Understanding Text

Structures
What is a text structure?
• A “structure” is a
building or
framework

• “Text structure”
refers to how a
piece of text is built
 What is a text structure?
• Builders can use
different kinds of
structures to build
different things
• A skyscraper, for
example, is a
different kind of
structure from a
house
What is a text structure?
• Writers use
different structures
to build their ideas
• Each text structure
communicates
ideas in a different
way
 Chronological order
(sequence text structure)

• Authors use
chronological order
to explain how
things happen in
order
• Chronological order
is also called
sequence or time
order
Chronological order
(sequence text structure)

• You will know that

you are reading a
text in
chronological order
because you will
see words like first,
next, later, then,
and finally
 Chronological order
(sequence text structure)

• You will often see chronological order in

directions:
Have you ever made macaroni and cheese?
It’s simple! First, boil some water and make
some macaroni. Then, make your cheese
sauce. After the cheese sauce is ready, mix
it with the macaroni. Bake the entire thing
in the oven. Finally, it’s time to eat!
 Chronological order
• You will often see chronological order in
directions:
Have you ever made macaroni and cheese?
It’s simple! First, boil some water and make
some macaroni. Then, make your cheese
sauce. After the cheese sauce is ready, mix
it with the macaroni. Bake the entire thing
in the oven. Finally, it’s time to eat!
 Which paragraph is in
chronological order?
Pennsylvania has many
historic sites. You can visit
Revolutionary war sites, like
Valley Forge. You can also
visit important locations
from the Civil War, like
Gettysburg. Finally, you can
also see the site of the first
oil well in Titusville.
Pennsylvania has many neat
places to visit!
Through the ages,
Pennsylvania has seen
many interesting events.
The state was founded in
1681 by William Penn.
Later, Pennsylvania was the
site of important
Revolutionary War battles.
After that, Pennsylvania
was home to new factories
during the Industrial
Revolution. Today,
Pennsylvania continues to
make history.
 Which paragraph is in
chronological order?
Through the ages,
Pennsylvania has seen
This is the many interesting events.
paragraph in The state was founded in
chronological 1681 by William Penn.
Later, Pennsylvania was the
order. Can you site of important
find the clue Revolutionary War battles.
words that show After that, Pennsylvania
this order? was home to new factories
during the Industrial
Revolution. Today,
Pennsylvania continues to
make history.
 Which paragraph is in
chronological order?
Through the ages,
Pennsylvania has seen
This is the many interesting events.
paragraph in The state was founded in
chronological 1681 by William Penn.
Later, Pennsylvania was the
order. Can you site of important
find the clue Revolutionary War battles.
words that show After that, Pennsylvania
this order? was home to new factories
during the Industrial
Revolution. Today,
Pennsylvania continues to
make history.
 Think about it!
• What is a structure?
• What does chronological order
mean?
• What are some clue words that
show chronological order?
Another text structure
• But what if an
author doesn’t
want to show how
something
happened in
sequence?
• The author would
need to use another
text structure!
Another text structure
• Suppose an author
wanted to explain how
these two birds are
similar and different
• Chronological order
wouldn’t work---there
is no order of events
• The author would
need to use compare
and contrast
Another text structure
The cardinal and the cedar
waxwing are two common birds.
Both have crests on their heads.
Both are common at birdfeeders.
But the birds have some
differences. The male cardinal is a
bright red, while the waxwing is
brown. The cedar waxwing often
migrates from place to place. On
the other hand, the cardinal stays
in one place year after year.
Compare and contrast clue words

When authors use the

text structure of compare
and contrast, they often
use special clue words to
show this text structure.

