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What is Text Structure — Definition, Examples & Types Explained

• What is Syntax
• What is Passive Voice
• What is Active Voice
• Active vs. Passive Voice
• What is Text Structure
• What is Sentence Structure
• Simple Sentence Structure
• Compound Sentence Structure
• Compound-Complex Sentence Structure
• Complex Sentence Structure

L anguage is the basis of communication. Within communication, specifically written language, writers may have different purposes with their work.  As a reader, it’s beneficial to understand a writer’s goal, and as a writer, it’s important to understand how to use language to work for your own goal. Therefore, understanding text structure is vital for both readers and writers. What is text structure, and why are the types of structures that exist? Let’s dive into it.

What is Text Structure in Writing?

First, let’s define text structure.

There are five primary text structures that exist. Before diving into them, let’s take a look at the general text structure definition.

TEXT STRUCTURE DEFINITION

What is text structure in literature.

Text structure is the way in which a writer organizes language and information within text to serve a specific purpose. Depending on the goal of the writer, text can be structured in various ways to best communicate information to a reader clearly and effectively. The structure of a text’s beginning, middle, and end is directly influenced by the intention and purpose of the writer.  

Types of Text Structure:

Description, cause and effect, compare and contrast, problem and solution, what are all the text structures , types of text structure.

As we mentioned in the text structure definition there are various purposes writers have when writing. Text structure depends entirely on the purpose of a writer. There are five types of text structure that exist for this reason. Here’s a video breakdown of the five types of text structure.

 The 5 Types of Text Structure

To recap, there are 5 types of text structure:

• Description 
• Cause and Effect 
• Compare and Contrast
• Problem and Solution   Let’s take a deep dive into a list of text structures and analyze text structure examples of each. 

Description Text Structure Meaning

Description is a text structure that is designed to create a vivid, detailed description of something. This is achieved by using descriptive language to describe traits, features, and characteristics of the subject. Here's an example:

“Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California”

- National Parks Service

What Does Text Structure Mean

There are two ways that sequence text structure can be used: to communicate a chronological sequence of events or steps in a procedure. 

Sequence text structure for the purpose of chronological events is a common structure used in historical literature or non-fictional literature. Sequence structure for procedural information is common in educational literature from cooking instructions to scientific methods. 

Example 1: “World War I, also known as the Great War, began in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. His murder catapulted into a war across Europe that lasted until 1918.” - World War I ( history.com )

Example 2: “Pulse flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor to combine. Add butter and process until the largest pieces of butter are pea-size. Transfer to a large bowl.” BA’s Best Apple Pie ( bonappetit.com )

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TEXT STRUCTURE MEANING

Cause and effect text structure is primarily used to communicate the causal relationship between an event, action, or idea and what follows. The text is designed to make the causality and correlation between the two clear to the reader. This is also a common structure in both educational and historical literature. For example:

“After inflating, the universe slowed down its expansion rate but continued to grow, as it does still. It also cooled significantly, allowing for the formation of matter — first neutrinos, electrons, quarks, and photons, followed by protons and neutrons.” - How Did the Big Bang Happen? ( astronomy.com )

Text Structure Meaning

Oftentimes, writers need to analyze the similarities and differences between two subjects. A compare and contrast text structure allows them to do just that. These comparisons are typically between people, places, events, ideas, or concepts. 

“Beethoven has a much more fiery personality. Whereas Mozart’s music is clean and precise, Beethoven employs many surprises in his music. Many times he will build up the music as if it’s leading to something only to suddenly get soft – his trademark use of subito piano.”

— Mozart vs. Beethoven ( livingpianos.com )

What is Text Structure Used For?

Lastly, the problem and solution text structure is designed to present a problem and transition into a proposed solution for said problem. The structure is designed to both create reasonable cases for why the problem exists and/or is important and why the proposed solution can be effective.

This text design is common in political literature and speech as well as business and technology. Here's an example:

“Transportation is the second leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. (burning a single gallon of gasoline produces 20 pounds of CO2). But it doesn't have to be that way. One way to dramatically curtail transportation fuel needs is to move closer to work, use mass transit, or switch to walking, cycling or some other mode of transport that does not require anything other than human energy. There is also the option of working from home and telecommuting several days a week.” — 10 Solutions for Climate Change ( scientificamerican.com )

Text structure is valuable for both readers and writers to understand. It allows readers to know the intention of the writer they are reading from the beginning of a text. Writers can utilize structure to support the purpose of their work. Hopefully this article has given you insight on the value of text structure and how it can be used. 

• What is Syntax →
• Active vs Passive Voice →
• What is Sentence Structure →

What are Literary Devices?

Text structure is a great way to design your writing with a purpose in mind. Literary devices are also valuable tools that help writers achieve the goal of their work. In the next article, we break down a full tool kit of literary devices that you have at your disposal as a writer. 

Up Next: Literary Devices →

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Understanding Text Structure: A Comprehensive Guide with 8 Examples

understanding text structure

Text structures are the architectural framework of written communication, shaping how information is organized and presented.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the fundamentals of text structures, answering crucial questions:

Text structures are the organizational blueprints that authors employ to arrange their ideas systematically. They are the underlying structure that gives coherence and order to written content.

