Understanding Text

Structures
What is a text structure?
• A “structure” is a
building or
framework

• “Text structure”
refers to how a
piece of text is built
 What is text structure?
• As authors write a text to
communicate an idea,
they will use a structure
that goes along with the
idea (Meyer 1985)
What is text structure?
• The author would help
the reader to
understand the
similarities and
differences by using
words and phrases such
as similarity, difference,
on the other hand, also,
and as well
What is text structure?
• The author would
be using the text
structure of compare
and contrast
What is text structure?
• A nonfiction text can have
one overall text structure,
or several different text
structures
 What are the common text
structures?
• It’s important to
understand that there is
no “official” list of text
structures
What is a text structure?
• Writers use
different structures
to build their ideas
 What is a text structure?
• Builders can use
different kinds of
structures to build
different things
 Chronological order
• Authors use
chronological order
to explain how
things happen in
order
What are the common text
structures?

• Chronological order
• Also known as time
order, sequence, or
temporal order
What are the common text
structures?

• Chronological order
• Transition words such
as first, next, later, and
finally are included to
help the reader
understand how events
relate to one another
What are the common text
structures?

• Chronological order
• This is one of the
easiest text structures
for students to
understand, since it
matches the way that
they experience the
world
Chronological order
• You will know that
you are reading a
text in
chronological order
because you will
see words like first,
next, later, then,
and finally
 Chronological order
• You will often see chronological order in
directions:
Have you ever made macaroni and cheese?
It’s simple! First, boil some water and make
some macaroni. Then, make your cheese
sauce. After the cheese sauce is ready, mix
it with the macaroni. Bake the entire thing
in the oven. Finally, it’s time to eat!
 Chronological order
• You will often see chronological order in
directions:
Have you ever made macaroni and cheese?
It’s simple! First, boil some water and make
some macaroni. Then, make your cheese
sauce. After the cheese sauce is ready, mix
it with the macaroni. Bake the entire thing
in the oven. Finally, it’s time to eat!
 Which paragraph is in
chronological order?
Pennsylvania has many Through the ages,
historic sites. You can visit Pennsylvania has seen
Revolutionary war sites, like many interesting events.
Valley Forge. You can also The state was founded in
1681 by William Penn.
visit important locations Later, Pennsylvania was the
from the Civil War, like site of important
Gettysburg. Finally, you can Revolutionary War battles.
also see the site of the first After that, Pennsylvania
oil well in Titusville. was home to new factories
Pennsylvania has many neat during the Industrial
places to visit! Revolution. Today,
Pennsylvania continues to
make history.
 Which paragraph is in
chronological order?
Through the ages,
Pennsylvania has seen
This is the many interesting events.
paragraph in The state was founded in
chronological 1681 by William Penn.
Later, Pennsylvania was the
order. Can you site of important
find the clue Revolutionary War battles.
words that show After that, Pennsylvania
this order? was home to new factories
during the Industrial
Revolution. Today,
Pennsylvania continues to
make history.
 Which paragraph is in
chronological order?
Through the ages,
Pennsylvania has seen
This is the many interesting events.
paragraph in The state was founded in
chronological 1681 by William Penn.
Later, Pennsylvania was the
order. Can you site of important
find the clue Revolutionary War battles.
words that show After that, Pennsylvania
this order? was home to new factories
during the Industrial
Revolution. Today,
Pennsylvania continues to
make history.
• Chronological order:
How are the steps
organized? What is the
time span from the
first event to the last?
How does the author
signal the change from
one event to the next?
What do all of the
events explain?
 Think about it!
• What is a structure?
• What does chronological order
mean?
• What are some clue words that
show chronological order?
Another text structure
 What are the common text
structures?
• Compare and contrast
• This text structure shows how two or more
ideas or items are similar or different
 What are the common text
structures?
• Compare and contrast
• The text may use a clustered approach, with
details about one topic followed by details about
the other
 What are the common text
structures?
• Compare and contrast
• The text may also show an alternating approach,
with the author going back between the two
topics
 What are the common text
structures?
• Compare and contrast
• Compare and contrast
paragraphs are often
embedded in other text
structures as an author
needs to explain a
similarity or difference
Another text structure
• Suppose an author
wanted to explain how
these two birds are
similar and different
Another text structure
The cardinal and the cedar
waxwing are two common birds.
Both have crests on their heads.
Both are common at birdfeeders.
But the birds have some
differences. The male cardinal is a
bright red, while the waxwing is
brown. The cedar waxwing often
migrates from place to place. On
the other hand, the cardinal stays
in one place year after year.
Compare and contrast clue words

When authors use the

text structure of compare
and contrast, they often
use special clue words to
show this text structure.

