Text StructureHow Information Is Arranged

NONFICTION

Non-Fiction Text StructuresDescriptionSequenceProblem/SolutionCause/EffectCompare/Contrast

Gives details about something, someone, or someplace

Presents the step-by-step events in a process

Identifies a problem and possible solutions

Explains how something occurred as a result of something else

Explains how things are similar or different

Chronological Arranges events over a period of time

Non-Fiction Text StructureDescriptionSignal Words

For example

For Instance

Characteristics include

Specifically

In addition to

Non-Fiction Text StructureDescription

The Super Bowl

Two Conference

winners

People throw parties

February 7

Huge Advertising

money

Most Watched Sporting

Event

Broadcast in 34

languages

Gives details about something, someone, or someplace

The Super Bowl

Non-Fiction Text StructureSequence

1

5

4

3

2

Signal Words

Before, To start, In the

beginning,

First, During, After,

Finally

Then, Last, Later

In the middle, In the end

Non-Fiction Text StructureSequence

Get Bread

Spread jelly on Slice One

Spread Peanut Butter on Slice

Two

Eat

Join both pieces of

bread

1

5

4

3

2

Presents the step-by-step events in a process

Making A Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich

Non-Fiction Text StructureProblem/Solution

OR

Signal Words

Problem, Issue, Cause,

As a result, Because of,

Leads to

Due to, Solve, So,

Consequently, Since

Non-Fiction Text StructureProblem/Solution

Neighbor’s dog continues to bark Spray with hose

OR

Identifies a problem and possible solutions

Barking Dog Problem

Non-Fiction Text Structure Cause and Effect

CAUSE

Effect

Effect

Effect

EFFECT

Cause

Cause

Cause

Signal Words

Since, Because, If,

Due to,

As a result of, So, Then,

Leads to, Consequently,

Cause,

Reason, Long-term,

Non-Fiction Text Structure Cause and Effect Prejudice

Fights

Hurt Feelings

Wars

Equality

Courtesy

Respect

Humility

Explains how something occurred as a result of something else

Non-Fiction Text StructureCompare/Contrast

Signal Words

Similar, Alike, Same,

Just like

In Common, Both,

Different, Unlike, In

Contrast,

On the other hand

Non-Fiction Text StructureCompare/Contrast

Male TeenagersNo Parents

Neighborhood Danger f

Females

Full Family Dynamic Camp Danger Overcome Obstacles

Internal Conflict

Explains how things are similar or different

Ponyboy and Hannah

Ponyboy Curtis Hannah Stern

Non-Fiction Text StructureChronological

Signal Words

First, Second, Initially,

Preceding, Next, Then,

When, After, Before,

Finally

On (date)

Non-Fiction Text StructureChronological

Arranges events over a period of time

Semester One of English 8

Sept

embe

r 201

5 Beg

an th

e yea

r

Read

First

Ficti

on –

“Flow

ers f

or A

lgern

on”

Octobe

r – B

egan

The O

utsid

ers

Then

Read

The D

evil’s

Arit

hmeti

cFe

brua

ry 20

16 be

gin sc

ience

ficti

on no

vel

Exam

s end

the s

emes

ter

Text Structure Signal Questions

Problem / Solution1. What is the problem?2. Why is this a problem?3. What can be done to solve it?

Sequence1. What steps are listed?2. Do they always happen in this order?3. What is the final result?

Description1. What topic is being explained?2. How is it being described? What is 3. important to remember about it?

Cause and Effect1. What happened?2. Why did it happen? 3. What caused it to happen?

Compare / Contrast1. What things are being compared?2. In what ways are they alike?3. In what ways are they different?

Chronology1. What is the subject being discussed?2. What events took place?3. In what order did the events happen?

Non-Fiction Text Structure

Does this make sense?

Let’s See!

What goes in each box?1. Name of Structure

2. Definition3. Graphic Organizer Example

4. Signal Words5. Signal Questions

6. Creativity