Understanding and using text structures is vital for effective communication. They transform chaotic content into a comprehensible narrative, making it accessible and engaging for readers.

1. Chronological Text Structure

Chronological text structure arranges information in sequential order, following a timeline. It is like telling a story from start to finish, ensuring that events or ideas unfold in the order they occurred.

First, historical accounts, biographies, and step-by-step guides often use chronological structure. These texts take readers on a journey through time, making it easy to track developments.

Choose this structure when you want to emphasize a clear progression of events or when you need to guide readers through a process in a logical, time-based sequence.

It’s a powerful tool for storytelling and explaining sequences of actions or historical events.

2. Compare and Contrast Text Structure

The compare and contrast text structure involves examining the similarities and differences between two or more subjects, ideas, or concepts.

It is a method of highlighting commonalities and distinctions, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the topics being compared.

Texts that compare and contrast often include essays, research papers, and product reviews. They present information side-by-side, allowing readers to discern relationships and disparities easily.

This structure is valuable when systematically analyzing multiple subjects or ideas, fostering a deeper understanding. It’s commonly used in academic, analytical, or evaluative contexts to facilitate informed comparisons.

3. Cause and Effect Text Structure

Cause and effect text structure elucidates the relationship between actions (causes) and their outcomes (effects). It unveils the underlying reasons behind events, helping readers grasp the connections and consequences.

Scientific research papers, historical analyses, and articles on social issues frequently employ this structure. It dissects the causal factors leading to particular outcomes or phenomena.

Choose this structure when you must elucidate the reasons behind specific events, explore the consequences of actions, or examine the ripple effects of decisions.

It is a valuable tool for comprehending and explaining the intricate web of causation in various contexts.

4. Problem-Solution Text Structure

The problem-solution text structure is a framework that identifies a specific problem or issue and then offers viable solutions or strategies to address it.

It presents a clear path from recognizing an obstacle to resolving it effectively.

Problem-solving essays, policy proposals, and self-help guides frequently utilize this structure. They pinpoint challenges and provide actionable solutions, offering readers practical guidance.

This structure is ideal for tackling real-world issues, proposing solutions, or guiding readers in resolving problems.

It is applicable in persuasive and informative writing, addressing diverse topics, from societal dilemmas to personal challenges.

5. Descriptive Text Structure

Descriptive text structure immerses readers in rich, vivid details, painting a clear and evocative picture of a subject, scene, or concept. It appeals to the senses and emotions, making content come alive.

Travelogues, creative narratives, and product reviews frequently employ this structure. They use descriptive language to provide readers with sensory experiences, fostering a deep understanding or appreciation.

Choose this structure to create a sensory and emotional connection with your audience, evoke vivid imagery, or convey a profound sense of place or experience. It’s particularly effective in storytelling, travel writing, and descriptive essays.

6. Sequential Text Structure

Sequential text structure, or chronological or procedural structure, arranges information in a step-by-step order, guiding readers through a series of actions or events logically. It’s akin to providing a roadmap for understanding processes.

Recipes, instructional manuals, and how-to guides often utilize this structure. They break down complex tasks or procedures into manageable, ordered steps, facilitating easy comprehension.

Choose this structure when explaining processes, procedures, or events in a systematic, time-based sequence. It’s invaluable for instructional content, technical documentation, and any context where clear, ordered guidance is essential.

7. Spatial Text Structure

Spatial text structure organizes information based on physical or spatial relationships, providing readers with a clear understanding of how elements are positioned or interconnected in space.

It leverages descriptive language to create mental images of a location or layout.

Travel guides, architectural blueprints, and geographical descriptions frequently employ this structure.

They use spatial cues to convey a sense of place, guiding readers through spaces or landscapes.

Choose this structure to emphasize the physical arrangement or layout of elements within a given space.

It effectively conveys spatial relationships, describes settings, and provides detailed, location-based information.

8. Compare and Contrast (Extended)

Extended compare and contrast delves deeper into the intricate nuances of two or more subjects, analyzing their similarities and differences exhaustively.

It requires a meticulous examination, often uncovering subtleties that standard comparisons might overlook.

Academic research papers, in-depth analyses of complex topics, and comprehensive product evaluations are indispensable for extended compare and contrast. It scrutinizes multifaceted aspects and intricate relationships between subjects.

To excel in extended comparison, employ robust research, consider multiple dimensions, and offer insightful insights. Diving into finer details and exploring various angles will yield a thorough comparative analysis.

How to Use Text Structures in Different Writing Styles

In fiction, authors use text structures to shape narratives through chronological storytelling, flashbacks, or descriptive passages.

These structures help create suspense, reveal character motivations, and engage readers emotionally.

Non-fiction relies on text structures to present factual information logically. Cause and effect, problem-solution, and compare and contrast structures are shared. They enhance clarity and reader comprehension, making complex topics accessible.

Academic writing often uses text structures to present research findings, arguments, and analyses. It demands a clear, organized approach, with structures like deductive reasoning or the scientific method ensuring rigor.

In business and technical writing, clarity is paramount. Sequential structures help explain processes, while descriptive designs can simplify complex concepts. These structures enhance communication in professional contexts, ensuring precision and understanding.

Tips for Mastering Text Structures

Mastering text structures is a valuable skill for writers across various genres. It enhances communication, readability, and the overall impact of your writing.