Can you find the clue

words in the paragraph?
Can you find the clue words?
The cardinal and the cedar
waxwing are two common birds.
Both have crests on their heads.
Both are common at birdfeeders.
But the birds have some
differences. The male cardinal is a
bright red, while the waxwing is
brown. The cedar waxwing often
migrates from place to place. On
the other hand, the cardinal stays
in one place year after year.
Here they are!
The cardinal and the cedar
waxwing are two common birds.
Both have crests on their heads.
Both are common at birdfeeders.
But the birds have some
differences. The male cardinal is a
bright red, while the waxwing is
brown. The cedar waxwing often
migrates from place to place. On
the other hand, the cardinal stays
in one place year after year.
Compare and contrast graphic organizer

• To organize details
from a paragraph
in compare and
contrast, use a
Venn diagram
 Review
• Can you explain the difference
between chronological order and
compare and contrast?
• How can clue words help you as a
reader?
 Another text structure
• Sometimes, a writer will want to explain
how one event leads to another
• This kind of text structure is called cause
and effect
Cause and effect clue words
• When authors
write paragraphs
to show causes and
effects, they use
words like cause,
effect, as a result,
consequently, and
so
Can you find the clue words?
The night’s snowstorm had many
effects. People were out shoveling
snow from their sidewalks. The power
lines were draped with ice. Snow
plows drove down every street.
Children were the happiest of all. The
unexpected snow caused school to be
cancelled!
Can you find the clue words?
The night’s snowstorm had many
effects. People were out shoveling
snow from their sidewalks. The power
lines were draped with ice. Snow
plows drove down every street.
Children were the happiest of all. The
unexpected snow caused school to be
cancelled!
 More with cause and effect
Baby painted turtles spend all winter in
their nests. They have special chemicals in
their blood that can keep their blood from
freezing. As a result, baby painted turtles
can survive freezing temperatures!
 More with cause and effect
Baby painted turtles spend all winter in
their nests. They have special chemicals in
their blood that can keep their blood from
freezing. As a result, baby painted turtles
can survive freezing temperatures!

This is the
cause
 More with cause and effect
Baby painted turtles spend all winter in
their nests. They have special chemicals in
their blood that can keep their blood from
freezing. As a result, baby painted turtles
can survive freezing temperatures!
This is the
effect
2 Sexual reproductive health (SRH) is an increasingly important
component of global health. Focusing on young women SRH
continues to pose tremendous challenge for policy makers and
health care providers. Many young women often lack basic
information, knowledge and access to reproductive health
services. Parents or guardians are the first and primary sexual
health educators of children. Often, because of cultural
hurdles, many do not feel comfortable in discussing sex-related
issues with their parents. Likewise, health care providers and
teachers are also reluctant to provide sex related information
to young unmarried people. The reasons for the reluctance
were discomfort discussing the issues or erroneous beliefs that
providing the information would encourage sexual activity
Taken from Wong L.P. et. al (2012) An exploration of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
of young multi ethnic Muslim majority society in Malaysia in relation to reproductive and
premarital sexual practices
3
The reasons why young people engage in sexual activities
are complex and diverse and have been attributed to various
social contexts and familial factors. Unsafe sex practices among
young women and their partners may also stem from lack of
knowledge and access to health services for SRH. Substantial
morbidity and social problems among youth are the result of
unsafe sex practices resulting in unwanted pregnancies, unsafe
abortions and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
including HIV/AIDS

Taken from Wong L.P. et. al (2012) An exploration of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
of young multi ethnic Muslim majority society in Malaysia in relation to reproductive and
premarital sexual practices
 Review
• Which text structure tells about how things
are similar and different?
• Compare and contrast
• Which text structure explains how things
happen in time order?
• Chronological order
Another kind of text structure

• Sometimes, an author
will want to explain a
problem, and then
show one or more
solutions
• This kind of text
structure is called
problem and solution
 An example of problem and solution
Park School had a
terrible problem. Every
day at recess, students
would argue over the
slides. Teachers had to
spend time every day
taking care of the
arguments. Finally, one
teacher came up with a
great solution. They
bought another set of
slides that everyone could
enjoy.
An example of problem and solution

Park School had a terrible

problem. Every day at
recess, students would
• Can you find the
argue over the slides. problem and the
Teachers had to spend solution in this
time every day taking care paragraph?
of the arguments. Finally,
one teacher came up with
a great solution. They
bought another set of
slides that everyone could
enjoy.
An example of problem and solution

Park School had a terrible

problem. Every day at
recess, students would
Here is the
argue over the slides. problem
Teachers had to spend
time every day taking care
of the arguments. Finally,
one teacher came up with
a great solution. They
bought another set of
slides that everyone could
enjoy.
An example of problem and solution

