Types of Informational Text Text structures We have

Text structures �We have talked external text structures – things like titles, headings, graphs,

Descriptive or definition Frequently in textbook reading an entire paragraph is devoted to defining

Problem-Solution The text states a problem and then suggests one or more solutions. Signal

Sequence/Time The main idea’s supporting details are written in a specific order. Changing the

Comparison-Contrast Points out similarities and differences between two or more topics. Signal words: different

Cause-Effect Shows a relationship between the cause of something and the effect that follows

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Types of Informational Text

Text structures �We have talked external text structures – things like titles, headings, graphs, pictures, bolded words, indexes, tables of content, etc. They help us to use access and understand information more easily. �Now we will talk about internal text structure – the way the text is written – to also help us get information from non-fiction text more easily. �There are five types of text we are going to discuss: definition/description, problemsolution, sequence/time, comparison and contrast, and cause and effect.

Descriptive or definition Frequently in textbook reading an entire paragraph is devoted to defining a complex term or idea. The concept is initially defined and then further expanded with examples and restatements. Signal words: is, for example, involves, can be defined, an example, for instance, in fact, also, is called, refers to…

Problem-Solution The text states a problem and then suggests one or more solutions. Signal words: a problem is, a solution is, the problem is solved by, a potential alternative is, solution, issue, a possible answer, therefore, conclusion…

Sequence/Time The main idea’s supporting details are written in a specific order. Changing the order would change the meaning. Signal words: first, second, third, now, then, before, after, next, finally, following, while, last, during, on (date), not long, when…

Comparison-Contrast Points out similarities and differences between two or more topics. Signal words: different from, same as, alike, similar to, unlike, but, as well as, yet, either…or, not only…but also, compared to, in contrast, while, resembles, although, unless, similarly, however…

Cause-Effect Shows a relationship between the cause of something and the effect that follows as a result. Signal words: so that, because of, thus, unless, therefore, since, in order to, as a result of, this led to, then, reasons for, if…then, consequently, an explanation for, this reason, nevertheless, accordingly…