Here are six essential tips to help you become proficient in using text structures effectively:

Planning Your Writing with Text Structures in Mind

Begin your writing process by considering your content’s most suitable text structure.

Determine whether chronological, cause and effect, problem-solution, or another structure best aligns with your goals. A clear plan at the outset sets the stage for a well-organized piece.

Revision and Editing Techniques

Effective revision and editing are crucial for refining text structures. After completing your initial draft, review it with a critical eye.

Ensure that the chosen structure is consistently applied and smooth transitions between sections.

Eliminate redundancies and fine-tune your writing for clarity and coherence.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be aware of common pitfalls associated with text structures. These may include veering off-topic, overusing a single structure, or neglecting to provide adequate context or support.

Stay vigilant to maintain a balanced and well-structured piece.

Engage Text Structure Exercises

Practice makes perfect. Engage in text structure exercises to hone your skills. Write short pieces using different structures to become comfortable with their nuances.

Experimentation will help you develop a strong sense of when to use each structure effectively.

Analyze Texts for Their Structures

Analyze texts across various genres to identify their underlying structures.

Please pay attention to how authors employ these structures to convey their messages. This analytical approach will deepen your understanding and enable you to adapt similar techniques to your writing.

Develop Your Text Structuring Skills

Text structuring is a skill that improves with time and effort. Seek feedback from peers or writing professionals to gain insights into your strengths and areas for improvement.

Attend writing workshops or courses focusing on text structures to refine your abilities further.

Real-World Examples

Study published works by renowned authors to observe how they employ text structures.

For instance, analyze how Charles Dickens uses descriptive structures in his novels to evoke vivid imagery or how scientific researchers employ cause-and-effect structures to present their findings precisely.

Read news articles critically, identifying the text structures used to convey information.

Observe how journalists employ chronological structures for reporting events, problem-solution structures when discussing societal issues, or compare and contrast structures when analyzing trends or policies.

Explore case studies that showcase the effective use of text structures in various contexts.

Investigate how businesses utilize problem-solving structures in marketing campaigns or how educators employ sequential structures for instructional materials.

These real-world examples offer valuable insights into the practical application of text structures.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve embarked on a journey through the intricate world of text structures.

We explored the fundamental structures like chronological, cause and effect, problem-solution, and compare and contrast, each serving as a powerful tool in shaping written content.

Additionally, we ventured into extended comparisons and spatial and sequential structures and delved into using text structures across various writing styles.

Armed with these insights, writers can now confidently navigate the terrain of communication, crafting engaging, organized, and impactful content that captivates readers and conveys messages effectively.

Josh Jasen or JJ as we fondly call him, is a senior academic editor at Grade Bees in charge of the writing department. When not managing complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In his spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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What Is Text Structure and How To Teach It Effectively

When students can identify and recognize different structures in text, they’re more likely to increase their comprehension of a text, strengthen their writing skills, and develop even more literacy skills, like finding the main idea of a passage. In this article, we’ll explore what text structure is, why teaching it matters, and give examples of strategies you can use to teach text structure in your classroom:

What is text structure?

Why is teaching text structure important, 5 types of text structures, text types used to teach text structure, teacher tips: strategies to teach text structure to students, teach text structure with newsela.

Text structure is the way an author organizes the information within a text. It’s more than just the basic structure of beginning, middle, and end. The structure of a text serves as an outline or skeleton that helps the writer frame the story they want to tell. The specific type of text structure an author uses lets them share different types of information in a way that helps the reader clearly understand the text’s main idea and key points.

Teaching text structure in the classroom is just one of many literacy skills that help students understand, analyze, and make sense of the world around them. With intentional instruction, teaching text structure can:

Aid students in understanding the author’s meaning for creating and sharing a text.

Help students improve their comprehension of any text they encounter, both fiction and nonfiction across subjects like ELA, science, and social studies.

Boost practice and comprehension of other literacy skills, like predicting outcomes, summarizing information, and identifying key concepts and relationships.

Prepare students to learn to organize and write their own thoughts and ideas.

There are five types of text structures that authors use when creating articles, stories, and other content. They include:

1. Cause and effect

Cause and effect text structure provides explanations or reasons for phenomena in the world. It tells why something happens (the cause) and then what happened (the effect). For example, this text structure often appears in science texts that talk about the steps in an experiment: If you mix baking soda and vinegar (cause), a chemical reaction takes place (effect).

Download your printable: Newsela’s Cause and Effect worksheet  

2. Chronological, process, or sequence

Chronological text structure, also known as process or sequence text structure, presents events and ideas in the order they happen, from start to finish. For example, this text structure may appear in social studies texts to talk about the events that led to a significant point in history: The British government put a series of taxes and tariffs on the colonists, which led to the Boston Tea Party, and then the start of the American Revolution . Another example of this text structure may appear in ELA texts, as many fictional stories happen in chronological order, such as “ Diary of a Wimpy Kid ” by Jeff Kinney.

Download your printables: Newsela’s Flowchart and Timeline worksheets

3. Compare and contrast

Compare and contrast text structure discusses two characters, events, or ideas and shows how they’re similar or different from each other. For example, you may see this text structure in ELA classrooms when reviewing the similarities and differences of two characters in a story. The author may compare their physical features, thoughts, families, or even hobbies.

