📐 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 clay, water, and a mixing bowl. Next, knead the clay until it becomes soft and smooth. Then, shape it into a bowl or figure using your hands. Finally, let it dry for two days before painting it.
Text structure:
Signal words I found:
B: The class garden wasn't growing because the soil had too much clay and not enough nutrients. The students solved this by mixing in compost and sand to loosen the soil. Within a month, their vegetables were sprouting taller than ever.
Text structure:
Signal words I found:
C: Rivers and lakes are both bodies of fresh water, but they behave differently. Rivers flow steadily in one direction toward the sea, while lakes stay mostly still in one place. Both provide homes for fish, but rivers often support different kinds of currents and rapids that lakes do not have.
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 3.
Topic words: garden, seed, leaf, plan
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.