BUILDING
TEXT STRUCTURE
NOTES
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Thank you for your purchase!
These Text Structure Notes were designed to be used
as a companion to The Playbook’s Text Structure
PowerPoint. Students can follow along with the
PowerPoint and fill in the blanks. This will keep your
students engaged as you deliver the lesson.
For the Example Portion of Each Sheet
Have students highlight or underline the clue words
before advancing to the slide that shows the answers.
This can make for GREAT and AUTHENTIC classroom
discussion.
Printing Options
©THE PLAYBOOK, 2019
These sheets can be printed out as a full page or 2 to
a page for Interactive Notebooks. If you have any
questions, comments, and/or concerns please don’t
hesitate to contact me!
Happy Teaching!
-Sheldon Jordan, The Playbook
DESCRIPTION
The author explains a topic, idea, person, place, or thing.
The author lists characteristics, features, and examples.
It usually opens with a main idea and is followed by
supporting details.
CLUE WORDS
For example, Most important, To illustrate
For instance, Furthermore, Lots of adjectives and
descriptive language, Specifically, In addition to
EXAMPLE
Found on the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean, polar bears are
classified as marine animals. These animals are very large,
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weighing anywhere between 800 to 1,300 pounds. Their white
fur allows them to blend in with the ice, which they can use to
disguise themselves. They have a thick layer of body fat
known as blubber and a water-repellant coat. These two
adaptations allow these animals to stay warm in this very cold
climate. Polar bears also have sharp claws that allow them to
hunt for food and protect themselves in this environment. Their
diet mainly consists of seals because they need large
amounts of meat to survive.
SEQUENCE
The author presents events in order from beginning to
end.
This text structure can be used by the author to explain
how to do something.
CLUE WORDS
First, In the beginning, To start, Before, Next, During
After, Then, Finally, Last, In the middle, In the end
EXAMPLE
Bears do many things to get ready for the winter. As the
weather starts to change, bears begin to store up food for
the winter. The bear then begins to eat and drink excessively
to build up fat for hibernation. Some bears eat as many as
15,000-20,000 calories a day. Next, the bears go through
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hyperphagia. During this process their heart rate slows and
they begin to sleep for up to 22 hours a day. After this stage,
hibernation begins. During hibernation, the bear’s heart rate
slows down even more. They take a breath only once every
45 seconds. They do not eat or drink anything during this
process. The final stage that the bears experience during this
period is walking hibernation. This lasts for about 2 or 3 weeks.
After this process the bears return to normal. They continue
their normal activity until the summer months. When winter
comes, the process repeats
PROBLEM & SOLUTION
The author presents a problem or multiple problems with a
solution or multiple solutions.
CLUE WORDS
Problem, Solution, Issue, Cause, Since, Consequently
Therefore, As a result, Because of, Leads to, Due to
Resolved, Solve, So, Then
EXAMPLE
Usually bears do their best to avoid humans because they are shy animals.
Problems arise, however, when they become attracted to human food or
garbage. Bears will visit camp grounds and other touristy areas to try and get
their paws on the food. This can create issues for humans who are not equipped
to deal with the bears. Bears may also lash out when they are surprised by
people on their trail. If you are ever approached by a bear, there are several
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things you can try to make the bear go away. You can stand and face the
bear directly (do not run away). While standing, make yourself look as big as
possible. This can be done by spreading your arms or using a coat. Making as
much noise as possible can also make the bear go away. Banging on pots or
pans is a great way to do this. If the bear continues to approach you, spray the
bear with bear spray and fight back if you need to. After the bear is gone,
remove whatever attracted him to your campsite in the first place. Remember
that the goal is to make it to a safe area to avoid any real damage.
CAUSE & EFFECT
The author describes events and identifies reasons
(causes) for why something happens.
The cause is why something happens.
The effect is what happens.
CLUE WORDS
Since, Because, If, Due to, As a result, So, Then,
Leads to, Consequently, Therefore
EXAMPLE
Global Warming is an interesting concept. The earth is currently getting
warmer, and as it gets warmer many things will happen as a result. The water
cycle will speed up and cause more rain, droughts, wildfires, and extreme heat
waves. Likewise, the artic ice will melt sooner and faster. The oceans will also
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warm causing sea levels to rise more quickly, which may cause flooding and/or
water contamination. Glacier ice around the earth will also melt. It is important
that we pay attention to Global Warming because it could potentially change
the way we live life on Earth. It could also present a danger to the polar bear
population. With the melting of the glacier ice, polar bears are having to walk
longer distances to find a place to rest and find food. Consequently, there has
been a huge decline in the polar bear population. Scientists are searching for
new ways to protect this species from the impact of global warming.
COMPARE & CONTRAST
The author shares similarities and differences.
The authors uses comparisons to describe ideas to
readers.
CLUE WORDS
Similar, Alike, Same, Just Like, Both, Different, Unlike
While, In contrast, On the other hand…
EXAMPLE
There are many similarities between polar bears and black bears. The most
obvious similarity is that they are both bears. Both of these species of
bears have sharp claws with five toes. They use these claws to hunt for
food. While polar bears hunt for seals, the black bears usually hunt for
frogs. This probably has a lot to do with what can be found in their
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habitats. Polar bears are found in snowy environments, while black bears
live in the woods. They both do make a den in these environments. Both
of these animals have a keen sense of smell. They will use this sense of
smell to sniff out food, which can sometimes present a threat to humans.
These animals are attracted to human food and trash, so if humans do
not clean up behind themselves it could pose a problem. Learning about
both of these animals can prove to be helpful for all students.
TERMS OF USE
THANK YOU!
Thank you for your interest in my product.
This product is for a single classroom use only. Please purchase an
additional license for multiple classroom usage. (Each additional license
can by purchased at a discounted price).
Copyright ©The Playbook, 2017
Updated on: March 17, 2019
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