Download your printables: Newsela’s Venn Diagram and T-Chart worksheets

4. Definition or description

Definition or description text structure describes a topic by listing its features or characteristics. It may also provide examples to illustrate these features. The primary purpose of a description text structure is to give the reader a mental picture of the topic or idea. For example, you may see this text structure in science texts, describing the physical characteristics of animals or their habitats.

Download your printable: Newsela’s Web Chart worksheet

5. Problem/solution

Problem/solution text structure identifies a problem and makes suggestions for how to fix it. For example, this text structure may appear in social studies texts about current events. An author identifies a current problem in government or society and proposes a solution to fix it.

Download your printable: Newsela’s Problem-Solution worksheet

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Text structures don’t exist in a vacuum. Nor do they pair with just one type of text. When teaching your students about text structure, you can use a variety of text types to show them how the different text structures present in different ways. Some of the text types you can use include:

Narrative text uses devices like characters, setting, conflicts, plot, and point of view to tell a story or share the overview of an event. Students are often most familiar with narrative text because they’re used to picture books and oral stories that follow this structure. Most narrative stories include five main plot points:

Exposition: Introduces the character, setting, and conflict of the story.

Rising action: Introduces the challenges the characters face to build to the climax.

Climax: Illustrates the main conflict or turning point of the story.

Falling action: Describes the aftermath of the climax and how the characters deal with its outcomes or consequences.

Resolution: Answers any unresolved questions and brings the story to a close.

Narrative text can include many types of text structure throughout a story, like cause and effect, sequence, or problem/solution. They can appear in texts for any subject, but narratives are most common in ELA fiction and nonfiction texts.

Download your printable: Newsela’s Story Elements plot diagram

Expository text uses facts to share information and ideas about a topic. Most nonfiction texts are expository. They’re the text type students encounter most often in classes like science and social studies. Expository texts are often more difficult for students to understand than narrative texts because they don’t follow the traditional structure or sequence of fictional texts.

Argumentative or persuasive

Argumentative or persuasive text helps an author make or prove a point, or encourage others to take their stance in a debate. This text type can mix multiple text structures, with the most common being compare and contrast, problem/solution, and description. Similar to narrative text, argumentative and persuasive texts also follow a pattern and contain key elements to help make, prove, and strengthen an author’s viewpoint. These elements include:

Claim: The point of the argument and the idea or statement the author wants to prove.

Reasons: Supporting statements the author makes to bolster their claim.

Evidence: Facts, data, statistics, quotes, or other information an author uses to support their reasons.

Counterclaims: Reasons and evidence that oppose the author’s argument, which they address in the text.

Rebuttals: An author’s responses to counterclaims, which are often used to refute opposing views or ideas.

Argumentative and persuasive texts can appear in any classroom. ELA teachers may use them to get students to think critically about the fiction and poetry they read. In social studies, teachers may use this text type to teach debate and discussion of historical events and policies. In science, teachers may use this type to complement experiments and scientific phenomena.

Descriptive

Similar to the definition or description text structure, a descriptive text type creates a multi-sensory picture of the topic for the reader. Writers may use the definition text structure and the compare and contrast structure to create this picture. You can use descriptive texts in any subject, including ELA, science, and social studies.

Procedural or instructional

Procedural or instructional texts use chronology or sequence of events to provide a step-by-step process. This text type can appear in any classroom, but it’s most common in science, math, or other STEAM courses, which rely on procedures to test and replicate results.

Considerate

Considerate texts are user-friendly texts that are easy to read and understand for most readers. This text type, introduced by Bonnie Armbruster and Thomas Anderson in 1988, is especially helpful in classrooms where students span a range of reading levels and abilities, no matter the subject. Because of their easy-to-read nature, they can incorporate any of the five text structures.

Considerate texts use structures that are easy for the reader to identify, which also makes it easier for them to pick out the main ideas and key details. This text type also supports comprehension with features like:

Clear topic sequences

Headings and subheadings

In-context vocabulary definitions

Plain language introductions

Simple tables, charts, and diagrams

Transition words

Students can start learning about the most basic elements of text structure as early as preschool or kindergarten. Plus, teachers can include instruction about text structure at every phase of reading: before, during, and after. Here are a few strategies you can use in your classroom to help your students learn about and identify text structure in the texts they read:

Use a mentor text to show examples of the different types of text structures using both fiction and nonfiction texts.

Use graphic organizers to help students plot the different information or features from a text to visualize the structure.

Teach the text signals and transition words writers use that indicate different types of text structures.

Pose questions students can ask and answer to help them identify if a piece fits a specific text structure.

Examine topic sentences to look for clues and patterns in different text structures.

Model writing a paragraph that uses a specific text structure and have students write their own paragraphs that follow the same structure.

Introduce the skill of text purpose —determining what information the author is trying to share—to help students identify text structures.

Teaching text structure is easy with Newsela’s product suite! With Newsela ELA , you can:

Use interactive graphic organizers for any article. You can edit and customize these graphics organizers with the Formative and Newsela integration by clicking the button in the activities panel on the article.

Use the reading skills search filter and article labels to identify which skills each piece of content covers.

