TEXT STRUCTURES
Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the learners are expected to:
1. Identify the different reading strategies as tool in academic writing;
2. Evaluate one’s purpose for reading; and
3. Use knowledge of text structure to glean information he/she needs.
Arrange the following pictures according to the best order:
Guide Questions:
1. How did you arrange the pictures?
2. What is the importance of organizing things?
TEXT STRUCTURES
-determines how a material is organized.
A “structure” is a building or framework.
“Text structure” refers to how a piece of text is built. Each text structure communicates
ideas in a different way.
Hence, the different types of informational passages have different text structures to
help the audience better understand the information presented.
TYPES OF TEXT STRUCTURES
1. Cause and Effect
-A writer may choose to put the emphasis on either the cause or the effect.
-Cause is why something happened while effect is what happened. In both cases, either
a verb or a conjunction can be used to show the link.
EXAMPLE 1
Heavy rainfall over several days caused the river to overflow, leading to
widespread flooding in the nearby villages.
This text explains a cause (heavy rainfall) and an effect (flooding in villages).
EXAMPLE 2
Due to deforestation, many animals lost their natural habitats, resulting in a
decline in biodiversity.
It presents a cause (deforestation) and its effect (loss of habitat and reduced
biodiversity).
2. Problem and Solution
-Tells about a problem (and sometimes says why there is a problem) then gives one or
more possible solutions.
- The common signals include question is, dilemma is, the puzzle is, to solve this, one
answer is and one reason for the problem is.
EXAMPLE 1
The increasing plastic waste in oceans harms marine life. To address this,
several countries have banned single-use plastics and promoted reusable alternatives.
A problem (plastic waste harming marine life) is identified, followed by
a solution (plastic bans and alternatives).
EXAMPLE 2
Students were struggling to understand math concepts. The teacher introduced
interactive games to make learning fun and effective.
States the problem (students struggling) and the solution (using games).
3. Comparison and Contrast
-Comparison is pointing out similarities.
-Contrasting is pointing differences.
◦ There should be a set of criteria or items as basis for comparison and contrast.
◦ These are the common signals: same as, similar, alike, as well as, not only-
but also, both, instead of, either-or, on the other hand, different from, as
opposed to.
EXAMPLE 1
While cats are independent and prefer solitude, dogs are social animals that
enjoy the company of humans.
It compares and contrasts the behavior of cats and dogs.
EXAMPLE 2
Both smartphones and tablets are portable devices, but tablets usually have
larger screens, making them better for reading and watching videos.
Highlights similarities (portability) and differences (screen size and usage).
4. Chronological Order
-Used to explain how things happen in order.
-Also called sequence or time order.
-Uses signal words words like first, next, later, then, and finally.
EXAMPLE 1
First, the seeds were planted in the soil. Next, they were watered daily. After a
week, tiny sprouts appeared.
Events are presented in the order they happened over time.
EXAMPLE 2
In 1879, Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb. A few years later, he
developed a system to distribute electricity.
Uses dates and time sequence to show the chronological development.
5. Description
-Description may either be: informative or objective description and evocative or
impressionistic description.
-The focus of descriptive is the object – its physical properties and characteristics; the
evocative focuses on the emotions or moods of the reader.
EXAMPLE 1
The rainforest is a lush, green world filled with towering trees, colorful birds, and
the sounds of buzzing insects and calling monkeys.
Provides sensory details to describe the rainforest vividly.
EXAMPLE 2
The library had tall wooden shelves, soft lighting, and the comforting smell of old
books.
Uses descriptive language to paint a clear picture of the setting.
