Text Structure
The structure of a text refers to the way the author organizes the
information. It's how a piece of writing is put together.
Signal words provide clues about which text structure is present. A text
may have more than one text structure.
These are the five main text structures:
Description
A descriptive text provides descriptive details or examples. It tells the who,
what, when, where, why, and how.
Compare and Contrast
A compare-and-contrast text uses comparisons to describe ideas to
readers. It tells how things are similar or different.
Problem and Solution
A problem-solution text identifies one or more problems and presents one
or more solutions.
Cause and Effect
A cause-and-effect text explains cause-and-effect relationships. It tells why
something happened (the cause) and what was the result (the effect).
Sequence
A sequence or order text structure lists items or events in order, or in
sequence. Chronological texts present events in time order, from beginning
to end. How-to texts organize information in a series of steps or directions.
Read this passage about pizza. Then identify the text structure being used.
Some say the best pizza is found in New York City. Others say it's in Chicago. While both places make delicious pizza, there are key differences between them. New York pizza has a thin crust that is soft enough to bend. However, Chicago deep dish pizza has a thick crust and typically requires a knife and fork to eat.
Which is the main text structure in this passage?
description
compare and contrast
cause and effect
sequence