Recognizing text structure and

questions

ELA- “The Time Is Now”

What are the questions looking for?To see if you can

◦Find an order (sequence)◦Compare and Contrast◦Describe◦Find the problem and a solution◦Find a cause and an effect

Sequential OrderTexts that follow this structure tell the

order in which steps in a process or series of events occur.

Questions to Consider◦What happened? ◦What is the sequence of events? ◦What are the substages?

Graphic Organizers◦Flow Map◦Multi-flow Map◦Timeline

Sequential Order Signal Words

after afterward as soon as before

during finally first following

immediately initally later meanwhile

next not long after now on (date)

preceding second soon then

third today until when

As you’re reading, you may see many of these words. Some questions may include these words and ask you to consider:Ex: What happened first? Next, and/or last?

Compare and ContrastTexts that follow this structure tell about the

differences and similarities of two or more objects, places, events or ideas by grouping their traits for comparison.

Questions to Consider◦ What are the similar and different qualities of

these things? ◦ What qualities of each thing correspond to one

another? In what way?

Graphic Organizers◦ Double Bubble Map◦ Venn Diagram

Compare and Contrast Signal Words

although as well as as opposed to both

but compared with different from either...or

even though however instead of in common

on the other hand otherwise similar to similarly

still yet

As you’re reading, you may see many of these words. Some questions may include these words and ask you to consider:Ex: Look at the two types of squirrels? What do they have in common?

DescriptionThis structure resembles an outline.

Each section opens with its main idea, then elaborates on it, sometimes dividing the elaboration into subsections.

Questions to Consider◦What are you describing? ◦What are its qualities?

Graphic Organizers◦Bubble Map

Description Signal Words

above across along appears to be

as in behind below beside

between down in back of in front of

looks like near on top of onto

outside over such as to the right/left

under

As you’re reading, you may see many of these words. Some questions may include these words and ask you to consider:Ex: How would you describe Leah’s actions towards her mother?

Problem-SolutionThe writer presents a problem then expounds

upon possible solutions for that problem.

Questions to Consider◦ What is the problem? ◦ What are the possible solutions? ◦ Which solution is best? ◦ How will you implement this solution?

Graphic Organizers◦ Circle Map◦ Flow Map◦ Multi-flow Map

Problem-Solution Signal Words

the question is one answer is one reason for

recommendations include

because cause

since therefore consequently

as a result of this let to co

so that nevertheless accordingly

if . . . then thus

As you’re reading, you may see many of these words. Some questions may include these words and ask you to consider:Ex: What is the major conflict in the story?

Cause and EffectIn texts that follow this structure,

the reader is told the result of an event or occurrence and the reasons it happened.

Questions to Consider◦What are the causes and effects of

this event? ◦What might happen next?

Graphic Organizers◦Multi-flow Map

Cause and Effect Signal Words

accordingly as a result of because begins with

consequently effects of finally first

for this reason how to how if...then

in order to is caused by leads/led to may be due to

next so that steps involved therefore

thus when...then

As you’re reading, you may see many of these words. Some questions may include these words and ask you to consider:Ex: What happened as a result of the torrential rainfall?

Examples of Text StructureDescription

Example: "The crocodile is the master of deception in the water. It stalks its prey and then swiftly closes in for the kill.“

Problem/SolutionExample: "One problem to resolve in crocodile watching is transportation. How can an observer get close enough to watch without scaring it away or being attacked?“

Sequential OrderExample: "Archaeologists have helped us to understand that the evolution of the crocodile began with ...”

More ExamplesComparison/Contrast

Example: "The power of the crocodile is like that of a monstrous machine. With one lunge it can destroy its prey and protect the kill from other predators.“

Cause/Effect Example: "We observed the crocodile as it stalked a raccoon moving through the moonlight toward the edge of the water. As a result of a noise we made, the raccoon bolted...“

DirectionsExample: "When observing a crocodile, first you must...”

“The champ is here”