Understanding Text Structures

Contributed by:
Ivan
English Studies, Reading, Writing, Grade 4
1. Text Structures

2.









3.

Builders can use
different kinds of
structures to build
different things.
A skyscraper, for
example, is a different
kind of structure from a
bool biston

4.
Writers use
different structures
to build their ideas.
Each text structure
communicates ideas
in a different way

5. Chronological order
Authors use
chronological order
to explain how
things happen in
Chronological order is
also called sequence or

6. Chronological order
A'CTt AIIM eek mners ta
you are reading a
text in
chronological order
because you will
see words like first,
next, later, then,
and finally

7. Chronological order
You will often see chronological order in
obiqo nos tte
Have you ever made macaroni and cheese?
It’s simple! First, boil some water and make
some macaroni. Then, make your cheese
sauce. After the cheese sauce is ready, mix
it with the macaroni. Bake the entire thing
in the oven. Finally, it’s time to eat!
8. Chronological order
Notice the transition words that connect the
events in these directions.
Have you ever made macaroni and cheese?
It’s simple! First, boil some water and make
some macaroni. Then, make your cheese
sauce. After the cheese sauce is ready, mix
it with the macaroni. Bake the entire thing
in the oven. Finally, it’s time to eat!
9.
chronological order?
Pennsylvania has many Through the ages,
ennsylvania has seen
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
je ULem OMY Iya
many interesting events.
aM at-ecie-] Xm T-mcelelare( =e Ta)
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.
10.






Pennsylvania continues to
make history
11.
chronological order?
MM aniw omdaKe
paragraph in
order. Can you
find the clue
words that show
this order?
many interesting events.
aM at-mie-) Xm melelarel emia)
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.
12. e What is a structure?
¢ What does chronological order
e What are some clue words that
show chronological order? "i

13. Another text structure
Lassi RAZ erNBbarTel
author doesn’t
want to show how
Yoyeecan evbeteg
happened in
¢ The author would
need to use another
ike q cL BMP CRT Aey

14.


Suppose an author wanted to
explain how these two birds are
similar and different.
Chronological order
wouldn’t work---there
is no order of events.
The author would
need to use

15.

The cardinal and the goldfinch
are two common birds. Both are
brightly colored. Both are common
at birdfeeders. But the birds have
some differences. The male
cardinal is a bright red, while the
male goldfinch is yellow. Cardinals
like shrubs and trees, while
goldfinches prefer open meadows.
16. When authors use the
text structure of compare
and contrast, they often
use special clue words to
ON M AOI c> CLA MOLG ADT ACR


Can you find the clue
words in the paragraph?

17.


The cardinal and the goldfinch
are two common birds. Both are
brightly colored. Both are common
at birdfeeders. But the birds have
some differences. The male
cardinal is a bright red, while the
male goldfinch is yellow. Cardinals
like shrubs and trees, while
goldfinches prefer open meadows.

18.


The cardinal and the goldfinch
are two common birds. are
lerdadaace acre are common
at birdfeeders. the birds have
some differences. The male
cardinal is a bright red, sa etcs
male goldfinch is yellow. Cardinals
abUCcmcd evap Nolcmr-beXo Ma WclcIom
goldfinches prefer open meadows.

19. Goldfinch Cardinal
Details from a text
written as compare and
contrast can be organized
as a Venn diagram.
20. Graphic Organizers
We can also use a chart to
show the details.
Goldfinch Cardinal

21. Graphic Organizers
¢ Can you explain the difference
between chronological order and
compare and contrast?
¢ How can clue words help you as a

22. Another text structure
Sometimes, a writer wants to explain how
one event leads to another.
This kind of
text structure is
called cause
and effect.

23. Cause and Effect
When authors write paragraphs to
show causes and effects, they use
words like cause, effect, as a result,
consequently, and so.

