📐 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, choose two colors of paint that you want to blend. Next, dip your brush into the first color and paint a stroke. Then, clean your brush and dip it into the second color, slightly overlapping the first stroke. Finally, blend the edges together while the paint is still wet.
Text structure:
Signal words I found:
B: The town's recycling bins were overflowing because pickup only happened once a month. The town council solved this by scheduling pickup every two weeks instead. Overflowing bins became a rare sight within a few months.
Text structure:
Signal words I found:
C: City parks and community gardens are both green spaces, but they serve different purposes. City parks usually offer playgrounds, benches, and open fields for relaxing or playing, while community gardens are shared plots where neighbors grow vegetables and flowers. Both bring people outdoors, but community gardens focus more on growing food together.
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 9.
Topic words: market, basket, fruit, price
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.