UNDERSTANDING NONFICTION TEXT STRUCTURE ORGANIZATIONAL PATTERNS 2012 Happy

UNDERSTANDING NONFICTION TEXT STRUCTURE ORGANIZATIONAL PATTERNS 2012 Happy. Edugator

Structures of Nonfiction Text Cause and Effect Gives reasons for why or how something happens Compare and Contrast Presents ideas and examines how they are alike and/or different 2012 Happy. Edugator Problem and Solution Question and Answer Identifies a problem and offers solutions Poses a question and provides an answer Description Provides main ideas and supports them with descriptive details Sequence Gives information in a particular order

Cause and Effect Cause and effect is the relationship between two things when one thing makes something else happen. For example, if we eat too much food and do not exercise, we gain weight. Eating food without exercising is the "cause; " weight gain is the "effect. " There may be multiple causes and multiple effects. Effects can form a chain in which one effect goes on to cause a second effect, which may then cause a third effect and so on. 2012 Happy. Edugator

Cause and Effect This text structure uses the process of identifying potential causes of a problem or issue in an orderly way. It is often used to teach social studies and science concepts. Look for signal words that show cause/effect relationships: because, so that, if… then, consequently, thus, since, for this reason, as a result of, therefore, due to, this is how, nevertheless, and accordingly. 2012 Happy. Edugator

Cause and Effect The cause of something is laid out in detail, and then the effect is described. Sometimes the effect can then become a cause of another effect, and then you can have a chain or even a cycle of events. 2012 Happy. Edugator Cause and Effect Graphic Organizer

Problem and Solution In this text structure, the author states a problem and lists one or more solutions for the problem. Look for these signal words and phrases: Problem is Dilemma is Puzzle is Solved Question… answer 2012 Happy. Edugator

Problem and Solution The problem has to be laid out in detail first, and then solutions proposed or attempted solutions described. The author will conclude with an end result or probable solution. 2012 Happy. Edugator Problem and Solution Graphic Organizer

Question and Answer In this text structure, the author will ask a question, and then will offer an answer to the question. Look for signal words similar to those of the problem/solution text structure. 2012 Happy. Edugator

Question and Answer The question is presented, and the answer is then given, or multiple answers or different possibilities are given. 2012 Happy. Edugator Question and Answer Graphic Organizer

Compare and Contrast In this text structure, the author explains how two or more things are alike and/or how they are different Look for these signal words: However, unlike, by contrast, yet, in comparison, although, whereas, similar to, different from 2012 Happy. Edugator

Compare and Contrast In comparison and contrast, the author may first list everything that is similar about two things, and then list everything that is different. Or, the author may compare and contrast point by point. A Venn Diagram is a good graphic organizer to use for comparison and contrast structure. 2012 Happy. Edugator Compare and Contrast Graphic Organizer Venn Diagram

Description This text structure is best when used to learn a lot of information about a topic and the author describes a topic by listing characteristics, features, examples. Sequence does not necessarily matter. The author is like an artist, and may create a visual picture in the reader’s head by using sensory language. Look for these signal words: For example characteristics are for instance, specifically, in particular, in addition 2012 Happy. Edugator

Description In descriptive text, the author starts with a main topic and then gives details about it. 2012 Happy. Edugator Description Graphic Organizer

Sequence In this text structure, the author lists items or events in chronological or numerical order. Look for these signal words: Next, first, last, second, another, then, additionally 2012 Happy. Edugator

Sequence A text structure that uses sequence will show order of events, such as first, next, last; or a step by step process, such as step one, step two, etc. 2012 Happy. Edugator Sequence Graphic Organizer

Practice Identify the text structure of the following example: Type your answer here: Broccoli Cheese Casserole * 20 oz. frozen broccoli cuts, precooked 1 c. grated Colby-jack cheese 1 c. Velveeta cheese, diced 1 sleeve Ritz crackers , crushed 1/2 c. Italian bread crumbs 1/2 c. mayonnaise 1/2 c. no-fat sour cream 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 egg, beaten well 2 tbsp. butter 5 stalks of celery, diced 1 med. size onion, diced Salt and pepper to taste (optional) First, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Next, take half the broccoli and cook for 4 minutes in the microwave. Repeat with other half. Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and place in a greased 9 x 13 glass baking dish. Bake for about 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Topping: Mix 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed with 2 tsp. melted butter and sprinkle over top. Bake for 5 more minutes until brown. *This is a really yummy recipe! 2012 Happy. Edugator

Practice Identify the text structure of the following example: Type your answer here: Exercising is a free time activity that helps people to feel good. For this reason, the physical effect is improved health. Exercising causes every part and system of our body to be in continuous movement, which results in making you stronger. Exercising helps the cardiovascular system. When you exercise, muscles move, and to move, muscles need oxygen in the blood, so the heart has to pump blood in a faster rhythm to keep the muscles moving. This trains your heart and lungs giving you more strength for the future. 2012 Happy. Edugator

Practice Identify the text structure of the following example: Type your answer here: Crocodiles and alligators are similar creatures from the same scientific order, Crocodilia, but they are also very different. Crocodiles and alligators are both reptiles which live in warm climates, have long snouts with many teeth, and hunt prey like fish and mammals that come to the water’s edge to drink. However, their snouts have a distinct shape, they have different diets, and they live in different parts of the world. One of the easiest ways to distinguish between a crocodile and an alligator is to look at the snout. Crocodiles have long, narrow, V-shaped snouts, while those of alligators are wider and U-shaped. This is because of the differences in their diets. The wide snout of the alligator packs more crushing power, making it easier to catch prey such as turtles. By contrast, the narrow snout of the crocodile is better suited for fish as well as small mammals. 2012 Happy. Edugator

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