Park School had a terrible

problem. Every day at
recess, students would
Here is the
argue over the slides. problem
Teachers had to spend
time every day taking care
of the arguments. Finally,
one teacher came up with Here is the
a great solution. They solution
bought another set of
slides that everyone could
enjoy.
 Of course, problem and solution is not
always so simple
• Often, authors will
signal problem and
solution structure with
clue words like
problem and solution,
just like in the last
paragraph
• Sometimes, authors
will use related words
 Of course, problem and solution is not
always so simple
• Synonyms for problem
include difficulty,
struggle, uncertainty,
worry, threat, and
trouble
• Synonyms for solution
include possibility,
hope, bright spot,
answer, and future
A more difficult problem and solution
paragraph
The Chesapeake Bay faces an
uncertain future. Issues such as
pesticides, too many nutrients,
and habitat loss all threaten the
Bay’s water quality and animal
life. However, scientists are
hopeful that the future may be
brighter. If everyone in the
Chesapeake Bay watershed
works together, solutions may be
found.
A more difficult problem and solution
paragraph
The Chesapeake Bay faces an
uncertain future. Issues such as
What is the pesticides, too many nutrients,
and habitat loss all threaten the
problem? Bay’s water quality and animal
life. However, scientists are
What is the hopeful that the future may be
brighter. If everyone in the
solution? Chesapeake Bay watershed
works together, solutions may be
found.
A more difficult problem and solution
paragraph
The Chesapeake Bay faces an
uncertain future. Issues such as
Problem pesticides, too many nutrients,
and habitat loss all threaten the
Bay’s water quality and animal
life. However, scientists are
hopeful that the future may be
brighter. If everyone in the
Chesapeake Bay watershed
Solution works together, solutions may be
found.
 Text structures we’ve
learned so far

• Chronological/
sequence order
• Compare and contrast
• Cause and effect
• Problem and solution
 Match the clue words!
Can you figure out the text structure that these clue
words point to?

however, on the other

hand, similarity, like,
unlike
Compare and
contrast
 Match the clue words!
Can you figure out the text structure that these clue
words point to?

as a result,
consequently, Cause and effect
therefore, so, cause,
effect
 Match the clue words!
Can you figure out the text structure that these clue
words point to?

problem, solution,
threat, difficulty, hope,
answer, possibility

Problem and
solution
Are there any other text
structures?
Most paragraphs that we write in
school can be called main idea,
description, or statement and support
paragraphs
Main idea paragraphs
(description text structure)

• In this kind of
paragraph, the author
offers a main idea
statement, and then
supports that statement
with several details
Main idea paragraphs
(description text structure)

The pond was a beautiful

place to visit. The falling
leaves, all different colors,
decorated the surface of the
water. At the edges of the
pond, small wildflowers grew.
The golden forest glowed
faintly in the distance.
Main idea paragraphs
(description text structure)
Main idea

The pond was a beautiful

place to visit. The falling
leaves, all different colors,
decorated the surface of the
water. At the edges of the
pond, small wildflowers grew.
The golden forest glowed
faintly in the distance.
 Main idea paragraphs
(description text structure)
Main idea

The pond was a beautiful

place to visit. The falling
leaves, all different colors,
decorated the surface of the
water. At the edges of the
pond, small wildflowers grew.
All of the other sentences The golden forest glowed
explain why the main faintly in the distance.
idea is true
 Main idea paragraphs
(description text structure)