Select which skills to teach and assess with each article. Use the checkboxes in the activities panel to focus on supports and resources for just the skill you’re teaching, even if the article covers more than one skill.

Watch and share explainer videos , like the nonfiction text structure video , to dive deeper into skill development.

Browse the updated ELA Standards and Skills collection for even more resources to help you teach text structure in any lesson, including strong mentor texts for each text structure.

With EverWrite by Newsela , you can:

Use short- and long-form writing assignments to help students practice writing their own content using different text structures!

Not a Newsela customer yet? You can sign up for Newsela Lite for free and get access to content and skill-building scaffolds you need to teach text structure in your classroom.

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Understanding Text Structures: Exploring Examples and Strategies

Understanding text structures is vital to improving reading comprehension and writing abilities. Text structures refer to how a piece of writing is organized, helping the reader understand the flow of ideas, the connections between concepts, the main ideas, and the author’s purpose. Several common text structures are used in literature, nonfiction writing, and other types of writing. This blog post will provide examples of these and nonfiction text structures and discuss strategies for teaching students to identify and use them in reading and writing.

Descriptive Text Structure

Descriptive text structure is one of the most commonly used structures, especially in literature. In a descriptive text structure, the author uses vivid words and detailed descriptions to create a picture in the reader’s mind. For instance, a paragraph describing a person’s life, appearance, habits, or character traits would be an example of descriptive text structure. The paragraph or main idea is often stated in topic sentences, and the following sentences provide supporting details and main ideas.

Sequence/Chronological Order

Sequence or chronological order is a common text structure, particularly in historical texts or any writing detailing a sequence of events or a process. As the name suggests, information in this type of text is organized according to the order in which events happen. It could be a sequence of steps in a recipe or events in a person’s life. Signal words like “first,” “then,” “next,” “finally,” etc., help the reader identify this very effective text structure.

Compare and Contrast

The text structure is used when the author wants to highlight the similarities and differences between two or more things. It’s commonly seen in essays where two topics are being examined side by side. This structure encourages critical thinking as it requires the reader to understand the unique characteristics of each item and how they relate to each other. Words and phrases like “similar,” compare, contrast, “in contrast,” “both,” and “on the other hand” signal the main idea behind this structure.

Problem and Solution

In the problem and problem solution text structure, the author presents a problem and then provides one or more possible solutions. The text structure is often used in persuasive writing or nonfiction passages addressing real-world issues. The main idea usually centers on the one problem solution, and the supporting details discuss potential solutions and their implications.

Cause and Effect

Cause and effect text structure explore why things happen (causes) and what happens as a result (effects). This text’s structure is commonly found in scientific and historical texts. The author’s purpose might present an event (cause) and discuss its impacts (effect). Signal words for this structure include “because,” “as a result,” “therefore,” and “thus.” These example paragraphs are only a few examples of text structures. Recognizing these structures when students read, and using them when they write, can significantly improve their understanding and communication of ideas. The following section explores teaching strategies to help students master these text structures.

Strategies for Teaching Text Structures

Explicit instruction and graphic organizers.

One effective strategy for teaching text structure is through explicit instruction. This involves:

• Clearly explaining the various structures.
• Pointing out signal words and phrases.
• Providing text structure examples for students to examine.

Nonfiction passages can be especially useful, as they often have clear structures that students can identify and discuss.

The Power Of Visuals

To help students visualize the organization of each structure, using graphic organizers can be extremely beneficial in your writing process. For instance, a sequence structure might be represented with a timeline. In contrast, a compare-and-contrast structure could use a graphic organizer or a Venn diagram. For the problem and solution structure, a graphic organizer or a flowchart can help map out the main problem, possible solutions, and their outcomes. Graphic organizers not only assist in understanding text structures but also help students organize their writing.

Practice with Varied Texts

To have students learn and reinforce the concepts:

• Provide students with various texts to practice identifying text structures.
• Use a mix of literature, nonfiction passages, essays, and other written materials, so students can see the different types of text structures in various contexts.
• Encourage students to explain why they think a text is written in a particular structure.

This helps them articulate their understanding and apply it in real-world contexts.

Writing Practice

Give students opportunities to write using different text structures. They could write a short descriptive text about their favorite place, compare two topics they’re interested in, or write an essay explaining a problem in their community and suggesting possible solutions. Writing practice five text structures helps students understand the various structures from the author’s perspective, enhancing their ability to read and comprehend texts written in those structures.

Review and Assessment

Using and familiarizing descriptive texts.

Consistent review and assessment of descriptive texts are essential for students to master text structures. This could be through reading worksheets focusing on identifying text structures, short answer tests, or essay writing assignments where students must use a specific text structure often. Feedback on these assessments can guide further teaching and learning. Understanding and effectively using text structures to describe or create them is a fundamental literacy skill. As students learn to identify text structures in what they read and apply them in their own writing, they build a strong foundation for advanced reading comprehension and effective communication.

Hands-On Examples and Activities

Nonfiction passages and the use of graphic organizers.

Nonfiction passages are ideal for teaching students about various text structures as they explain why they commonly use them. Assign passages that clearly explain and exemplify specific text structures. After a close reading of these passages, students can fill in a graphic organizer corresponding to the text structure used in the passage. This hands-on activity solidifies the students’ understanding of text structures and enhances their reading comprehension skills.

