Teaching Academic Language and Structure

Questions and Answers

What is a key challenge when teaching academic language to struggling readers and English learners?

Lack of interest in academic subjects

Unfamiliarity with specific academic vocabulary (correct)

The complexity of academic texts

Limited exposure to informal language

Which of the following contributes to academic structure in writing?

Personal anecdotes and storytelling

Conversational tone throughout the text

General knowledge of the world

Established ways of organizing writing (correct)

What is one effective strategy for teaching academic language to students?

Using informal discussions exclusively

Focusing solely on vocabulary lists

Ignoring scaffolding techniques

Explicit, scaffolded instruction (correct)

What should you consider when analyzing a text's academic structure?

Intent, audience, and overall organization Signup and view all the answers

In the context of academic texts, what does text structure refer to?

How ideas are organized and presented Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms could have different meanings in various disciplines?

Assessment Signup and view all the answers

For struggling readers, which method is essential for enhancing comprehension of academic texts?

Clarifying vocabulary and text structures Signup and view all the answers

What is a common text structure found in academic writing?

Main idea followed by details Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a problem-solution text structure?

To present a problem and its solution. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main functions of schools mentioned in the text?

Prepare students academically, offer safe environments, and facilitate productive engagement. Signup and view all the answers

Which signal word indicates a contrast in the provided content?

However Signup and view all the answers

What is a common strategy for struggling readers to understand text structures like problem-solution?

Identifying and noting the problem and its corresponding solutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which instructional scaffolding technique can assist students in recognizing text structures?

Modeling how to analyze text features and patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of poor ergonomics while working on a computer?

Injury to hands and wrists. Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes the relationship between the problem of eagle extinction and the proposed solution?

Demanding government action and supporting preservation efforts. Signup and view all the answers

What role do community contributions play in conservation efforts as mentioned in the text?

They help and empower those working to save endangered species. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of recognizing common text structures in academic texts?

It helps monitor comprehension. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a compare-contrast text structure?

It examines similarities and differences. Signup and view all the answers

In an academic context, what does the term 'discipline-specific terminology' refer to?

Terms that are unique to a particular field or discipline. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a strategy that could assist struggling readers in comprehending academic texts?

Using graphic organizers to visualize information. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the purpose of the 'cause-effect' text structure?

It explains the relationship between an event and its consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What does instructional scaffolding refer to in educational contexts?

Temporary guidance to help students understand complex concepts. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure allows readers to understand the order of events as they unfold?

Sequence structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which academic reading strategy is most closely associated with enhancing text structure recognition?

Connecting new information to prior knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Academic Language and Structure

Struggling readers and English learners often lack familiarity with specific academic vocabulary.
Academic structure includes established organizational methods for writing, which influences reading comprehension.
Key elements affecting academic writing: genre, paragraph/sentence structure, text difficulty, audience, organization, and outside resource knowledge.

Instruction for Academic Language

Explicit instruction and deconstruction are crucial in identifying the text, its genre, structure, and vocabulary.
Use scaffolded teaching methods, combining auditory and visual instructions for clarity.
Highlight academic language in relation to specific disciplines.

Common Text Structures in Academic Writing

Text structures include presenting ideas, causes and effects, or different viewpoints on a topic.

Problem-Solution Structure

Introduces a problem, suggests solutions, and discusses resultant effects.
Example: Addressing the endangered status of Philippine eagles and urging government action for preservation.

Question-Answer Structure

Begins with a question followed by a comprehensive answer.
Example: "Why do we have schools?" covering their educational and community roles.

Recognizing Text Structures

Key to enhancing comprehension within academic texts.
Identifying signal words aids in determining the structure used, improving understanding.

Academic Terms Exercise

Recommended activity: Provide two definitions for key terms in various disciplines.
Terms include "treatment," "measurement," "assessment," and "position."

Types of Common Text Structures

Compare-Contrast Structure: Examines similarities and differences between concepts or entities.
Cause-Effect Structure: Explains the relationship between events or ideas, outlining actions and their outcomes.
Descriptive Structure: Presents information by detailing characteristics or features.
Sequence Structure: Organizes information in a chronological or step-by-step order.

Example of Compare-Contrast Structure

Comparison between Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android operating systems, noting shared functionalities and distinct differences.

Educational Value of Text Structure Identification

Understanding structure enhances a student’s ability to monitor comprehension and navigate academic materials effectively.

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Description

This quiz explores the challenges of teaching academic language and structure, particularly for struggling readers and English learners. It delves into the importance of vocabulary knowledge and the established ways of organizing writing across different disciplines. Understand how various factors like genre and sentence structure impact reading comprehension.