24. Can you find the clue words?
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
25. Can you find the clue words?
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
26. Baby painted turtles spend all winter in
their nests. They have special chemicals in
their blood that can keep their blood from
freezing. As a result, baby painted turtles
can survive freezing temperatures!
(Orri etm ative
TW Lom erLENoSae-T aCe)
effects in this


27.






their blood p their blood from

Bam erate
[orc BINT Se
28. Baby painted turtles spend all winter in
their nests. They have special chemicals in
their blood that can keep their blood from
freezing. As a result, baby painted turtles
can survive freezing temperatures!
SUB ORS

29.




30. Which text structure explains how things
happen in time order?
Oreos aOneloe






How do these
pictures relate to
31.
Sometimes, an author
will want to explain a
problem, and then
show one or more
This kind of text
structure is called
PRE AMC MXC) LCL B

32.
33.
34. An example of problem and solution
Heavy rains can cause flooding
in small streams. For weather
forecasters and local authorities,
this flooding can be difficult to
predict. Fortunately, the United
States Geological Survey (USGS)
has more than 7,000 streamgages
Fite beCer ITC To doh ARN BITC
streamgages help scientists to
monitor water levels in good and
Loy Te MU Morett Cora

35. An example of problem and solution
Heavy rains can cause flooding
in small streams. For weather
forecasters and local authorities,
this flooding can be difficult to
predict. Fortunately, the United
States Geological Survey (USGS)
has more than 7,000 streamgages ed ez...
Tate beCereL\ TCV Tosa doh AaB Berto
streamgages help scientists to
monitor water levels in good and
Loy Te MY orett Cor



36. Often, authors will
signal problem and
solution structure with
clue words like

37.

Synonyms for
problem include
CHILO LL AYRES
uncertainty, worry,
threat, and trouble
Synonyms for solution
include possibility, hope,
bright spot, answer, and
38.
What is the
Brown marmorated stinkbugs have caused
many problems since they were
accidentally introduced to North America.
They damage fruit, bother people, and
harm crops. Scientists are trying to find a
solution. One promising possibility is a
species of wasp that originally comes from
Asia. This wasp is a predator of stinkbugs.
Scientists hope that this wasp could solve
the stinkbug problem.
39.
Brown marmorated stinkbugs have caused
many problems since they were
accidentally introduced to North America.
They damage fruit, bother people, and
harm crops. Scientists are trying to find a
solution. One promising possibility is a
species of wasp that originally comes from
Asia. This wasp is a predator of stinkbugs.
Scientists hope that this wasp could solve
the stinkbug problem.
40.
What is the
Brown marmorated stinkbugs have caused
many problems since they were
accidentally introduced to North America.
They damage fruit, bother people, and
harm crops. Scientists are trying to find a
solution. One promising possibility is a
species of wasp that originally comes from
Asia. This wasp is a predator of stinkbugs.
Scientists hope that this wasp could solve
the stinkbug problem.
41.
Brown marmorated stinkbugs have caused
many problems since they were
accidentally introduced to North America.
They damage fruit, bother people, and
harm crops. Scientists are trying to find a
Scientists hope that this wasp could solve
the stinkbug problem.
42. Text structures we’ve
learned so far
Chronological order
Compare and contrast
Or orviemaeicel
Problem and solution

43.
(OTM Zel Bite lecRO HMR Co Catal oar em MUR CG
words point to?
however, on the other
hand, similarity, like,
ATTN Nee)
Compare and
44. Match the clue words!
(OHM Bere ecRO MUR Co Catala em I MIRAI CG
words point to?
Ewe cele Lm
ofodTSLe SHLAA Cause and effect
therefore, so, cause,
45.

words point to?






46. This text structure is
used to describe a
location, idea, or
acer ame

47. BU item XeyeCe Cem oercan GOAN
place to visit. The falling
leaves, all different colors,
decorated the surface of the
water. At the edges of the
joLeveCemmseetcD I MYT CordCOM cere
grew. The golden forest
glowed faintly in the distance.