Use of Literature and Other Text Types

Students can also learn text structures from literature. Although some text structures like problem and solution or cause and effect are more common in nonfiction, other text structures, like sequence and description, are widely used in literature. Students can identify how authors use these structures to weave narratives and engage readers by teaching text structures by reading short stories and novels. Other text types, like advertisements, opinion pieces, and biographies, can also provide diverse text structure examples.

Encouraging Students to Write Using Different Text Structures

Providing students with opportunities to use various text structures in their own writing will enhance their understanding and mastery of these structures. Assign writing tasks that require the use of a specific text structure. For instance, students could write a biography or history of a famous person’s life using chronological order or an essay comparing and contrasting two historical events. Teachers can use these techniques to help students grasp the idea of different types and elements of text structures, improving their reading comprehension and writing skills.

Understanding common text structures is crucial for students, enhancing their reading comprehension and nonfiction writing capabilities. Educators can significantly support and boost students’ literacy skills by teaching students to identify common text structures, use graphic organizers for visualization, and apply these structures in their own writing.

What is an example of text structure?

The “compare, describe, and contrast” is an example of a text structure. In paragraphs using this, an author discusses the similarities and differences between two or more things. For instance, an essay comparing two novels, discussing their similar themes but contrasting writing styles, would use this structure.

What are the 5 structures of text?

The five main text structures are:

• Description: The author provides detailed information about a topic.
• Sequence/Chronological Order: The author lists items or events numerically or chronologically.
• Compare and Contrast: The author discusses similarities and differences between two or more things.
• Cause and Effect: The author presents reasons (or causes) for something and the results (or effects).
• Problem and Solution: The author offers a problem and potential solutions.

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A clear, arguable thesis will tell your readers where you are going to end up, but it can also help you figure out how to get them there. Put your thesis at the top of a blank page and then make a list of the points you will need to make to argue that thesis effectively.

For example, consider this example from the thesis handout : While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake”(54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well”(51) is less convincing.

To argue this thesis, the author needs to do the following:

• Show what is persuasive about Sandel’s claims about the problems with striving for perfection.
• Show what is not convincing about Sandel’s claim that we can clearly distinguish between medically necessary enhancements and other enhancements.

Once you have broken down your thesis into main claims, you can then think about what sub-claims you will need to make in order to support each of those main claims. That step might look like this:

• Evidence that Sandel provides to support this claim
• Discussion of why this evidence is convincing even in light of potential counterarguments
• Discussion of cases when medically necessary enhancement and non-medical enhancement cannot be easily distinguished
• Analysis of what those cases mean for Sandel’s argument
• Consideration of counterarguments (what Sandel might say in response to this section of your argument)

Each argument you will make in an essay will be different, but this strategy will often be a useful first step in figuring out the path of your argument.  

Strategy #2: Use subheadings, even if you remove them later  

Scientific papers generally include standard subheadings to delineate different sections of the paper, including “introduction,” “methods,” and “discussion.” Even when you are not required to use subheadings, it can be helpful to put them into an early draft to help you see what you’ve written and to begin to think about how your ideas fit together. You can do this by typing subheadings above the sections of your draft.

If you’re having trouble figuring out how your ideas fit together, try beginning with informal subheadings like these:

• Introduction  
• Explain the author’s main point  
• Show why this main point doesn’t hold up when we consider this other example  
• Explain the implications of what I’ve shown for our understanding of the author  
• Show how that changes our understanding of the topic

For longer papers, you may decide to include subheadings to guide your reader through your argument. In those cases, you would need to revise your informal subheadings to be more useful for your readers. For example, if you have initially written in something like “explain the author’s main point,” your final subheading might be something like “Sandel’s main argument” or “Sandel’s opposition to genetic enhancement.” In other cases, once you have the key pieces of your argument in place, you will be able to remove the subheadings.  

Strategy #3: Create a reverse outline from your draft  

While you may have learned to outline a paper before writing a draft, this step is often difficult because our ideas develop as we write. In some cases, it can be more helpful to write a draft in which you get all of your ideas out and then do a “reverse outline” of what you’ve already written. This doesn’t have to be formal; you can just make a list of the point in each paragraph of your draft and then ask these questions:

• Are those points in an order that makes sense to you?  
• Are there gaps in your argument?  
• Do the topic sentences of the paragraphs clearly state these main points?  
• Do you have more than one paragraph that focuses on the same point? If so, do you need both paragraphs?  
• Do you have some paragraphs that include too many points? If so, would it make more sense to split them up?  
• Do you make points near the end of the draft that would be more effective earlier in your paper?  
• Are there points missing from this draft?  
• picture_as_pdf Tips for Organizing Your Essay

Academic Writing

• Introduction
• Planning an Essay
• Basic Essay Structure

Writing an Essay

• Writing Paragraghs
• Plagiarism This link opens in a new window

Basic academic essays have three main parts:

• introduction

• Video Explanation

Writing an Introduction

• Section  One  is a neutral sentence that will engage the reader’s interest in your essay.
• Section  Two  picks up the topic you are writing about by identifying the issues that you are going to explore.
• Section  Three  is an indication of how the question will be answered. Give a brief outline of how you will deal with each issue, and in which order.

