TEXT STRUCTURE DESCRIPTION SEQUENCE PROBLEM/SOLUTION CAUSE/EFFECT COMPARE/CONTRAST TEXT STRUCTURE What is text structure? Text structure refers to the way text is organized. We generally focus on text structure when reading or writing non-fiction. There are a variety of ways to present a variety of topics, and text structure allows the author to present content (information) in a useful way. Most people agree there are 5 types of text structure: description sequence problem/solution cause/effect compare/contrast
September 28, 2015 TEXT STRUCTURE Why do I need to know about text structure? Good writers need to know the most effective way to communicate information. Good readers interact with the text. Writing: As an author, you want your readers to understand your information. You must choose the best way to give them your most important information. Reading: When you recognize how text is organized, you will be able to better organize your thinking and keep track of information. DESCRIPTION When do authors use description? Authors use description when the author wants to give the reader a mental picture of his or her topic. To do this, they provide many details. such as consists of in fact for example features specifically looks like characteristics properties position words (in front of, next to, along)
DESCRIPTION SAMPLE Sloths The sloth is the world's slowest animal. It's so slow, algae grows in its fur. The sloth has grey and tan fur, but the algae gives them a green tint. This helps them camouflage into its tree-covered surroundings in Central and Southern America. Sloths are identified by the number of claws on each front foot. There are two-toed and three-toed sloths. Their long, powerful claws help them grip tree branches. This is important because sloths spend so much time living in the treetops. Both two-toed and three-toed sloths are generally less than ten pounds with a height under two feet. SEQUENCE When do authors use sequence? Authors use sequence, which is sometimes called chronology, to describe events or items in a series of steps. first second then next finally soon after now before
September 28, 2015 SEQUENCE SAMPLE How Sea Otters Eat Sea otters are cool animals. Perhaps most interesting is the way sea otters eat. Sea otters usually eat clams and mussels, which are enclosed in a shell. The otters use a fascinating trick to get the delicious food inside. Oftentimes, sea otters gather kelp (seaweed), which they use to float on while eating. While laying on their backs, they find a sharp rock and place it on their chest. Next, the sea otter will take the clams or mussels and repeatedly slam the shellfish against the rock until it opens. After that, the sea otter can enjoy its tasty treat. PROBLEM/SOLUTION When do authors use problem/solution? Problem/Solution is used to identify a problem and gives solutions to this problem. This can be used to explain events that have happened, or it can be used to explain a current problem. problem solution issue answer response question advantage disadvantage dilemma in order to as a result
September 28, 2015 PROBLEM/SOLUTION SAMPLE Penguins Emperor Penguins, the world's largest penguin, have adapted to survive the harsh conditions of Antarctica. Temperatures plunge and wind speeds increase, causing the wind chill to reach -76 degrees Fahrenheit. During winter months, the sun doesn't rise for 135 days! In order to survive the frigid temperatures, Emperor Penguins huddle together to conserve warmth. The colony rotates penguins from the warm center, to the chilly exterior, and back to the middle. They repeat this process so all penguins can enjoy the warmth of the colony, and all penguins take their turn protecting the colony. Some colonies can have up to 5,000 penguins. CAUSE/EFFECT When do authors use cause/effect? Authors use cause/effect to explain why something has happened. Sometimes, the effect is listed first. because therefore reason as a result due to consequently for this reason this led to impact thus outcome
CAUSE/EFFECT SAMPLE September 28, 2015 Flamingoes Flamingoes are one of the most recognizable birds in the world. Their long legs and necks and curved beak are some characteristics that stand out, but most people think of the vibrant, pink feathers. Flamingoes' pink feathers are because of how much shrimp and crustaceans they eat. If their diet changes, their feathers will change as a result. Some zoos have reported that flamingoes in captivity turn white when they make changes in their diet. Crustaceans, such as shrimp, are high in carotenoids, which give them their pink color. COMPARE/CONTRAST When do authors use compare/contrast? Authors use compare/contrast to show how to things are alike or how they are different. The author may be trying to link something familiar to you to content that is likely unfamiliar. similarly like same as as well as as opposed different on the other hand alike instead of yet despite
COMPARE/CONTRAST SAMPLE Asian & African Elephants To most people, elephants all look the same. They're big and have long trunks, but key differences exist between African and Asian Elephants. African Elephants have larger ears, shaped much like the continent of Africa. They need large ears to help fan themselves and keep cool. However, Asian Elephants do not need to worry much about heat, and therefore have smaller ears. African Elephants grow tusks. This is true for both males and females. Female Asian Elephants do not grow tusks, and sometimes neither does the male. In most parts of the world, the season of autumn leads to great, natural changes in the forests. Leaves turn from green to shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown. So what's the reason behind this beautiful change? Leaves' job is to collect the sun's light using chlorophyl, which is green. As the days get shorter in the fall, trees stop producing chlorophyl. The chlorophyl starts to break down. As a result, we can see other pigments in the leaf. ANSWER Cause/Effect
Aloe Vera plants are very common house plants. They are succulents, which means they need very little water. They don't have stems. Instead, they have thick and fleshy green leaves. The tops and bottoms of the leaves are smooth, but the sides have pointy teeth. This offers protection for the plant. Aloe Vera plants are known for their medicinal (healing) uses. The sticky substance inside can be used to sooth burns, or as ointment to heal scrapes and cuts. Many cosmetic products, like hand lotion, included aloe vera. ANSWER Description Purring isn t only heard in house cats. Some wild cats and their near relatives - civets, genets, mongooses - also purr. Even hyenas, guinea pigs, and raccoons can purr. Cats that purr, such as mountain lions and bobcats, can t roar, however. And cats that roar, such as lions and tigers, can t purr. The structures surrounding their voice box (larynx) aren t stiff enough to produce a purr. Compare/Contrast ANSWER
Some volcanic eruptions are quick and explosive. Even though it seems quick, there's a long process that happens before the volcanic eruption. First, rock melts inside the Earth and turns into magma. Magma chambers fill up. Magma then moves closer to the surface because it is less dense than the rock around it. Gas is found in these chambers too. The pressure of the magma and various gases increase, and when the crust cannot contain it anymore, the eruption begins. ANSWER Sequence Dams can be useful in many ways. They can be used to store water. Some dams even produce electricity! However, dams can create problems too. The natural movement of fish have been disrupted by dams, which can lead to extinction to some fish. Fish ladders might sound silly, but they have really helped this problem. Fish ladders, which look similar to stairs made of water, can be built into or next to the dam. This helps the fish resume their natural movement up and down the river. Problem/Solution ANSWER