Text Structure

What is Text Structure?Text Structure is the organization an

author uses when presenting

information. In literature, the author uses the organization of words to covey a special meaning. In this lesson, we will focus on four types of text structure:

Cause-EffectCompare-ContrastDescriptionProblem-Solution

Essential Question: What clues can I use to determine the text structure of a written piece?

TEXT STRUCTURE should not be confused

with Text Features

In magazines and newspapers, we see text features, such as headings, photos, captions, etc.

TEXT STRUCTURE, instead, refers to way the words are placed.

#1 Cause- Effect One event leads to another This structure presents the relationship between one topic and the topics that follow.

EXAMPLE: an article explaining how TV commercials influence consumers

Cause- Effect Text Structure:

Violent video games has led to an increase in crime. Over the last decade, video game usage has increased 78 percent. Similarly, crime in our state has increased by 78 percent. Many popular video games showcase crimes as part of their venue. Gamers are “rewarded” for committing crimes on screen. This may lead them to become sensitized to crime in real life. Finally, shoplifting video games has increased dramatically in teenagers. It is obvious if these video games did not exist, there would be nothing to steal. Increased criminal activity is in direct correlation with violent video usage.

Can you see CAUSES and EFFECTS in the paragraph?

Cause- Effect Text Structure:

Violent video games has led to an increase in crime. Over the last decade, video game usage has increased 78 percent. Similarly, crime in our state has increased by 78 percent. Many popular video games showcase crimes as part of their venue. Gamers are “rewarded” for committing crimes on screen. This may lead them to become sensitized to crime in real life. Finally, shoplifting video games has increased dramatically in teenagers. It is obvious if these video games did not exist, there would be nothing to steal. Increased criminal activity is in direct correlation with violent video usage.

CAUSES IN RED EFFECTS IN BLUE

EXAMPLE

#2 Compare- ContrastOne to anotherThis structure examines the similarities and differences between two or more things

EXAMPLE: A book about Native Americans may explain the difference between the Iroquois and the Cherokee tribes.

Cherokee I roquoi s

Compare and ContrastText Structure:

The Mayans and the Aztecs had a lot in common. Although the Mayan civilization died out as the Aztec empire came into power, both tribes still have full blooded members living today. At their peaks, both tribes were the most skilled in warfare. In religion, they both believed in the same Gods, sacrificed humans for their God, and built temples pyramids for their Gods. Both the Mayans and the Aztecs were very fond of trading in long distances with other tribes or nations. Both tribes also kept slaves. As you can see, these tribes had a lot in common.

Can you see Similarities and Differences in the paragraph?

EXAMPLE

Compare and ContrastText Structure:

The Mayans and the Aztecs had a lot in common. Although the Mayan civilization died out as the Aztec empire came into power, both tribes still have full blooded members living today. At their peaks, both tribes were the skilled in warfare. In religion, they both believed in the same gods and built temples for their Gods. Both the Mayans and the Aztecs were very fond of trading with other tribes or nations. Both tribes also kept slaves. As you can see, these tribes had a lot in common.

COMPARISONS IN RED CONTRAST IN BLUE

#3 DescriptionDetails and more details

This structure gives a detailed description to provide a mental picture.

EXAMPLE: a children’s book about starfish

Description Text Structure:

Starfish , also known as sea stars, get their name from their shape. They have five arms and live in the water. Whether they are red, orange, blue or brown, most have an upper surface that is spiny. Even if they lose an arm, they can regrow another!

Starfish have a strange, but pretty look. Oddly, they have a mouth at the center of the lower surface. But they are so appealing that many people collect them just for their beauty.

Starfish are quite interesting friends of the sea!

EXAMPLE

Can you see DETAILS in this piece?

Description Text Structure:

Starfish , also known as sea stars, get their name from their shape. They have five arms and live in the water. Whether they are red, orange, blue or brown, most are spiny. Even if they lose an arm, they can regrow another!

Starfish have a unique, but pretty look. Oddly, they have a mouth at the center of the lower surface. But they are so appealing that many people collect them just for their beauty.

Starfish are quite interesting friends of the sea!

EXAMPLEDETAILS IN

BLUE

#4 Problem- Solution

Students often complain that they “do not like school.” What can parents do? Research suggests that students who are more involved with their peers like school a lot. Parents can encourage children to join a club, such as Student Council or Art Club. Athletics are also an option. Parents can tell children that they will support them through the year with rides to practice and attending games. If children think that joining an athletic team is a positive thing, they are more likely to try out. Sometimes getting students to like school is just a few suggestions away.

Can you find a PROBLEM and at least one SOLUTION?

Problem- SolutionText Structure

Students often complain that they “do not like school.” What can parents do? Research suggests that students who are more involved with their peers like school a lot. Parents can encourage children to join a club, such as Student Council or Art Club. Athletics are also an option. Parents can tell children that they will support them through the year with rides to practice and attending games. If children think that joining an athletic team is a positive thing, they are more likely to try out. Sometimes getting students to like school is just a few suggestions away.

PROBLEM is in REDone SOLUTION in blue

Are there others? Sure!There are several other TEXT STRUCURES. Let’s name a few:

Order/Sequence Definition/ ExampleClaim/ Evidence

Describe one of the above text structures.

Our assignment will only focus on the ones you learned today.

YOUR TURN:

Choose one of the following Text Structures and write the first three sentences to a paragraph about a skunk. Be creative!

(If you are stuck, you can write about a dragon, a plate of spaghetti or George Washington.)

Cause-EffectCompare-ContrastDescriptionProblem-Solution

EXIT TICKET

TURN and TALK

Listen carefully. You will be asked what your partner said.

How do text structures help the reader understand what they are reading?

What clues can I use to determine the text structure of a written piece?

EXIT TICKET