An introduction   generally does three things. The first section is usually a  general comment  that shows the reader why the topic is important, gets their interest, and leads them into the topic. It isn’t actually part of your argument. The next section of the introduction is the  thesis statement . This is your response to the question; your final answer. It is probably the most important part of the introduction. Finally, the last section of an introduction tells the reader what they can expect in the essay body. This is where you  briefly outline your arguments .

Here is an example of the introduction to the question - Discuss how media can influence children. Use specific examples to support your view.

Writing Body Paragraphs

• The topic sentence  introduces  the topic of your paragraph.
• The sentences that follow the topic sentence will  develop and support the central idea  of your topic.
• The concluding sentence of your paragraph  restates the idea  expressed in the topic sentence.

The essay body itself is organized into paragraphs, according to your plan. Remember that each paragraph focuses on one idea, or aspect of your topic, and should contain at least 4-5 sentences so you can deal with that idea properly.

Each body paragraph has three sections. First is the  topic sentence . This lets the reader know what the paragraph is going to be about and  the main point it will make. It gives the paragraph’s point straight away. Next, come the  supporting sentences , which expand on the central idea, explaining it in more detail, exploring what it means, and of course giving the evidence and argument that back it up. This is where you use your research to support your argument. Then there is a  concluding sentence . This restates the idea in the topic sentence, to remind the reader of your main point. It also shows how that point helps answer the question.

Writing a Conclusion

• Re-read your introduction – this information will need to be restated in your conclusion emphasizing what you have proven and how you have proven it.
• Begin by  summarizing  your main arguments and restating your thesis ; e.g. "This essay has considered….."
• State your general conclusions,  explaining  why these are important.
• The final sentences should  draw together  the evidence you have presented in the body of the essay to restate your conclusion in an interesting way (use a transitional word to get you started e.g. Overall, Therefore).

The last section of an academic essay is the conclusion. The conclusion should reaffirm your answer to the question, and briefly summarize key arguments. It does not include any new points or new information.

A conclusion has three sections. First,  repeat the thesis statement . It won’t use the exact same words as in your introduction, but it will repeat the point: your overall answer to the question based on your arguments. Then set out your  general conclusions , and a short explanation of why they are important.  Finally,  draw together the question, the evidence in the essay body, and the conclusion. This way the reader knows that you have understood and answered the question. This part needs to be clear and concise.

• << Previous: Planning an Essay
• Next: Writing Paragraghs >>
• Last Updated: Oct 3, 2023 11:15 AM
• URL: https://bcsmn.libguides.com/Academic_Writing

Module 3: Writing Process

Text: text structures.

A text structure is the framework of a text’s beginning, middle, and end. Different narrative and expository genres have different purposes and different audiences, and so they require different text structures. Beginnings and endings help link the text into a coherent whole.

BEGINNINGS: HOOKING YOUR READER

WHAT’S IN THE MIDDLE?

The organization of the middle of a piece of writing depends on the genre. Researchers have identified five basic organizational structures: sequence ,  description , cause and effect , compare and contrast , and problem and solution .

Sequence uses time, numerical, or spatial order as the organizing structure. Some narrative genres that use a chronological sequence structure are personal narrative genres (memoir, autobiographical incident, autobiography), imaginative story genres (fairytales, folktales, fantasy, science fiction), and realistic fiction genres. Narrative story structures include an initiating event, complicating actions that build to a high point, and a resolution. Many narratives also include the protagonist’s goals and obstacles that must be overcome to achieve those goals.

Description is used to describe the characteristic features and events of a specific subject (”My Cat”) or a general category (”Cats”). Descriptive reports may be arranged according to categories of related attributes, moving from general categories of features to specific attributes.

Cause and Effect structure is used to show causal relationships between events. Essays demonstrate cause and effect by giving reasons to support relationships, using the word “because.” Signal words for cause and effect structures also include if/then statements, “as a result,” and “therefore.”

Comparison and Contrast structure is used to explain how two or more objects, events, or positions in an argument are similar or different. Graphic organizers such as venn diagrams, compare/contrast organizers, and tables can be used to compare features across different categories. Words used to signal comparison and contrast organizational structures include “same,” “alike,” “in contrast,” “similarities,” “differences,” and “on the other hand.”

Problem and Solution requires writers to state a problem and come up with a solution. Although problem/solution structures are typically found in informational writing, realistic fiction also often uses a problem/solution structure.

ENDINGS: BEYOND “HAPPILY EVER AFTER”

Anyone who has watched a great movie for ninety minutes only to have it limp to the finish with weak ending knows that strong endings are just as critical to effective writing as strong beginnings. And anyone who has watched the director’s cut of a movie with all the alternate endings knows that even great directors have trouble coming up with satisfying endings for their movies. Just like directors, writers have to decide how to wrap up the action in their stories, resolving the conflict and tying up loose ends in a way that will leave their audience satisfied. 

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Basic essay structure

Improve your writing

Organise your essays to demonstrate your knowledge, show your research and support your arguments

Essays are usually written in continuous, flowing, paragraphed text and don’t use section headings. This may seem unstructured at first, but good essays are carefully structured.

How your assignment content is structured is your choice. Use the basic pattern below to get started.