Can you find the clue

words in the paragraph?
Can you find the clue words?
The cardinal and the cedar
waxwing are two common birds.
Both have crests on their heads.
Both are common at birdfeeders.
But the birds have some
differences. The male cardinal is a
bright red, while the waxwing is
brown. The cedar waxwing often
migrates from place to place. On
the other hand, the cardinal stays
in one place year after year.
Here they are!
The cardinal and the cedar
waxwing are two common birds.
Both have crests on their heads.
Both are common at birdfeeders.
But the birds have some
differences. The male cardinal is a
bright red, while the waxwing is
brown. The cedar waxwing often
migrates from place to place. On
the other hand, the cardinal stays
in one place year after year.
Compare and contrast graphic organizer
• Compare and contrast: What
is being compared? What are
the similarities? What are the
differences? Which
similarities and differences
are the most significant? Are
the details alternating or
clustered?
 Review
• Can you explain the difference
between chronological order and
compare and contrast?
• How can clue words help you as a
reader?
 Another text structure
• Sometimes, a writer will want to explain
how one event leads to another
 What are the common text
structures?

• Cause and effect

• This text structure
shows how one or
more causes led to one
or more effects
 What are the common text
structures?

• Cause and effect

• Transition words such
as cause, effect, as a
result, consequently,
and because are used
 What are the common text
structures?

• Cause and effect

• Another complication
is that many texts do
not include just one
cause leading to one
effect
Cause and effect clue words
• When authors
write paragraphs
to show causes and
effects, they use
words like cause,
effect, as a result,
consequently, and
so
Can you find the clue words?
The night’s snowstorm had many
effects. People were out shoveling
snow from their sidewalks. The power
lines were draped with ice. Snow
plows drove down every street.
Children were the happiest of all. The
unexpected snow caused school to be
cancelled!
Can you find the clue words?
The night’s snowstorm had many
effects. People were out shoveling
snow from their sidewalks. The power
lines were draped with ice. Snow
plows drove down every street.
Children were the happiest of all. The
unexpected snow caused school to be
cancelled!
 More with cause and effect
Baby painted turtles spend all winter in
their nests. They have special chemicals in
their blood that can keep their blood from
freezing. As a result, baby painted turtles
can survive freezing temperatures!
 More with cause and effect
Baby painted turtles spend all winter in
their nests. They have special chemicals in
their blood that can keep their blood from
freezing. As a result, baby painted turtles
can survive freezing temperatures!

This is the
cause
 More with cause and effect
Baby painted turtles spend all winter in
their nests. They have special chemicals in
their blood that can keep their blood from
freezing. As a result, baby painted turtles
can survive freezing temperatures!
This is the
effect
• Cause and effect:
What is the cause?
What are the effects?
Were there several
causes and several
effects? How did the
cause lead to the
effects? How did
people react?
 Review
• Which text structure tells about how things
are similar and different?
• Compare and contrast
• Which text structure explains how things
happen in time order?
• Chronological order
Another kind of text structure

• Sometimes, an author
will want to explain a
problem, and then
show one or more
solutions
What are the common text
structures?

• Problem and solution

• This text structure
presents a problem, and
shows how it can be (or
has been) solved
What are the common text
structures?

