Text Structures & Author's Organizational Patterns

cause and effect

Holly studied for her text structures test. As a result, she earned an A+.

problem and solution

Vince was failing Algebra. To help him improve his math skills, Mom hired a tutor.

enumeration/listing

There are five ways reading can improve your life. First, reading expands your vocabulary. Reading also melts away stress. If that weren't enough, reading improves empathy, keeps your brain young, and helps you feel more connected.

compare and contrast

McDonald's and Wendy's both sell hamburgers. However, McDonald's patties are round whereas Wendy's burgers are square.

descriptive/spatial

Though in Latin the word porcupine means "quill pig," the porcupine is actually a rodent. The porcupine is covered with quills, long, sharp needle‐like tubes that have sharp tips or barbs at the end. Some of the porcupine's quills are almost a foot long!

chronological

At 6:30am Saturday morning, Clancy and Lainey barked to go outside. By 6:45am, they were scratching at the door to come back inside. Those crazy dogs!

generalization/principle

Girls who wear glasses are usually the smartest students in the classroom. They're always the first to raise their hands--and never miss any answers on tests.

process/sequence

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Next, butter a 13X9 glass pan. While the oven heats, begin mixing the dry ingredients. The next step is to blend the eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Set aside.

cause

anyone or anything that brings about a result

effect

a change that is the result of an action or another cause

problem

something that is the source of trouble, worry, or concern

solution

an answer that fixes the problem

because, if...then, as a result, consequently, since, therefore

Signal words for cause and effect

text structure

How authors organize their writing.

Signal words for problem and solution

concern, issues, problem, answer, dilemma, solution, fix, correct

Signal words for compare and contrast

as opposed to, both, however, similarly, likewise, different, in common, also, on the other hand

Signal words for chronological

first, second, next, later, this morning, last night, today, 6:15pm, 1987

Signal words for process/sequence

first, to begin with, next, before, then, after, finally, the final step is...

Synonym for text structures

author's organizational patterns

Signal words for generalization

always, never, best, usually, typically, most, everyone, nobody, all

Signal words for enumeration/listing

most importantly, furthermore, to begin with, first of all, for example

concept/definition

The author gives information to explain a term, topic, animal, or person.

sequence/order

The author writes about a procedure or event in the order that it happens.

signal words for sequence/order

first, next, then, finally, before, after, second, third, during, meanwhile