• Clue words in these

paragraphs may
include:
• words that bring
about attributes of,
characteristics of,
examples of etc…
 What’s the text structure?
Like other mammals, whales breathe air,
are warm-blooded, and produce milk to
feed their young. Their adaptations for
aquatic life include a streamlined form,
nearly hairless skin, and an insulating layer
of blubber, which can be as thick as 28 in.
(70 cm) in some Arctic species. The
forelimbs of whales are modified into
flippers, and the hind legs are reduced to
internal vestiges. Many species possess a
dorsal fin. The tail is flattened into
horizontal flukes and is used for propulsion.
The head is very large, with a wide mouth
and no external neck.
 What’s the text structure?
Like other mammals, whales breathe air, What do you
are warm-blooded, and produce milk to think all these
feed their young. Their adaptations for sentences are
aquatic life include a streamlined form, trying to explain?
nearly hairless skin, and an insulating layer
of blubber, which can be as thick as 28 in.
(70 cm) in some Arctic species. The
forelimbs of whales are modified into
flippers, and the hind legs are reduced to
internal vestiges. Many species possess a
dorsal fin. The tail is flattened into
horizontal flukes and is used for propulsion.
The head is very large, with a wide mouth
and no external neck.
 What’s the text structure?
Like other mammals, whales breathe air, What do you
are warm-blooded, and produce milk to think all these
feed their young. Their adaptations for sentences are
aquatic life include a streamlined form, trying to explain?
nearly hairless skin, and an insulating layer
of blubber, which can be as thick as 28 in.
(70 cm) in some Arctic species. The
forelimbs of whales are modified into
flippers, and the hind legs are reduced to They are all
internal vestiges. Many species possess a showing the
dorsal fin. The tail is flattened into characteristics or
horizontal flukes and is used for propulsion. attributes of
The head is very large, with a wide mouth whales.
and no external neck.
 What’s the text structure?
Like other mammals, whales breathe air,
are warm-blooded, and produce milk to
feed their young. Their adaptations for
aquatic life include a streamlined form,
nearly hairless skin, and an insulating layer
of blubber, which can be as thick as 28 in. Therefore, it’s a
(70 cm) in some Arctic species. The descriptive text
forelimbs of whales are modified into structure!
flippers, and the hind legs are reduced to
internal vestiges. Many species possess a
dorsal fin. The tail is flattened into
horizontal flukes and is used for propulsion.
The head is very large, with a wide mouth
and no external neck.
 What’s the text structure?
Are these
Whales have one or two nostril openings,
sentences still
called blowholes, located far back on the top
describing the
of the head; the nostril valves close and the
characteristics /
lungs compress when the whale dives. Most
attributes of
whales must surface every 3 to 20 min to
whales?
breathe, but some, like the sperm whales, can
remain submerged for more than an hour.
Spouting occurs when the whale surfaces
and clears water from its blowhole along
with any moisture trapped in its air passages.
The shape of the spout is characteristic of
each type of large whale.
 What’s the text structure?
Are these
Whales have one or two nostril openings,
sentences still
called blowholes, located far back on the top
describing the
of the head; the nostril valves close and the
characteristics /
lungs compress when the whale dives. Most
attributes of
whales must surface every 3 to 20 min to
whales?
breathe, but some, like the sperm whales, can
remain submerged for more than an hour.
Spouting occurs when the whale surfaces
and clears water from its blowhole along
with any moisture trapped in its air passages. Are they focusing
The shape of the spout is characteristic of on a specific
each type of large whale. characteristic or
attribute of
whales?
 What’s the text structure?
Can you guess
Whales have one or two nostril openings,
what about the
called blowholes, located far back on the top
whale are all
of the head; the nostril valves close and the
these sentences
lungs compress when the whale dives. Most
describing?
whales must surface every 3 to 20 min to
breathe, but some, like the sperm whales, can
remain submerged for more than an hour.
Spouting occurs when the whale surfaces
and clears water from its blowhole along
with any moisture trapped in its air passages.
The shape of the spout is characteristic of
each type of large whale.
 What’s the text structure?
Can you guess
Whales have one or two nostril openings,
what about the
called blowholes, located far back on the top
whale are all
of the head; the nostril valves close and the
these sentences
lungs compress when the whale dives. Most
describing?
whales must surface every 3 to 20 min to
breathe, but some, like the sperm whales, can
remain submerged for more than an hour.
Spouting occurs when the whale surfaces
It’s describing the
and clears water from its blowhole along
whales’ breathing
with any moisture trapped in its air passages.
features and their
The shape of the spout is characteristic of
behaviour of
each type of large whale.
breathing air.
 What’s the text structure?
Whales have one or two nostril openings,
called blowholes, located far back on the top
of the head; the nostril valves close and the
lungs compress when the whale dives. Most You’ve just
whales must surface every 3 to 20 min to guessed the main
breathe, but some, like the sperm whales, can idea of the
remain submerged for more than an hour. paragraph.
Spouting occurs when the whale surfaces
and clears water from its blowhole along
with any moisture trapped in its air passages.
The shape of the spout is characteristic of
each type of large whale.
 What’s the text structure?
Whales have one or two nostril openings,
called blowholes, located far back on the top
of the head; the nostril valves close and the
lungs compress when the whale dives. Most You’ve just
whales must surface every 3 to 20 min to guessed the main
breathe, but some, like the sperm whales, can idea of the
remain submerged for more than an hour. paragraph.
Spouting occurs when the whale surfaces
and clears water from its blowhole along
with any moisture trapped in its air passages. WELL DONE!
The shape of the spout is characteristic of
each type of large whale.
Another Main Idea Paragraph
(Collection Text Structure)