• Problem and solution

• Transitions may include
problem, solution, solve,
effect, hopeful, and so
forth
 An example of problem and solution
Park School had a
terrible problem. Every
day at recess, students
would argue over the
slides. Teachers had to
spend time every day
taking care of the
arguments. Finally, one
teacher came up with a
great solution. They
bought another set of
slides that everyone could
enjoy.
An example of problem and solution

Park School had a terrible

problem. Every day at
recess, students would
• Can you find the
argue over the slides. problem and the
Teachers had to spend solution in this
time every day taking care paragraph?
of the arguments. Finally,
one teacher came up with
a great solution. They
bought another set of
slides that everyone could
enjoy.
An example of problem and solution

Park School had a terrible

problem. Every day at
recess, students would
Here is the
argue over the slides. problem
Teachers had to spend
time every day taking care
of the arguments. Finally,
one teacher came up with
a great solution. They
bought another set of
slides that everyone could
enjoy.
An example of problem and solution

Park School had a terrible

problem. Every day at
recess, students would
Here is the
argue over the slides. problem
Teachers had to spend
time every day taking care
of the arguments. Finally,
one teacher came up with Here is the
a great solution. They solution
bought another set of
slides that everyone could
enjoy.
 Of course, problem and solution is not
always so simple
• Often, authors will
signal problem and
solution structure with
clue words like
problem and solution,
just like in the last
paragraph
 Of course, problem and solution is not
always so simple
• Synonyms for problem
include difficulty,
struggle, uncertainty,
worry, threat, and
trouble
• Synonyms for solution
include possibility,
hope, bright spot,
answer, and future
A more difficult problem and solution
paragraph
The Chesapeake Bay faces an
uncertain future. Issues such as
pesticides, too many nutrients,
and habitat loss all threaten the
Bay’s water quality and animal
life. However, scientists are
hopeful that the future may be
brighter. If everyone in the
Chesapeake Bay watershed
works together, solutions may be
found.
A more difficult problem and solution
paragraph
The Chesapeake Bay faces an
uncertain future. Issues such as
What is the pesticides, too many nutrients,
and habitat loss all threaten the
problem? Bay’s water quality and animal
life. However, scientists are
What is the hopeful that the future may be
brighter. If everyone in the
solution? Chesapeake Bay watershed
works together, solutions may be
found.
A more difficult problem and solution
paragraph
The Chesapeake Bay faces an
uncertain future. Issues such as
Problem pesticides, too many nutrients,
and habitat loss all threaten the
Bay’s water quality and animal
life. However, scientists are
hopeful that the future may be
brighter. If everyone in the
Chesapeake Bay watershed
Solution works together, solutions may be
found.
• Problem and solution:
What is the problem?
What are the
solutions? Who
worked to solve the
problem? Has the
problem been solved
yet, or will it be solved
in the future? What
caused the problem?
 Text structures we’ve
learned so far

• Chronological order
• Compare and contrast
• Cause and effect
• Problem and solution
What are the common text
structures?

• Description
• This text structure
shows what an item
or place is like
 Match the clue words!
Can you figure out the text structure that these clue
words point to?

however, on the other

hand, similarity, like,
unlike
Compare and
contrast
 Match the clue words!
Can you figure out the text structure that these clue
words point to?

as a result,
consequently, Cause and effect
therefore, so, cause,
effect
 Match the clue words!
Can you figure out the text structure that these clue
words point to?

problem, solution,
threat, difficulty, hope,
answer, possibility

Problem and
solution
Are there any other text
structures?
Most paragraphs that we write in
school can be called main idea,
description, or statement and support
paragraphs
 Where things get tricky
• Some texts will
categorize typical
main idea and detail
paragraphs as
description
Where things get tricky
• Main idea and detail
• Some texts will also
refer to these
paragraphs as
statement and support
Where things get tricky
• Main idea and detail
• Transition words
include for example,
also, one reason, and
another reason
Main idea paragraphs
• In this kind of
paragraph, the author
offers a main idea
statement, and then
supports that statement
with several details
Main idea paragraphs
The pond was a beautiful
place to visit. The falling
leaves, all different colors,
decorated the surface of the
water. At the edges of the
pond, small wildflowers grew.
The golden forest glowed
faintly in the distance.
Main idea paragraphs
Main idea

The pond was a beautiful

place to visit. The falling
leaves, all different colors,
decorated the surface of the
water. At the edges of the
pond, small wildflowers grew.
The golden forest glowed
faintly in the distance.
 Main idea paragraphs
Main idea

