Text Structure

Recognizing text structure is an effective strategy for comprehending text.

Expository/informational text challenges the reader with different text structures. Informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts are organized using these structures. It is important to model for students how to read nonfiction text effectively.

The chart below identifies different text structures and prompts which help the reader determine which structure is used in the text. Also provided are key words which signal the reader that the text is organized with a certain text structure.

Types	Prompts	Key Words
Descriptive	Does the text tell what something is?
Sequence	Does the text tell how to do something or make something?	first, second, next, then, finally
Cause/effect	Does the text give reasons for why something happens?	because, then, so, therefore, for this reason, results, since, reasons, effects, consequences, in order, thus
Problem/Solution	Does the text state a problem and offer solutions to the problem?
Compare/Contrast	Does the text show how two things are alike or different?	same, similar, although, however, on the other hand, but, yet, still, rather, than, instead of, both, neither
Enumeration or categorizing	Does the text give a list of things that are related to a topic?	an example, for instance, another, next, finally

From Handout 5: Just Read, Florida! K-3 Reading Academy: Reference Articles: Comprehension.

Narrative Text Structure

Stories usually follow a familiar structure. Usually the following story elements are included.

Teaching students how to use a story map (graphic organizer) is important so they will internalize the structure of narrative. Knowing the difference between narrative and expository text structure will help students set their purpose for reading.