Text Structures

What is Text Structure

different ways for writers to present or organize information; for example using description, comparing or contrasting, using chronological order, giving cause and effect

Different Text Structures

• Description• Compare/Contrast• Order• Cause/Effect• Problem/Solution

Description

• Author’s Purpose – a writer’s reason for writing

• Imagery – the use of words that appeal to the senses to give the reader a mental picture

Examples of Author’s Purpose

• To entertain• To inform• To persuade• To explain• To instruct• To inspire• To complain• To encourage

Description

• A common way that writers present information is by using description.

• Description can be used for many different purposes.

Examples of Purposes for Using Description

• An ad may be describe a product to entice someone to buy it.

• Stories often use description to create the setting and to develop the characters.

• An employee manual may give a job description so that workers understand what is required.

• A wildlife magazine article may describe steps that are being taken to protect an endangered species.

For what purpose is description used in this paragraph?

• The office receptionist has many important job responsibilities. The receptionist must greet all incoming clients, answer their questions, and direct them to the appropriate personnel. He or she must also effectively manage, screen, and route all incoming call on a three-line phone system. The person who fills this position must be courteous and professional, and he or she must be able to remain calm in stressful situations.

How dies the organizational structure of this paragraph support the author’s purpose?

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Text Structures