The pond was a beautiful

place to visit. The falling
leaves, all different colors,
decorated the surface of the
water. At the edges of the
pond, small wildflowers grew.
All of the other sentences The golden forest glowed
explain why the main faintly in the distance.
idea is true
 Main idea paragraphs

• One reason, another

reason, and for
example
• Description: What is
being described? How
does the author
organize the
description? Which
detail is the most
important? How do all
of the details fit
together?
Now it’s your turn!
 What’s the text structure?
Daniel Sullivan was the first to notice
• Chronological the flames coming from the O’Leary
order barn at around 8:30 pm on October 8.
A problem with the alarm box made it
• Compare and impossible for the people in the area
contrast to call for the fire department. By 9:30
• Cause and pm, the entire block was blazing. In
another 3 hours, there were fires all
effect
over Chicago. The heavy wind coming
• Problem and from the lake only made the fire
solution bigger. It would be another day before
the fire would be completely out. By
• Main idea that time, 17,500 buildings had been
burned.
 What’s the text structure?
Daniel Sullivan was the first to notice
• Chronological the flames coming from the O’Leary
order barn at around 8:30 pm on October 8.
A problem with the alarm box made it
• Compare and impossible for the people in the area
contrast to call for the fire department. By 9:30
pm, the entire block was blazing. In
another 3 hours, there were fires all
• Problem and over Chicago. The heavy wind coming
solution from the lake only made the fire
bigger. It would be another day before
the fire would be completely out. By
that time, 17,500 buildings had been
burned.
 What’s the text structure?
Daniel Sullivan was the first to notice
• Chronological the flames coming from the O’Leary
order barn at around 8:30 pm on October 8.
A problem with the alarm box made it
impossible for the people in the area
to call for the fire department. By 9:30
pm, the entire block was blazing. In
another 3 hours, there were fires all
over Chicago. The heavy wind coming
from the lake only made the fire
bigger. It would be another day before
the fire would be completely out. By
that time, 17,500 buildings had been
burned.
 What’s the text structure?
Daniel Sullivan was the first to notice
• Chronological the flames coming from the O’Leary
order barn at around 8:30 pm on October 8.
A problem with the alarm box made it
impossible for the people in the area
to call for the fire department. By 9:30
pm, the entire block was blazing. In
another 3 hours, there were fires all
over Chicago. The heavy wind coming
from the lake only made the fire
bigger. It would be another day before
the fire would be completely out. By
that time, 17,500 buildings had been
burned.
 What’s the text structure?
Daniel Sullivan was the first to notice
• Chronological the flames coming from the O’Leary
order barn at around 8:30 pm on October 8.
A problem with the alarm box made it
impossible for the people in the area
• Notice how to call for the fire department. By 9:30
the paragraph pm, the entire block was blazing. In
another 3 hours, there were fires all
shows how
over Chicago. The heavy wind coming
events happen from the lake only made the fire
in time order bigger. It would be another day before
the fire would be completely out. By
that time, 17,500 buildings had been
burned.
 What’s the text structure?
Daniel Sullivan was the first to notice
• Understanding the flames coming from the O’Leary
that this text is barn at around 8:30 pm on October 8.
written in A problem with the alarm box made it
chronological impossible for the people in the area
order can help to call for the fire department. By 9:30
you to pm, the entire block was blazing. In
another 3 hours, there were fires all
understand
over Chicago. The heavy wind coming
how the Great from the lake only made the fire
Fire started bigger. It would be another day before
the fire would be completely out. By
that time, 17,500 buildings had been
burned.
 Try another!
• Chronological Why was the Great Chicago Fire so
disastrous? After all, Chicago had fire
order departments and fire alarms. One
• Compare and reason for the terrible fire is that the
alarm malfunctioned. The local fire
contrast company noticed the fire by accident
• Cause and as it was returning from another fire.
As another problem, a watchman who
effect saw the flames directed other fire
• Problem and companies to a location that was nearly
solution a mile away from the fire. Because of
these two problems, a fire that could
• Main idea have been controlled rapidly spread
across the city.
 Try another!
Why was the Great Chicago Fire so
disastrous? After all, Chicago had fire
• Compare and departments and fire alarms. One
contrast reason for the terrible fire is that the
alarm malfunctioned. The local fire
• Cause and company noticed the fire by accident
effect as it was returning from another fire.
As another problem, a watchman who
• Problem and saw the flames directed other fire
