ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

QUARTER 1– LESSON 2:
ACADEMIC TEXT STRUCTURE

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to achieve the following objectives:

A. Identify the different structures of a text;

B. Determine the text structure used in a text;
C. Create a graphic organizer appropriate for the text structure employed in a
text; and
D. Relate the acquired information with one’s life experience.

Academic texts can be articles, conference papers, reviews, and

theses/dissertations. How are academic texts typically formed? In general, academic
texts are organized with the following characteristics: (1) has clearly structured
introduction-body-conclusion, (2) is formal, (3) includes information from credible sources
which are properly cited, and (4) includes a list of references. (Barrot & Sipacio, 2016).

What is a text structure?

The text structure is one of the two categories of how a text can be organized. The
other category is Text Features. Text Structures refer to the organizational patterns of a
text. Generally, it is composed of text types, parts, transition words and phrases, patterns
of organization, sentences, and paragraphs.

The common parts of a text pertaining to the I-B-C (Introduction, Body, and
Conclusion) structure. Each part consists of sub-components that could help readers
identify the main ideas (stated or implied) and supporting details using patterns of
organization. There are five common patterns of organization used in a text which are as
follows: (1) Description, (2) Order/Sequence, (3) Comparison/Contrast, (4) Cause and
Effect, and (5) Problem and Solution. Some texts also use the Argument in developing
their ideas which begins with a claim followed by the reasons for the claim then is
supported by pieces of evidence. It can include a counter-claim or refutation. (Gonzales,
2014)

Another component of a text structure is the use of transition words or phrases.

These transition words or phrases are used to show relationships among ideas. They are
found all throughout the text parts and patterns of organization. Transition words or
phrases make the connecting of one idea to another idea or one part to another part
of a text formal, clear, and organized.
Common Text Structures

1. Chronological Order- It is also known as time order. This structure is organized from one
point in time to another.

2. Sequence- Steps are described in the order they occur. It does not take place at a
specific point in time.

TRANSITIONS next, first, last, second, another, then, additionally, next, finally,
before, preceding, and others
EXAMPLE First, read the manual of the device. Second, turn on the device.
Then, set the location, time, and date.

3. Cause-Effect- This structure shows how one or more causes led to one or more effects.
Many texts do not include just one cause leading to one effect– instead, there may be
several causes and several effects.

TRANSITIONS Consequently, therefore, as a result, thereby, leads to, because of,

in order to, for these reasons, thus, if-then, may be due to.
EXAMPLE Everyone followed health protocols. As a result, the pandemic was
gradually eradicated.

4. Problem-Solution- The text structure presents a problem and shows how it can be (or
has been) solved. The key difference between cause-effect and problem-solution is
that the latter always presents a solution while the former does not.

TRANSITIONS The problem is, the difficulty is, it is possible to, if-then, one
challenge is, therefore..
EXAMPLE The problem that we are facing is the lack of self-discipline of
society.

5. Compare-Contrast- This text structure shows how two or more ideas or items are similar
or different. The text may use a clustered approach, with details about one topic
followed by details about the other. It may also show an alternating approach, with the
author going back between the two topics.

TRANSITIONS However, unlike, like, by contrast, yet, in comparison, although,

whereas, similar to, different from, as opposed to, instead of, as
well as.
EXAMPLE Unlike quantitative research, qualitative research uses descriptive
data.

6.Exemplification/Classification- An exemplification paragraph develops a general

statement--the topic sentence--with one or more specific examples. A classification
paragraph divides things into groups, classes, or categories. It also organizes ideas into
divisions based on criteria or standards.
 TRANSITIONS For example, for instance, specifically, in particular, in addition, to
illustrate, such as, most important, another.
EXAMPLE Filipinos are very appreciative of arts such as plays, paintings,
music, and literature.

7. Persuasion- This text structure convinces readers to agree to an argument or claim

about a particular topic.

How does text structure help readers?

Research shows that efficient searchers use the structure of the text can help them
find specific information, and make and interpret arguments. The structure of the text
can help readers find answers to questions, as well. The text structure is also an important
component of summarizing. When readers summarize, they need to reflect the text
structure in the summary.

Reading an academic text is challenging; more so, if we are asked to identify text
structures. Therefore, this module tells us that using graphic organizers helps us identify the
structures of an academic text and understand the whole text. Some charts are shown
below.

References:

Online Resources

Kissner, E. Teaching Text Structure: A Quick Guide for Teachers. Retrieved from
Slideshare. Retrieved date September 5, 2020.
Identifying Text Structure Worksheets. Retrieved from
https://www.ereadingworksheets.com/text-structure/. Retrieved date September
5, 2020.

Main Idea and Text Structure Worksheets. Retrieved from

https://www.ereadingworksheets.com/text-structure/. Retrieved date September
5, 2020.

Text Structure| Ereading Worksheets. Retrieved from

https://www.ereadingworksheets.com/text-structure/. Retrieved date September
5, 2020.

Text Structure PPT. Retrieved from https://www.ereadingworksheets.com/text-structure/.

Retrieved date September 5, 2020.