Essay structure

An essay consists of three basic parts:, introduction.

The essay itself usually has no section headings. Only the title page, author declaration and reference list are written as headings, along with, for example, appendices. Check any task instructions, and your course or unit handbook, for further details.

Content in assignment introductions can vary widely. In some disciplines you may need to provide a full background and context, whereas other essays may need only a little context, and others may need none.

An introduction to an essay usually has three primary purposes:

• To set the scene
• To tell readers what is important, and why
• To tell the reader what the essay is going to do (signposting)

A standard introduction includes the following five elements:

• A statement that sets out the topic and engages the reader.
• The background and context of the topic.
• Any important definitions, integrated into your text as appropriate.
• An outline of the key points, topic, issues, evidence, ideas, arguments, models, theories, or other information, as appropriate. This may include distinctions or contrasts between different ideas or evidence.
• A final sentence or two which tells the reader your focal points and aims.

You should aim to restrict your introduction to information needed for the topic and only include background and contextual information which helps the reader understand it, or sets the scene for your chosen focal points.

In most essays you will have a considerable range of options for your focus. You will be expected to demonstrate your ability to select the most relevant content to address your focal points.

There are some exceptions. For example, if an assignment brief specifically directs the essay focus or requires you to write broadly about a topic. These are relatively rare or are discipline-specific so you should check your task instructions and discipline and subject area conventions.

Below are examples of an opening statement, a summary of the selected content, and a statement at the end of the introduction which tells the reader what the essay will focus on and how it will be addressed. We've use a fictional essay.

The title of our essay is: 'Cats are better than dogs. Discuss.'

To submit this essay you also would need to add citations as appropriate.

Example of opening statements:

People have shared their lives with cats and dogs for millenia. Which is better depends partly on each animal’s characteristics and partly on the owner’s preferences.

Here is a summary of five specific topics selected for the essay, which would be covered in a little more detail in the introduction:

• In ancient Egypt, cats were treated as sacred and were pampered companions.
• Dogs have for centuries been used for hunting and to guard property. There are many types of working dog, and both dogs and cats are now kept purely as pets.
• They are very different animals, with different care needs, traits and abilities.
• It is a common perception that people are either “cat-lovers” or “dog-lovers”.
• It is a common perception that people tend to have preferences for one, and negative beliefs about and attitudes towards, the other.

Example of closing statements at the end of the introduction:

This essay will examine both cats’ and dogs’ behaviour and abilities, the benefits of keeping them as pets, and whether people’s perceptions of their nature matches current knowledge and understanding.

Main body: paragraphs

The body of the essay should be organised into paragraphs. Each paragraph should deal with a different aspect of the issue, but they should also link in some way to those that precede and follow it. This is not an easy thing to get right, even for experienced writers, partly because there are many ways to successfully structure and use paragraphs. There is no perfect paragraph template.

The theme or topic statement

The first sentence, or sometimes two, tells the reader what the paragraph is going to cover. It may either:

• Begin a new point or topic, or
• Follow on from the previous paragraph, but with a different focus or go into more-specific detail. If this is the case, it should clearly link to the previous paragraph.

The last sentence

It should be clear if the point has come to an end, or if it continues in the next paragraph.

Here is a brief example of flow between two summarised paragraphs which cover the historical perspective:

It is known from hieroglyphs that the Ancient Egyptians believed that cats were sacred. They were also held in high regard, as suggested by their being found mummified and entombed with their owners (Smith, 1969). In addition, cats are portrayed aiding hunters. Therefore, they were both treated as sacred, and were used as intelligent working companions. However, today they are almost entirely owned as pets.

In contrast, dogs have not been regarded as sacred, but they have for centuries been widely used for hunting in Europe. This developed over time and eventually they became domesticated and accepted as pets. Today, they are seen as loyal, loving and protective members of the family, and are widely used as working dogs.

There is never any new information in a conclusion.

The conclusion usually does three things:

• Reminds your readers of what the essay was meant to do.
• Provides an answer, where possible, to the title.
• Reminds your reader how you reached that answer.

The conclusion should usually occupy just one paragraph. It draws together all the key elements of your essay, so you do not need to repeat the fine detail unless you are highlighting something.

A conclusion to our essay about cats and dogs is given below:

Both cats and dogs have been highly-valued for millenia, are affectionate and beneficial to their owners’ wellbeing. However, they are very different animals and each is 'better' than the other regarding care needs and natural traits. Dogs need regular training and exercise but many owners do not train or exercise them enough, resulting in bad behaviour. They also need to be 'boarded' if the owner is away and to have frequent baths to prevent bad odours. In contrast, cats do not need this level of effort and care. Dogs are seen as more intelligent, loyal and attuned to human beings, whereas cats are perceived as aloof and solitary, and as only seeking affection when they want to be fed. However, recent studies have shown that cats are affectionate and loyal and more intelligent than dogs, but it is less obvious and useful. There are, for example, no 'police' or 'assistance' cats, in part because they do not have the kinds of natural instincts which make dogs easy to train. Therefore, which animal is better depends upon personal preference and whether they are required to work. Therefore, although dogs are better as working animals, cats are easier, better pets.

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Better Essays: Signposting

Paragraphs main body of an assessment