Text Structures refers to the way authors organize information in text.
Narrative - Narrates an event/story with characters, setting, conflict, point of view, and plot.
- Uses descriptive language
- Who is the narrative about? Where is it set? What is the conflict? Who is telling the
narrative? What is happening?
Chronological, Process, or Sequence - Present ideas or events in the order that they
happen
- First, second, third, later, now, previously, use of dates, etc…
- What items, events, or steps are listed? Do they always have to happen in this
order?
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Cause and Effect - Provide explanation or reasons for phenomena
- If/then, because, reason why, therefore, since, so that, etc…
- Why did it happen? What caused it to happen?
Problem/Solution - Identify problems and pose solutions
- Problem is, dilemma is, question/answer, if/then, so that, etc…
- What is the problem? Why is this a problem? Can anything be done to solve this?
Compare and Contrast - Discuss two ideas, events, or phenomenon showing how they are
similar and/or different
- However, Yet, Nevertheless, On the other hand, etc…
- What are the things being compared? In what ways are they similar/different?
Definition or Description - Describes a topic by listing characteristics, features, attributes,
and examples
- For example, For instance, Including, To illustrate
- What are the most important characteristics? How is it being described? What is
important to remember?
