Text Structures

Objectives What is text structure? What are the common text structures? How does text structure help readers understand text selections?

What is text structure? Text structure refers to the internal organizations of a text As authors write a text to communicate an idea, they will use a structure that goes along with the idea. (they pick a specific structure on purpose!)

What is text structure? Suppose an author wanted to show you how hawks and owls compare. 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? In other words, 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. For example, a page from a social studies textbook may be written in chronological order, but contain a paragraph that explains a cause and effect.

What are the common text structures? It’s important to understand that there is no “official” list of text structures. The list is changing daily with the addition of technology and social media.

What are the common text structures? #1 Chronological/ Sequential Order Also known as time order. This structure is organized from one point in time to another. Fiction (stories) are all written in chronological order– dealing with points in a timeline. Step-by-step directions are written in sequential order.

What is are the common text structures? #1 Chronological/ Sequential Order Transition words such as first, next, later, and finally are included to help the reader understand how events relate to one another. Dates and times are also used.

What is are the common text structures? #2 Cause and Effect This text structure shows how one or more causes led to one or more effects. This text structure also has a strong time components, since causes come before effects.

What are the common text structures? #2 Cause and Effect Transition words such as cause, effect, as a result of, consequently, and because are used. There may be several causes that lead to several effects– pay attention!

What are the common text structures? #3 Problem Solution This text structure presents a problem, and shows how it can be (or has been) solved. Be sure that you don’t confuse it with cause and effect– they are not the same!

What are the common text structures? #3 Problem Solution The key difference is that problem and solution always has a solution, while cause and effect does not. Transitions may include problem, solution, solve, effect, hopeful, struggle, and so forth.

What are the common text structures? #4 Compare and Contrast This text structure shows how two or more ideas or items are similar or different. This text structure is also fairly easy for students to understand.

What are the common text structures? #4 Compare and Contrast This text may use a clustered approach, with details about one topic followed by details about the other. The text may also show an alternating approach, with the author going back between the two topics.

What are the common text structures? #4 Compare and Contrast Transition words may include like, similar, unlike, on the other hand, also, and too. Compare and contrast paragraphs are often within other text structures as an author needs to explain a similarity or difference about their current topic of discussion.

What are the common text structures? #5 Main Idea This type of text structure makes a statement, and then uses details to support it. Transition words include for example, also, one reason, and another reason.

How does text structure help readers (YOU)? I’m sure you’re asking yourself, why bother with text structure? As it turns out, a knowledge of text can be very helpful for readers!

How does text structure help readers (YOU)? When readers do not have a strong knowledge of the topic of the text, they depend on the structure of the text more. A well written text guides the reader through the content.

How does text structure help readers (YOU)? The structure of a text can help readers find answers to questions, as well. For example, knowing that causes come before effects can help you to narrow your search as you’re trying to find answers to questions.