48. Main idea
WUT ROM MCT
place to visit. The falling
leaves, all different colors,
decorated the surface of the
water. At the edges of the
pond, small wildflowers
grew. The golden forest
glowed faintly in the distance.

49. Main idea
UTA OCMC MUTA
jee CMU AY ame Uitte V loti tes
leaves, all different colors,
2 decorated the surface of the
SP Ler Nae Oat CG
joLeveCeSeetD I MW Cord CON Lere
ORLA are NCO
anata glowed faintly in the distance.
and describe the pond.

50. Clue words in these
paragraphs may
One reason, another
reason, and for

51. These paragraphs may
also include spatial
order words to show
how details relate to
each other:
adm OMe NRCC D
above, and so forth

52.
On the next few slides,
you will read some
paragraphs about the
Great Chicago Fire.
Your task is to identify
TiCeetoembulaatincs ied
CET mOion

53. What’s the text structure?
(Orie vel
Problem and
Rey tute Copa)
Daniel Sullivan was the first to
notice the flames coming from the
O'Leary barn at around 8:30 pm on
October 8. A problem with the alarm
box made it impossible for the people
in the area to call for the fire
department. By 9:30 pm, the entire
block was blazing. In another 3 hours,
there were fires all over Chicago. The
heavy wind coming from the lake only
made the fire bigger. It would be
another day before the fire would be
completely out. By that time, 17,500
buildings had been burned.
54.
* Chronological
* Compare and
* Problem and
Daniel Sullivan was the first to
notice the flames coming from the
O'Leary barn at around 8:30 pm on
October 8. A problem with the alarm
box made it impossible for the people
in the area to call for the fire
department. By 9:30 pm, the entire
block was blazing. In another 3 hours,
there were fires all over Chicago. The
heavy wind coming from the lake only
made the fire bigger. It would be
another day before the fire would be
completely out. By that time, 17,500
buildings had been burned.
55. What’s the text structure?
* Chronological
Daniel Sullivan was the first to
notice the flames coming from the
O'Leary barn at around 8:30 pm on
October 8. A problem with the alarm
box made it impossible for the people
in the area to call for the fire
department. By 9:30 pm, the entire
block was blazing. In another 3 hours,
there were fires all over Chicago. The
heavy wind coming from the lake only
made the fire bigger. It would be
another day before the fire would be
completely out. By that time, 17,500
buildings had been burned.
56.
* Chronological
Daniel Sullivan was the first to
notice the flames coming from the
O'Leary barn at around 8:30 pm on
October 8. A problem with the alarm
box made it impossible for the people
in the area to call for the fire
department. By 9:30 pm, the entire
block was blazing. /n another 3 hours,
there were fires all over Chicago. The
heavy wind coming from the lake only
made the fire bigger. It would be
another day before the fire would be
completely out. By that time, 17,500
buildings had been burned.
57.
* Chronological
* Notice how
the paragraph
SiC m Oa
Aone tebe erty
in time order
Daniel Sullivan was the first to
notice the flames coming from the
O’Leary barn at around 8:30 pm on
October 8. A problem with the alarm
box made it impossible for the people
in the area to call for the fire
department. By 9:30 pm, the entire
block was blazing. /n another 3 hours,
there were fires all over Chicago. The
heavy wind coming from the lake only
made the fire bigger. It would be
another day before the fire would be
completely out. By that time, 17,500
buildings had been burned.
58.
TELM e OTC dmn ES
aS elico mt
order can help
you to
Soot vomyt-raccre
Daniel Sullivan was the first to
notice the flames coming from the
O'Leary barn at around 8:30 pm on
October 8. A problem with the alarm
box made it impossible for the people
in the area to call for the fire
department. By 9:30 pm, the entire
block was blazing. In another 3 hours,
there were fires all over Chicago. The
how the Great heavy wind coming from the lake only
made the fire bigger. It would be
another day before the fire would be
completely out. By that time, 17,500
buildings had been burned.
59. Try another!
1 NWA CCR Cau hee eo at eT)
ere pea pe aoe aan ane actomiln
ily departments and fire alarms. One
(Orosnryeyteem- rite ete Ra ale) ee
trast alarm malfunctioned. The local fire
Cougs company noticed the fire by accident
(oriental as it was returning from another fire.
aiiieei As another problem, a watchman who
saw the flames directed other fire
Problem and companies to a location that was nearly
F a mile away from the fire. Because of
Solliitor sO MA a a ACL (|
Description have been controlled rapidly spread
rola a eel BA
60. Try another!
Why was the Great Chicago Fire so
disastrous? After all, Chicago had fire
(@rosirvereem- rite departments and fire alarms. One
rete reason for the terrible fire is that the
alarm malfunctioned. The local fire
OWE company noticed the fire by accident
ate as it was returning from another fire.
As another problem, a watchman who
Problem and saw the flames directed other fire
solution companies to a location that was nearly
COUR NAMA a ae ACT Ag
UO aA a a ACL (|
have been controlled rapidly spread
orotate BA
61. Cause and
Try another!
Why was the Great Chicago Fire so
CIRC utr ara ume ROL oR Kom ala
departments and fire alarms. One
ete a al) ee eT
alarm malfunctioned. The local fire
tl eA 0M LC Malem meCeelloL TAL
as it was returning from another fire.
As another problem, a watchman who
saw the flames directed other fire
companies to a location that was nearly
COCR NAM MA al ae ACT Ag
sO MA mM a LACM (e|
have been controlled rapidly spread
rel eel
62. Try another!