solution companies to a location that was nearly
a mile away from the fire. Because of
these two problems, a fire that could
have been controlled rapidly spread
across the city.
 Try another!
Why was the Great Chicago Fire so
disastrous? After all, Chicago had fire
departments and fire alarms. One
reason for the terrible fire is that the
• Cause and alarm malfunctioned. The local fire
effect company noticed the fire by accident
as it was returning from another fire.
As another problem, a watchman who
saw the flames directed other fire
companies to a location that was nearly
a mile away from the fire. Because of
these two problems, a fire that could
have been controlled rapidly spread
across the city.
 Try another!
Why was the Great Chicago Fire so
disastrous? After all, Chicago had fire
departments and fire alarms. One
reason for the terrible fire is that the
• Cause and alarm malfunctioned. The local fire
effect company noticed the fire by accident
• Notice how as it was returning from another fire.
As another problem, a watchman who
the causes (in saw the flames directed other fire
blue) lead to companies to a location that was nearly
the effect (in a mile away from the fire. Because of
these two problems, a fire that could
yellow) have been controlled rapidly spread
across the city.
 What text structure is here?
After the fire, thousands of people
• Chronological were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
order clothes on their backs. Providing all
• Compare and of these people with food, clean
contrast water, and shelter was a huge task.
Luckily, the city quickly formed a
• Cause and effect Relief and Aid Society. This group
• Problem and started giving out the food donations
solution that were pouring in from other
cities. The society built places for
• Main idea people to live, gathered the tools that
people needed to rebuild their
houses, and even vaccinated 64,000
people against smallpox.
 What text structure is here?
After the fire, thousands of people
• Chronological were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
order clothes on their backs. Providing all
of these people with food, clean
water, and shelter was a huge task.
• Cause and effect Luckily, the city quickly formed a
• Problem and Relief and Aid Society. This group
solution started giving out the food donations
that were pouring in from other
cities. The society built places for
people to live, gathered the tools that
people needed to rebuild their
houses, and even vaccinated 64,000
people against smallpox.
 What text structure is here?
After the fire, thousands of people
were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
• Problem and clothes on their backs. Providing all
solution of these people with food, clean
water, and shelter was a huge task.
Luckily, the city quickly formed a
Relief and Aid Society. This group
started giving out the food donations
that were pouring in from other
cities. The society built places for
people to live, gathered the tools that
people needed to rebuild their
houses, and even vaccinated 64,000
people against smallpox.
 What text structure is here?
After the fire, thousands of people
were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
• Problem and clothes on their backs. Providing all
solution of these people with food, clean
water, and shelter was a huge task.
Luckily, the city quickly formed a
• Here is the Relief and Aid Society. This group
problem started giving out the food donations
that were pouring in from other
cities. The society built places for
people to live, gathered the tools that
people needed to rebuild their
houses, and even vaccinated 64,000
people against smallpox.
 What text structure is here?
After the fire, thousands of people
were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
• Problem and clothes on their backs. Providing all
solution of these people with food, clean
water, and shelter was a huge task.
Luckily, the city quickly formed a
• Here is the Relief and Aid Society. This group
solution started giving out the food donations
that were pouring in from other
cities. The society built places for
people to live, gathered the tools that
people needed to rebuild their
houses, and even vaccinated 64,000
people against smallpox.
 Can you find the text structure?
Chicago changed in many ways after
• Chronological the fire. Before the fire, most of the
buildings were less than five stories
order
high. The buildings that were
• Compare and constructed after the fire, however,
contrast were some of the first skyscrapers in
the country. Before the fire, most of
• Cause and the houses were made of wood. After
effect the fire, people chose to build their
• Problem and houses out of stone or brick. There were
changes in where people lived, as well.
solution The poor people in the city lived close to
• Main idea the center of the city before the fire.
After the fire, they moved into
neighborhoods that were farther away
from the downtown area.
 Can you find the text structure?
Chicago changed in many ways after
• Compare and the fire. Before the fire, most of the
