Chapter 9 Lecture

by Ms. Collins

Today we will be talking about informational texts and how paying attention to their organization can

help us as readers and writers.

Remember…

• Informational texts are pieces of non-fiction (or true) writing that give us information or facts about something. – To see some examples of informational texts follow

the links below:• http://kids.discovery.com/tell-me/earth/why-do-we-need-

trees• http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/activities/funscie

nce/ants-science-experiment/

• http://www.timeforkids.com/news/countdown-games/7006

• http://www.sikids.com/news/2012/04/03/kentucky-cruises-past-kansas-for-national-title

One of the ways that authors help us understand their writing is through

organizational text patterns.

What are organizational text patterns?

• Organizational text patterns are the different ways that authors arrange the information in their writing. There are lots of ways to organize texts but we will only cover three in this lesson.

Three ways to organize information texts:

1. Description2. Sequence3. Problem and Solution

Description

• In the description format, the author describes a topic, idea, person, place, or thing by listing characteristics, features, or examples.

• Some words that will often appear in this format are “for example” and “characteristics are”.

Example Paragraph 1

At the end of the bed sleeps my bestfriend, Tanda. She may have scraggly hair and weigh only 30 pounds, but she always knows how to make me smile. For example, she stole a bowl of chili from me once. But when I went to scold her, I couldn’t stop laughing because her entire face was orange!

Why is this a description paragraph?

Example Paragraph 1

At the end of the bed sleeps my bestfriend, Tanda. She may have scraggly hair and weigh only 30 pounds but she always knows how to make me smile. For example, she stole a bowl of chili from me once. But when I went to scold her, I couldn’t stop laughing because her entire face was orange!

Because it describes my dog, Tanda. It also uses the clue words “for example”.

Sequence

• In the sequence format, the author lists items or events in the order in which they occurred or tells the steps to follow to do or make something.

• Some words that will often appear in this format are “first”, “second”, “third”, “next”, “then”, “finally”, “eventually”, and “following this”.

Example Paragraph 2

I love to eat boiled crawfish but it can be a little intimidating the first time. Here are some important steps to follow. First, remove the head by twisting it away from the body. Second, pinch the end of the tail and slowly pull the meat out. Finally, enjoy the fruits of your labor! I like mine with a little melted butter.

Why is this a sequence paragraph?

Example Paragraph 2

I love to eat boiled crawfish but it can be a little intimidating your first time. Here are some important steps to follow. First, remove the head by twisting it away from the body. Second, pinch the end of the tail and slowly pull the meat out. Finally, enjoy the fruits of your labor! I like mine with a little melted butter.

Because it tells you the steps to eating boiled crawfish. It also uses the clue words “first”, “second”, and “finally”.

Problem and Solution

• In the problem and solution format, the author shares a problem and then lists one or more solutions. A twist on this pattern is the question-and-answer format in which the author asks a question and then answers it.

• Some words that will often appear in this format are “problem”, “dilemma”, “puzzle”, “solved”, “questions”, and “answer”.

Example Paragraph 3

From the moment my mother’s eyes met my Twix bar, I knew we had a problem. Chocolate had always been her weakness. If I had reacted more quickly I could have hidden it. Now it was too late. I could cram the entire thing in my mouth and face the following shame. Or I could be a good daughter and share. Sometime I hated having a conscience!

Why is this a problem and solution paragraph?

Example Paragraph 3

From the moment my mother’s eye met my Twix bar, I knew we had a problem. Chocolate had always been her weakness. If I had reacted more quickly I could have hidden it. Now it was too late. I could cram the entire thing in my mouth and face the following shame. Or I could be a good daughter and share. Sometime I hated having a conscience!

Because it shares a problem and some possible solutions. It also uses the clue word “problem”.

By using different graphic organizers, we can break down each of the example paragraphs you read.

When we write in the description format, we use a graphic organizer like the one below.

This is the organizer I used to make Example Paragraph 1 .

When we write in the sequence format we use a graphic organizer like the one below.

This is the organizer I used to make Example Paragraph 2.

When we write in the problem and solution format, we use a graphic organizer

like the one below.

This is the organizer I used to make Example Paragraph 3.

My Visuals

The Description Graphic Organizer was a variation of the following Microsoft template…

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/concept-map-primary-TC101887901.aspx

All clipart images were taken from a Microsoft images search…

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/?CTT=97

My Information

• My information was based on the following…Tompkins, G. E. (2006). Literacy for the 21st century a balanced approach. (Fourth ed. pp. 274-276). New Jersey: Pearson Education.