| disastrous? After all, Chicago had fire


* Notice how a I a
Fier OTT) PEO arena ce ie



63. Compare and
(Or iiertemasices
Problem and
ois Corey
After the fire, thousands of people
were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
clothes on their backs. Providing all
of these people with food, clean
water, and shelter was a huge task.
Luckily, the city quickly formed a
Relief and Aid Society. This group
started giving out the food
donations that were pouring in from
other cities. The society built places
for people to live, gathered the
tools that people needed to rebuild
their houses, and even vaccinated
64,000 people against smallpox.
64. * Chronological
* Cause and effect
* Problem and
After the fire, thousands of people
were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
clothes on their backs. Providing all
of these people with food, clean
water, and shelter was a huge task.
Luckily, the city quickly formed a
Relief and Aid Society. This group
started giving out the food
donations that were pouring in from
other cities. The society built places
for people to live, gathered the
tools that people needed to rebuild
their houses, and even vaccinated
64,000 people against smallpox.
65. Problem and
ois Covey
After the fire, thousands of people
were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
clothes on their backs. Providing all
of these people with food, clean
water, and shelter was a huge task.
Luckily, the city quickly formed a
Relief and Aid Society. This group
started giving out the food
donations that were pouring in from
other cities. The society built places
for people to live, gathered the
tools that people needed to rebuild
their houses, and even vaccinated
64,000 people against smallpox.
66. What text structure is here?
Problem and
Here is the
After the fire, thousands of people
were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
clothes on their backs. Providing all
of these people with food, clean
14 gare RAI) ae ed
Luckily, the city quickly formed a
Relief and Aid Society. This group
started giving out the food
donations that were pouring in from
other cities. The society built places
for people to live, gathered the
tools that people needed to rebuild
their houses, and even vaccinated
64,000 people against smallpox.
67. * Problem and
After the fire, thousands of people
were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
clothes on their backs. Providing all
of these people with food, clean
eT X=1Omr-T ALC METKON ce OL 0 Le [ot Ka
Luckily, the city quickly formed a
Relief and Aid Society. This group
started giving out the food
other cities. The society built places
for people to live, gathered the
tools that people needed to rebuild
their houses, and evenvaccinated =
64,000 people against smallpox.
68.
Cause and
Problem and
Chicago changed in many ways after the
fire. Before the fire, most of the
buildings were less than five stories high.
The buildings that were constructed
after the fire, however, were some of the
first skyscrapers in the country. Before
PRN od M ACOCMTn eLo
of wood. After the fire, people chose to
build their houses out of stone or brick.
There were changes in where people lived,
as well. The poor people in the city lived
Col A CO ROA ad AR A
fire. After the fire, they moved into
neighborhoods that were farther away
see MA Mola ce
69.
aired first skyscrapers in the country. Before

