1. Cause and Effect
1.1. Definition
1.1.1. This text structure shows a relationship between two or more facts, events, people, or concepts.
1.2. Signal Words
1.2.1. because, since, therefore, consequently, as a result, so that, if…then
1.3. Example
1.3.1. Because the electoral vote for the 2020 election was won by Joe Biden, Biden became the President of the United States.
1.4. Image
2. Compare and Contrast
2.1. Definition
2.1.1. A comparison points out similarities between two things. A contrast points out differences between two things. This text structure shows how things are alike and/or different.
2.2. Signal Words
2.2.1. however, but, not only…but also, either…or, while, although, vs., yet, similarly
2.3. Example
2.3.1. Mammals and birds have many similarities. They are both vertebrates and breathe with lungs. However, mammals are warm-blooded, while reptiles are cold-blooded.
2.4. Image
3. Process
3.1. Defintion
3.1.1. The purpose of the text is to communicate a procedure or process for how something is created.
3.2. Signal Words
3.2.1. Begins with, in order to, first, next
3.3. Example
3.3.1. To search something on Google, first open Google.com on a search browser. Then, type in what you want to search. Finally, press enter to see your search results pop up.
3.4. Image
4. Problem/Solution
4.1. Defintion
4.1.1. This type of structure sets up a problem or problems, explains the solution, and then discusses the effects of the solution.
4.2. Signal Words
4.2.1. Problem is… , Dilemma is… , Puzzle is… , Solved, Question, Answer, Because, Since, This led to, The main difficulty, One possible, the solution is…, One challenge…, Therefore, This led to, so that, If…then, thus
4.3. Example
4.3.1. Currently, there is a problem that not enough US residents will take the vaccine once it became available to them. The solution is mandating a COVID-19 vaccine.
4.4. Image
5. Enumeration or Listing
5.1. Definition
5.1.1. This text structure uses listing to show information in no particular order.
5.2. Signal Words
5.2.1. to begin with, most important, 1., 2., 3.,
5.3. Example
5.3.1. There are many different types of brain scans. To begin with, there are positive emission tomography (PET) scans. Second, there are Computed Tomography (CT) scans. The most commonly used is the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, which are useful for analyzing the brain and spinal cord.
5.4. Image
6. Sequential or Chronological
6.1. Definition
6.1.1. The arrangement of details in sequence or time order. This means that the writer explains an event, experience, or series of steps in the order in which they actually occurred or should occur.
6.2. Signal Words
6.2.1. first, next, later, after, now, when
6.3. Example
6.3.1. Originally, the right to vote was only guaranteed to white male Protestants who owned land that were over the age of 21. Later, the 15th Amendment to the US Constitution allows African Americans to vote. Now, after many new Constitutional amendments have been passed, allowing women and those between the age of 18 and 21 to vote, any US citizen above the age of 18 is legally allowed to vote.
6.4. Image
7. Generalization or Principle
7.1. Definition
7.1.1. The purpose of the text is to organize information into general statements with supporting details.
7.2. Signal Words
7.2.1. All, none, always, in fact
7.3. Example
7.3.1. All birds are warm-blooded.
7.4. Image
8. Concept/Definition
8.1. Definition
8.1.1. The purpose of the text is to define a concept using appropriate supporting details.
8.2. Signal Words
8.2.1. Refers to, thus, in other words, equals, as defined by
8.3. Example
8.3.1. History is defined as the study of past events. In other words, history is the chronological record of significant events and people.