Text Structure Definitions Flashcards

Study Notes

Cause and Effect

Explains the relationship between reasons (causes) and outcomes (effects).
Example illustrates that illnesses are caused by germs, not cold weather.
Distinction between cause and effect patterns and chronological storytelling is crucial; cause and effect emphasizes reasons over time sequence.

Cause and Effect (Signal Words)

Indicators include: because, as a result, resulted, caused, affected, since, due to, effect.

Chronological

Information organized by the sequence of events in time; includes dates in nonfiction but not always in fiction narratives.
Every story has a beginning, middle, and end, following a timeline.
Flashbacks or manipulative time elements still occur chronologically.

Chronological (Signal Words)

Key words: first, next, later, then, finally, alongside specific dates.

Compare and Contrast

Examines similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
Must discuss both similarities and differences for it to be considered as such, avoiding exaggerating either side.

Compare and Contrast (Signal Words)

Indicators: like, unlike, both, neither, similar, different.

Order of Importance

Hierarchical arrangement of information from most to least important or the reverse.
Important for distinguishing from other structures, especially cause and effect and sequential orders.

Order of Importance (Signal Clues)

Identifying this pattern can be challenging due to potential overlaps with other structures, particularly sequence.

Problem and Solution

Presents an issue and possible solutions or attempts to remedy it.
Differentiation from cause and effect lies in explicitly stating both problems and solutions.

Problem and Solution (Signal Words)

Indicators: propose, solution, answer, issue, problem, remedy, prevention, fix.

Sequence

Organized by the order of occurrences, typically used for instructions or processes, not attached to specific times.
Importance of differentiating sequential organization from chronological order.

Sequence (Signal Words)

Indicators: first, next, before, lastly, then.

Descriptive

Used for describing locations, ideas, or events; can also follow a spatial organization.
Identified through setting descriptions and physical appearances of characters or places.

Descriptive (Signal Words)

Indicators of spatial organization include various prepositions: next to, behind, across from, below, above, to the right of.

Description

This quiz focuses on the definitions of various text structures, including cause and effect. Each flashcard provides a clear explanation of how authors use different structures to convey information and ideas. Perfect for students looking to enhance their reading comprehension skills.