1. Choose a topic from the following list and write a couple of supporting details that explain why the topic interests you…Use complete sentences
The first day at a new school
Moving to a new town or neighborhood
The importance of classroom citizenship
A fictional (make-believe) story
*If you do not see a topic you like, make a list of topics you would enjoy writing about. Be sure to explain...
One of your favorite vacations
Civil rights
The importance of after school activities
An obstacle (roadblock) you had to overcome in your life
A hero that inspires you
One of your favorite sports
A time when you helped somebody

2. Text structure Text structure: the way an author organizes a text.
Readers can look for signal words to identify an author’s text structure.

3. Descriptive text structure
Descriptive text structure: a topic, idea, person, place, or thing is described using examples and details.
Signal Words:
For instance
An example
To illustrate
Characteristics
*Repeated names, places, and ideas*

4. Sequence of events (chronological order)
Chronological order: author organizes text in order from beginning to end.
Signal words:
First
Second
Last
Then
Before
After

5. Problem and solution
Problem and solution structure: the author identifies one or more problems and provides possible solutions.
Signal words and phrases:
question is
dilemma is
the puzzle is
problem
solution
one answer is
to change the outcome

6. Cause and effect So Because Since Therefore May be due to Cause Effect
Cause and effect- one event or situation leads to another.
Cause: why something happened; the event that made another event occur.
Effect: the event that happens because of the cause; the result or outcome. So
Because
Since
Therefore
May be due to
Cause
Effect
Consequently
For this reason

7. Compare and contrast
Compare and contrast: Author organizes the text by showing the similarities and differences of a topic.
A lot of similes and metaphors are used in these texts!
Signal Words:
Similar
Different
Alike
Both
Instead of
On the other hand

8. Your favorite vacation A time when you helped somebody
Using descriptive text structure, write 2 detailed paragraphs that describe ONE of the following events:
Your favorite birthday
Your favorite vacation
A time when you helped somebody
A time when you tried something new
A crazy dream that you have had
*You may choose to write about a topic of your own!

9. Timeline sponge (sequence/chronological text structure)
Draw a timeline and mark 5 significant events that you have experienced during your life-time.
Choose 1 and write a paragraph with details and examples that describe the event.

10. Problem/solution sponge
Make a list of some problems that come from chewing gum in school.
Make a list of some possible solutions.
Use supporting details to explain how these problems and solutions effect Valley Prep.
*Choose your own topic if you don’t want to write about gum.

11. Which of the following topics could be presented with a problem and solution text structure? Explain the problem, solution, and end result.
A bullying situation at school.
A personal narrative about a favorite vacation.
A story about running out of gas on the highway.
An essay about the history of Jackie Robinson.
A thank you letter for a family member.
One of your friends always misses his/her bus in the morning.

12. Sponge: cause and effect
Write about a time when you caused something to happen.
Explain the event or situation that you caused to happen.
How did the situation or event effect the people and places around you at the time?

13. Sponge: compare and contrast
Make a list the shows the similarities and differences of one of the following topics:
Bowling vs baseball
You and one of your best friends
You and a family member
Louisville to another city you have visited
2 of your favorite video games
2 of your favorite super heroes.

14. Closure activity
Would the organizational (text-structure) strategy we discussed today be effective for the topic you chose from the sponge activity?
If you answered yes, explain how you would use that structure to present your topic.
If you answered no, explain how that structure would work for a different topic.

15. Text structure partner activity
1) Choose a partner to read the passage aloud in your pair, then discuss or look up any unknown vocabulary words. 2) Use a highlighter to locate the signal words that relate to the text’s structure. 3)Fill out the graphic organizers with your partner.

16. Exit slip
Explain how graphic organizers help us analyze the structure of an informational text.
Which graphic organizer that we have used so far has helped increase your understanding of text structure the most? Explain

17. Exit slip
Describe 3 things you have learned this week. Write 2 questions you have about our lessons this week. Name 1 strategy from this week that has helped you become a better reader.

18. Sponge: text structure review
Make a list of the text structures we have studied so far.
Name some writing topics that could be presented using those structures. Explain…

19. Closure: using text structure for own writing
Out of all the text structures we have covered, which one do you think would best help you write your own piece?
Explain what topic you would write about, and use supporting details to show how the topic could be presented using the structure you chose.