📐 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, check the weather forecast before planning your hike. Next, pack water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Then, tell someone your planned route and expected return time. Finally, follow the marked trail and stay aware of your surroundings.
Text structure:
Signal words I found:
B: The class computer lab kept running out of working keyboards because cables were tangled and breaking. The technology teacher solved this by labeling each cable and installing cable organizers under the desks. Since then, the keyboards have stayed in working order.
Text structure:
Signal words I found:
C: Mountains and plains are both landforms, but they look and function differently. Mountains have steep slopes and high peaks that can be difficult to farm, while plains are flat, wide areas that are ideal for growing crops. Both can support towns and wildlife, but mountains often limit how easily roads and buildings can be built.
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.
+ Bonus Reading Practice
Use this short practice to extend Set 10.
Topic words: science lab, model, test, result
1. Write one sentence using two of the words above.
2. What detail would you expect to find in a passage about this topic?
3. Write one inference a reader could make from a text about this topic.