1. I can describe the structure of informational (expository) text.1

2. Essential Questions
What are the types of organizational structures? How can you identify them?
Which organizational structures are used in the text being read? How does this help you better comprehend the text?
How can an author’s use of organizational structures help to identify key information within the text?

3. Expository Structure
Informational (expository) text is organized into specific structures:
chronology (sequence),
comparison,
cause & effect,
problem & solution.

4. Expository Structure
Identifying these structures helps readers better understand the text.
Authors of expository text use specific structure to present their information in a clear and concise way.
They use chronology, cause and effect, comparison, and problem/solution to help the reader understand and comprehend the text.

5. Chronology Chronology is the sequence of events. It can
also be a list of items in numerical order.
Possible key words:
before
after
first
second
third
next
then
finally

6. Chronology
A flow chart is a great way to show chronology or sequences.
Next, spread peanut butter on one of the slices.
Next, put the peanut butter side on the jelly side.
First, you lay out two pieces of bread.
Then, spread jelly on one side of the other slice.
Last but not least, take a big bite and enjoy!

7. Comparison
Sometimes an author will explain how two or more things are alike or different.
Possible key words:
different
alike
same as
in contrast
in other words...

8. Comparison
A Venn Diagram is just one of many tools used for comparison.
Weather
Climate
temperature
precipitation
changes
daily
average
over time

9. Comparison A T-chart is another way to show comparison. Weather
Daily humidity
Weather
Climate
Daily temperature
Average temperature
Average humidity
Daily precipitation
Average precipitation

10. Cause and Effect An author may explain why something happens.
Cause is the reason an event took place. Effect is
what happened because of the cause (the result).
Possible key words:
because
that’s because if
then so
therefore
as a result
reasons why...
when...,

11. Cause and Effect A table is one way to show cause and effect. Cause
Because it rained,
the game was cancelled.
The sun was hot
so the ice cream melted.
The monsoon lasted 1 hour
(create your own)
the roof caved in.

12. (Conflict and resolution)
Problem and solution
(Conflict and resolution)
Sometimes an author may state a problem and list
or explain a solution or list of possible solutions.
Possible key words:
the problem is
the dilemma is
puzzle is
solve
question
answer

13. Problem and solution

14. Closure
Whisper to your shoulder partner which expository structure you think would be used if learning the differences between tornados and monsoons.