📐 Authors organize their writing in different ways called text
structures. Learn the main types!
📋 Sequence / Order: Tells events or
steps in order. Signal words: first, next, then, finally
⚖️ Compare & Contrast: Shows how
things are alike or different. Signal words: both, but, however, similarly
❓ Problem & Solution: Describes a
problem and how it was solved. Signal words: problem, solution, so, because
🔗 Cause & Effect: Tells why something happened and what
resulted. Signal words: because, so, as a result, therefore
2 Name That Structure!
🎯 Read each passage. Write the text structure used.
A: First, gather your ingredients. Next, mix the flour and sugar together. Then, add
the eggs and stir. Finally, pour the batter into a pan and bake for 30 minutes.
Text structure:
Signal words I found:
B: Many students were not reading enough books. The librarian came up with a solution:
she started a reading challenge with prizes. Students who read 20 books earned a free pizza party. As a
result, library checkouts doubled!
Text structure:
Signal words I found:
C: Frogs and toads are both amphibians, but they have some differences. Frogs have
smooth, moist skin, while toads have bumpy, dry skin. Both can live on land and in water. However, frogs
spend more time near water than toads do.
Text structure:
Signal words I found:
3 Match the Signal Words
🔗 Draw a line from each group of signal words to the correct text structure.
first, next, then, last
because, so, as a result
both, but, however, unlike
problem, solution, solve, fixed
Compare & Contrast
Problem & Solution
Sequence / Order
Cause & Effect
4 Write Using a Text Structure
✍️ Choose ONE text structure and write a short paragraph using it. Circle the
signal words you use!
Choose Your StructureSequenceCompare & ContrastProblem & SolutionCause & Effect
I chose:
5 SBA Practice: Two-Part Evidence Question
On the state test, you must support your answers with evidence from the text. Practice finding the BEST evidence.
Part A: How does the author organize the information in this passage?
Part B: Which sentence or phrase from the text provides the STRONGEST evidence for your answer to Part A? Copy it here:
Part C: Explain how this evidence supports your answer. Use complete sentences.