presented by: the district literacy team. a “structure” is a building or framework “text...
TRANSCRIPT
Understanding Text Structures
Presented by: The District Literacy Team
A “structure” is a building or framework
“Text structure” refers to how a piece of text is built
What is a text structure?
Writers use different structures to build their ideas.
Each text structure communicates ideas in a different way.
What is a text structure?
As it turns out, a knowledge of text structure can be very helpful for readers.
It helps them organize ideas or concepts.
How does text structure help readers?
When readers do not have a strong knowledge of the topic of a text, they depend more on the structure (Cataldo and Oakhill).
A well-written text guides the reader through the content.
How does text structure help readers?
Research shows that efficient searchers use the structure of the text to help them find specific information.
How does text structure help readers?
Chronological Order/SequenceCompare and ContrastCause & EffectProblem & SolutionMain IdeaDescription
Text structures
after afterward as soon as before
during finally first following
immediately
initially later meanwhile
nextnot long after
now on (date)
preceding second soon then
third today until when
Chronological Order Signal Words
Pennsylvania has many historic sites. You can visit Revolutionary war sites, like Valley Forge. You can also visit important locations from the Civil War, like Gettysburg. Finally, you can also see the site of the first oil well in Titusville. Pennsylvania has many neat places to visit!
Through the ages, Pennsylvania has seen many interesting events. The state was founded in 1681 by William Penn. Later, Pennsylvania was the site of important Revolutionary War battles. After that, Pennsylvania was home to new factories during the Industrial Revolution. Today, Pennsylvania continues to make history.
Which paragraph is in chronological order?
Concept:
1.
2.
3.
Graphic Organizer
Finally
Detail Detail
NextDetail Detail
FirstDetail Detail
Another Graphic
Texts that follow this structure tell about the differences and similarities of two or more objects, places, events or ideas by grouping their traits for comparison.
Questions to Consider◦ What are the similar and different qualities of these
things? ◦ What qualities of each thing correspond to one
another? In what way?
Graphic Organizers◦ Double Bubble Map◦ Venn Diagram• T-Chart
Compare and Contrast
Compare and Contrast Signal Words
although as well as as opposed to both
butcompared with
different from either...or
even though
however instead ofin common
on the other hand
otherwise similar to similarly
still yet
The cardinal and the cedar waxwing are two common birds. Both have crests on their heads. Both are common at birdfeeders. But the birds have some differences. The male cardinal is a bright red, while the waxwing is brown. The cedar waxwing often migrates from place to place. On the other hand, the cardinal stays in one place year after year.
Can you find the clue words?
Concept Concept
Graphic Organizer
List
Topic 2
List
Another Organizer: T-Chart
Topic 1
Cause and Effect In texts that follow this structure, the reader is told the result of an event or occurrence and the reasons it happened.
Questions to Consider◦What are the causes and effects of this event?
◦What might happen next? Graphic Organizers
◦Multi-flow Map
Cause and Effect Signal Words
accordingly as a result of because begins with
consequently
effects of finally first
for this reason
how to how if...then
in order to is caused byleads/led to
may be due to
next so thatsteps involved
therefore
thus when...then
The night’s snowstorm had many effects. People were out shoveling snow from their sidewalks. The power lines were draped with ice. Snow plows drove down every street. Children were the happiest of all. The unexpected snow caused school to be cancelled!
Can you find the clue words?
Graphic Organizer
If Then
When Then
Problem-Solution The writer presents a problem then
expounds upon possible solutions for that problem.
Questions to Consider◦What is the problem? ◦What are the possible solutions? ◦Which solution is best? ◦How will you implement this solution?
Graphic Organizers◦Circle Map◦Flow Map◦Multi-flow Map
Problem-Solution Signal Words
the question is one answer is one reason for
recommendations include
because cause
since therefore consequently
as a result of this led to could be
so that nevertheless accordingly
if . . . then thus
An example of problem and solution
Park School had a terrible problem. Every day at recess, students would argue over the slides. Teachers had to spend time every day taking care of the arguments. Finally, one teacher came up with a great solution. They bought another set of slides that everyone could enjoy.
A more difficult problem and solution paragraph
The Chesapeake Bay faces an uncertain future. Issues such as pesticides, too many nutrients, and habitat loss all threaten the Bay’s water quality and animal life. However, scientists are hopeful that the future may be brighter. If everyone in the Chesapeake Bay watershed works together, solutions may be found.
What is the problem?
What is the solution?
• Solution• SolutionProblem
• Solution• SolutionProblem
Graphic Organizer
Are there any other text structures?
Most paragraphs that we write in school can be called main idea, description, or statement and support paragraphs
Main idea paragraphs Clue words in
these paragraphs may include:
One reason, another reason, and for example
Main idea paragraphs In this kind of
paragraph, the author offers a main idea statement, and then supports that statement with several details
Description
This structure resembles an outline. Each section opens with its main idea, then elaborates on it, sometimes dividing the elaboration into subsections.
Questions to Consider◦What are you describing? ◦What are its qualities?
Graphic Organizers◦Bubble Map
Description Signal Wordsabove across along appears to be
as in behind below beside
between down in back of in front of
looks like near on top of onto
outside over such as to the right/left
under
Now it’s your turn! You will read some nonfiction
paragraphs. Your task is to discuss and decide
where the words go into the text structure.
This is to be done in a small group. Can you justify your answers?
What have you learned about text structures?
Share your ideas with a partner.
Explain how you can find the text structure of a paragraph.
What questions do you have?Think about it!