1. Reading Informational Texts
Patterns of Organization – a.k.a. Text Structure

2. Reading any type of writing is easier once you recognize how it is organized
Writers usually arrange ideas and information in ways that best help readers see how they are related
There are several common patterns of organization (text structures):
Main idea and supporting details
Chronological order
Cause-effect organization
Compare-contrast organization
Problem-solution order

3. Main Idea and Supporting Details
A central idea about a topic is supported by details
Main (central) idea is the most important idea about a topic
Supporting details are words, phrases, or sentences that tell more about the main idea
Main idea may be stated or implied
Where is the main idea located in a paragraph? (p. R16)

4. Let’s Practice! – p.R17 #1-2

5. Chronological Order
The arrangement of events in the order in which they happen
Used in short stories, novels, historical writing, biographies, and autobiographies
Look for key words such as before, after, next, and later
Also look for time words and phrases such as the next morning, Tuesday, and on July 4, 1776

6. Let’s Practice! – p.R17-18 #1-3

7. Cause-Effect Organization
Shows causal relationships between events, ideas, and trends
May be directly stated or implied
Often used in historical and scientific writing

8. Let’s Practice! – p.R18 #2

9. Compare-Contrast Organization
Looks at similarities and differences in two or more subjects
A writer may compare the important points or characteristics of two or more subjects – called points of comparison
Point by point organization
Subject by subject organization

10. Let’s Practice! – p.R21 #1-2

11. Problem-Solution Order
A problem is stated and analyzed and then one or more solutions are proposed and examined
Often used in persuasive writing

12. Let’s Practice! – p.R22 #1-2