• Relates ideas by grouping them together

• Groupings can be made explicit with

enumeration.

• Collection structure can be used with any

other structures. For e.g. groups of
solutions or causes are presented
 Mobile phones are one of the fastest growing
technology-based industries in the world, but
they are also the most fragmented industry,
with several different types of mobile options
that all offer their own types of uses. The
• Clue words: basic phones offer the basic operating system
that allows for calling, some music
and, in addition, capabilities and carrier-specific applications.
Next on the list are the smartphones which
also, moreover are non-touchscreen devices that offer a
etc… robust mobile operating system, most
commonly either Windows Mobile, Symbian,
Blackberry or Palm. They are capable of
sending and receiving emails, editing
first, second, documents and storing files. Lastly, are the
third etc… pocket pc devices which operate much like
the smartphones, though with touch screen
abilities.
 Mobile phones are one of the fastest growing
technology-based industries in the world, but
they are also the most fragmented industry,
with several different types of mobile options
that all offer their own types of uses. The
Can you see the basic phones offer the basic operating system
that allows for calling, some music
three groups or capabilities and carrier-specific applications.
types of mobile Next on the list are the smartphones which
are non-touchscreen devices that offer a
devices robust mobile operating system, most
described in the commonly either Windows Mobile, Symbian,
Blackberry or Palm. They are capable of
paragraph? sending and receiving emails, editing
documents and storing files. Lastly, are the
pocket pc devices which operate much like
the smartphones, though with touch screen
abilities.
 Mobile phones are one of the fastest growing
technology-based industries in the world, but
they are also the most fragmented industry,
with several different types of mobile options
that all offer their own types of uses. The
The first group basic phones offer the basic operating system
that allows for calling, some music
or type of mobilecapabilities and carrier-specific applications.
device Next on the list are the smartphones which
are non-touchscreen devices that offer a
robust mobile operating system, most
commonly either Windows Mobile, Symbian,
Blackberry or Palm. They are capable of
sending and receiving emails, editing
documents and storing files. Lastly, are the
pocket pc devices which operate much like
the smartphones, though with touch screen
abilities.
 Mobile phones are one of the fastest growing
technology-based industries in the world, but
they are also the most fragmented industry,
with several different types of mobile options
that all offer their own types of uses. The
basic phones offer the basic operating system
that allows for calling, some music
The second capabilities and carrier-specific applications.
Next on the list are the smartphones which
group or type of are non-touchscreen devices that offer a
mobile device robust mobile operating system, most
commonly either Windows Mobile, Symbian,
Blackberry or Palm. They are capable of
sending and receiving emails, editing
documents and storing files. Lastly, are the
pocket pc devices which operate much like
the smartphones, though with touch screen
abilities.
 Mobile phones are one of the fastest growing
technology-based industries in the world, but
they are also the most fragmented industry,
with several different types of mobile options
that all offer their own types of uses. The
basic phones offer the basic operating system
that allows for calling, some music
capabilities and carrier-specific applications.
Next on the list are the smartphones which
are non-touchscreen devices that offer a
robust mobile operating system, most
commonly either Windows Mobile, Symbian,
Blackberry or Palm. They are capable of
sending and receiving emails, editing
…And the third documents and storing files. Lastly, are the
pocket pc devices which operate much like
group or type of the smartphones, though with touch screen
mobile device abilities.
 Mobile phones are one of the fastest growing
What type of text technology-based industries in the world, but
they are also the most fragmented industry,
structure would with several different types of mobile options
this be? that all offer their own types of uses. The
basic phones offer the basic operating system
that allows for calling, some music
capabilities and carrier-specific applications.
Next on the list are the smartphones which
are non-touchscreen devices that offer a
robust mobile operating system, most
commonly either Windows Mobile, Symbian,
Blackberry or Palm. They are capable of
sending and receiving emails, editing