buildings were less than five stories
contrast
high. The buildings that were
• Cause and constructed after the fire, however,
effect were some of the first skyscrapers in
the country. Before the fire, most of
• Main idea the houses were made of wood. After
the fire, people chose to build their
houses out of stone or brick. There were
changes in where people lived, as well.
The poor people in the city lived close to
the center of the city before the fire.
After the fire, they moved into
neighborhoods that were farther away
from the downtown area.
 Can you find the text structure?
Chicago changed in many ways after
• Compare and the fire. Before the fire, most of the
buildings were less than five stories
contrast
high. The buildings that were
constructed after the fire, however,
were some of the first skyscrapers in
the country. Before the fire, most of
the houses were made of wood. After
the fire, people chose to build their
houses out of stone or brick. There were
changes in where people lived, as well.
The poor people in the city lived close to
the center of the city before the fire.
After the fire, they moved into
neighborhoods that were farther away
from the downtown area.
 Can you find the text structure?
Chicago changed in many ways after
• Compare and the fire. Before the fire, most of the
buildings were less than five stories
contrast
high. The buildings that were
constructed after the fire, however,
Notice how were some of the first skyscrapers in
the country. Before the fire, most of
this paragraph is the houses were made of wood. After
comparing the fire, people chose to build their
Chicago houses out of stone or brick. There were
BEFORE the changes in where people lived, as well.
The poor people in the city lived close to
fire to Chicago
the center of the city before the fire.
AFTER the fire After the fire, they moved into
neighborhoods that were farther away
from the downtown area.
 Can you find the text structure?
Chicago changed in many ways after
• Compare and the fire. Before the fire, most of the
buildings were less than five stories
contrast
high. The buildings that were
constructed after the fire, however,
Notice how were some of the first skyscrapers in
the country. Before the fire, most of
this paragraph is the houses were made of wood. After
comparing the fire, people chose to build their
Chicago houses out of stone or brick. There were
BEFORE the changes in where people lived, as well.
The poor people in the city lived close to
fire to Chicago
the center of the city before the fire.
AFTER the fire After the fire, they moved into
neighborhoods that were farther away
from the downtown area.
 One more paragraph!
By Monday night, the town • Chronological
of Chicago was burning. order
People described it as • Compare and
terrible, but amazing. The contrast
flames were brighter than
• Cause and effect
anything people had ever
seen. The harsh winds swept • Problem and
the fire across the city with solution
terrible speed. For many • Main idea
who watched, it was a sight
to remember for the rest of
their lives.
 One more paragraph!
By Monday night, the town • Compare and
of Chicago was burning. contrast
People described it as • Cause and effect
terrible, but amazing. The
flames were brighter than
anything people had ever • Main idea
seen. The harsh winds swept
the fire across the city with
terrible speed. For many
who watched, it was a sight
to remember for the rest of
their lives.
 One more paragraph!
By Monday night, the town
of Chicago was burning. • Main idea
People described it as
terrible, but amazing. The
flames were brighter than
anything people had ever
seen. The harsh winds swept
the fire across the city with
terrible speed. For many
who watched, it was a sight
to remember for the rest of
their lives.
 One more paragraph!
By Monday night, the town
of Chicago was burning. • Main idea
People described it as
terrible, but amazing. The
flames were brighter than • Notice the
anything people had ever main idea
seen. The harsh winds swept
the fire across the city with
terrible speed. For many
who watched, it was a sight
to remember for the rest of
their lives.
 One more paragraph!
By Monday night, the town
of Chicago was burning. • Main idea
People described it as
terrible, but amazing. The
flames were brighter than • Notice the
anything people had ever main idea
seen. The harsh winds swept
the fire across the city with • The rest of the
terrible speed. For many sentences
who watched, it was a sight explain the
to remember for the rest of
their lives. main idea
What have you learned about text
structures?

• Share your ideas with a partner

• Be sure to explain how you can find the text
structure of a paragraph
by Emily Kissner
How does text structure
help readers?
• Research shows that
efficient searchers
use the structure of
the text to help them
find specific
information
How does text structure
help readers?
• The structure of a text
can help readers find
answers to questions, as
well
How does text structure
help readers?
• Text structure is also
an important
component to
summarizing
Thank you! *_*