butter so I cannot make a PB&J sandwich. My mom suggested that I go to the store to buy some more peanut butter so I can make my sandwich.

Practice Read the paragraph Identify Write the text structure it down

1. Deviled Eggs First, pop out (remove) the egg yolks to a small bowl and mash with a fork. Then combine mayonnaise, mustard powder, vinegar, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly. Next fill the empty egg white shells with the mixture and sprinkle lightly with paprika. Finally, cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one day before serving. (Morton, 2011)

2. Sports at Eaglecrest There are two popular sports played at Eaglecrest, basketball and volleyball. Both take place inside of the gym at Eaglecrest. Also, each sport has two teams of people. In basketball, however, the ball can be played off of the floor, and in volleyball, the ball cannot touch the floor or it is out of play. Basketball and volleyball are popular sports at Eaglecrest. (Morton, 2011)

3. Failing Classes Many students are at risk for failing classes. Some students fail because the work is too hard for them. In some cases students may fail because they do not do any work. Another reason why students may fail is if they do not go to school. Students miss important information when they miss class. (Morton, 2011)

4. Passing Classes A problem in high school is that many students fail their classes. These students would not fail their classes if they studied more, asked questions, and came in for extra help. Even though a lot of students fail classes, they have many options if they want to pass. (Morton, 2011)

5. Electives at Eaglecrest There a variety of electives offered at Eaglecrest. For example, there art classes including drawing, painting, photography, and ceramics. There also gym classes to get students up and moving throughout the day. In addition, there academic support electives like AVID, reading, and study skills.

6. Elements and Compounds have physical and chemical properties that are completely different from properties of their elemental parts. Sodium chloride, Na. Cl, is very different from the elemental sodium and the elemental chlorine used in its formation. Elemental sodium, Na, consists of nothing but sodium atoms, which form a soft, silvery metal that can easily be cut with a knife. Sodium chloride does not react chemically with water the way sodium does. (Hewitt, Suchocki, & Hewitt, 2010, p. 377)

7. Mixtures The components of mixtures can be separated from one another by taking advantage of differences in the components’ physical properties. A mixture of solids and liquids, for example, can be separated using filter paper through which liquids pass but solids do not. This method of separating a solid-liquid mixture is called filtration, and it is a common technique used by chemists. (Hewitt, Suchocki, & Hewitt, 2010, p. 415)

8. The Seasons The seasons change because the angle at which the Sun’s rays strike these locations varies over the course of a year. The tilt of the Earth causes the variation in the rays’ angle. When the Sun’s rays are closest to perpendicular at any spot on the Earth, that region experiences summer. Six months later, the rays fall upon the same region more obliquely, and we have winter. In between are fall and spring. (Hewitt, Suchocki, & Hewitt, 2010, p. 722)

9. Land Resources In certain parts of the world with dry climates, a combination of farming, overgrazing, and drought has turned once productive areas into deserts – a process called desertification. There are, however, a variety of sustainable-use practices that can guard against these problems. One solution is contour plowing, in which fields are plowed across the slope of the land to reduce erosion. (Miller, & Levine, 2002, p. 145)

10. Mitosis The first and longest phase of mitosis, prophase, can take as much as 50 to 60 percent of the total time required to complete mitosis. The second phase of mitosis, metaphase, often lasts only a few minutes. Anaphase is the third phase of mitosis. Following anaphase is telophase, the fourth and final phase of mitosis. (Miller, & Levine, 2002, pp. 246 -248)

Answers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Sequence/Order Compare & Contrast Cause & Effect Problem & Solution Description Compare & Contrast Description Cause & Effect Problem & Solution Sequence/Order

References Akhondi, M. , Malayeri, F. A. , & Samad, A. A. (2011). How to teach expository text structure to facilitate reading comprehension. The Reading Teacher, 64(5), 368 -372. Bakken, J. , Mastropieri, M. , & Scruggs, T. (1997). Reading comprehension of expository science material and students with learning disabilities: A comparison of strategies. The Journal of Special Education, 31(3), 300 -324. Bakken, J. , & Whedon, C. (2002). Teaching text structure to improve reading comprehension. Intervention in School and Clinic, 37(4), 229 -233. Hewitt, P. , Suchocki, J. , & Hewitt, L. (2010). Conceptional physical science explorations. San Francisco, CA: Pearson Addison-Wesley. Miller, K. , & Levine, J. (2002). Prentice hall: Biology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Morton. (2011). Text structure lesson powerpoint. Retrieved from http: //www. ereadingworksheets. com/text-structure/