* Description } A ; es wena tials ————
build their houses out of stone or brick,



fire. After os fire, they moved into
neighborhoods ha: were Tal he cel Tey
aia EA MeCN LAMM tet
70. (fees ee hia

Chicago changed in many ways after the
fire. Before the fire, most of the
buildings were less than five stories high.
The buildings that were constructed
after the fire, however, were some of the
bie on ee eel ia at Ae
Me PRS MA COM Tw elo
of wood. After the fire, people chose to
build their houses out of stone or brick.
There were changes in where people lived,
as well. The poor people in the city lived
Col CO ROA ad AR
fire. After the fire, they moved into
neighborhoods that were farther away
sae Ma MALTA se
71.

paragraph is wat ry oe



Saaeeevabey U i r
(enteric) BN y eae master MM date) 1 Xe
| BEFORE the Ra La LA Re a et
bea OO) Nez Sila ea ele PA AON eC)
AFTER the fire. neighborhoods that were farther away



aia MA MeCN AMM xet
72. Can you find the text structure?
Notice how this
paragraph is
BEFORE the
fire to Chicago
PANS WS) Cob CoN
Chicago changed in many ways after the
fire. Before the fire, most of the
buildings were less than five stories high.
The buildings that were constructed
har Pal AC ae eo
first skyscrapers in the country. Before
te PS) MA MC CM Ameo
of wood. After the fire, people chose to
build their houses out of stone or brick.
There were changes in where people lived,
as well. The poor people in the city lived
Col A CO ROA) RV A RA
fire. After the fire, they moved into
neighborhoods that were farther away
sae MA Moa xe
73. _ One more paragraph!
By Monday night, the * Chronological
own of Chicago was orlos
| itas terrible, butamazing. = gontrast
nA celles hedol hs io
han anything peop
ever seen. The harsh winds ° Problem and
swept the fire across the Oat
city with terrible speed. For * Description
many who watched, itwaSs ———
a sig o remember for the
| rest of their lives.





























74.
By Monday night, the * Compare and
town of Chicago was on nents
burning. People described
it as terrible, but amazing.
The flames were brighter _
than anything people had * Description
ever seen. The harsh winds
swept the fire across the
city with terrible speed. For
many who watched, it was
a sight to remember for the
ix=x-iemo) a=) Noe
* Cause and effect
75.
By Monday night, the
town of Chicago was
burning. People described
it as terrible, but amazing.
The flames were brighter
than anything people had
ever seen. The harsh winds
swept the fire across the
city with terrible speed. For
many who watched, it was
a sight to remember for the
rest of their lives.
* Description
76. One more paragraph!
By Monday night, the
town of Chicago was
burning. People described
it as terrible, but amazing.
a at-mil-Vaa(-som Ni -1e-m olalelalncia
than anything people had
ever seen. The harsh winds
swept the fire across the
city with terrible speed. For
many who watched, it was
a sight to remember for the
rest of their lives.
* Description
* Notice the
main idea that
drives the
77.
i Pe MAN sO TE ocmoar ent Ke
, 5 " 4 do you find most
+ = ee MBC TIT em COR Tere
ie | eee mma
78.

79. What other questions
eo Zolt MICA Vom-LeLelt le
Kp mI UMUCOLAEU ROSA

80. by Emily Kissner