documents and storing files. Lastly, are the
pocket pc devices which operate much like
the smartphones, though with touch screen
abilities.
 Mobile phones are one of the fastest growing
What type of text technology-based industries in the world, but
they are also the most fragmented industry,
structure would with several different types of mobile options
this be? that all offer their own types of uses. The
basic phones offer the basic operating system
that allows for calling, some music
capabilities and carrier-specific applications.
Next on the list are the smartphones which
are non-touchscreen devices that offer a
robust mobile operating system, most
commonly either Windows Mobile, Symbian,
Blackberry or Palm. They are capable of
sending and receiving emails, editing
documents and storing files. Lastly, are the
pocket pc devices which operate much like
the smartphones, though with touch screen
abilities.
 Mobile phones are one of the fastest growing
What type of text technology-based industries in the world, but
they are also the most fragmented industry,
structure would with several different types of mobile options
this be? that all offer their own types of uses. The
basic phones offer the basic operating system
that allows for calling, some music
capabilities and carrier-specific applications.
Next on the list are the smartphones which
are non-touchscreen devices that offer a
robust mobile operating system, most
Collection text commonly either Windows Mobile, Symbian,
structure Blackberry or Palm. They are capable of
sending and receiving emails, editing
documents and storing files. Lastly, are the
pocket pc devices which operate much like
the smartphones, though with touch screen
abilities.
 Mobile phones are one of the fastest growing
What type of text technology-based industries in the world, but
they are also the most fragmented industry,
structure would with several different types of mobile options
this be? that all offer their own types of uses. The
basic phones offer the basic operating system
that allows for calling, some music
capabilities and carrier-specific applications.
Next on the list are the smartphones which
are non-touchscreen devices that offer a
robust mobile operating system, most
…as well as commonly either Windows Mobile, Symbian,
descriptive text Blackberry or Palm. They are capable of
sending and receiving emails, editing
structure documents and storing files. Lastly, are the
pocket pc devices which operate much like
the smartphones, though with touch screen
abilities.
 Mobile phones are one of the fastest growing
technology-based industries in the world, but
they are also the most fragmented industry,
with several different types of mobile options
that all offer their own types of uses. The
basic phones offer the basic operating system
that allows for calling, some music
capabilities and carrier-specific applications.
Next on the list are the smartphones which
are non-touchscreen devices that offer a
robust mobile operating system, most
…these lines are commonly either Windows Mobile, Symbian,
describing each Blackberry or Palm. They are capable of
sending and receiving emails, editing
of the mobile documents and storing files. Lastly, are the
devices pocket pc devices which operate much like
the smartphones, though with touch screen
abilities.
 Conclusion
• Sometimes, two text
structures can be
combined, for example the
collection and description
text structure
• When combined, we can
call it the collection-
description text structure
• It’s not unusual to see the
collection structure be
used with any of the other
structures
 Now it’s your turn!
• On the next few slides,
you will read some
paragraphs about the
Great Chicago Fire
• Your task is to decide on
the text structure for each
one
• Understanding the text
structure will help you to
understand each paragraph
 What’s the text structure?
Daniel Sullivan was the first to notice
• Chronological the flames coming from the O’Leary
order barn at around 8:30 pm on October 8.
A problem with the alarm box made it
• Compare and impossible for the people in the area
contrast to call for the fire department. By 9:30
• Cause and pm, the entire block was blazing. In
another 3 hours, there were fires all
effect
over Chicago. The heavy wind coming
• Problem and from the lake only made the fire
solution bigger. It would be another day before
the fire would be completely out. By
• Main idea that time, 17,500 buildings had been
(description text structure /
burned.
collection text structure)
 What’s the text structure?
Daniel Sullivan was the first to notice
• Chronological the flames coming from the O’Leary
order barn at around 8:30 pm on October 8.
A problem with the alarm box made it
• Compare and impossible for the people in the area
contrast to call for the fire department. By 9:30
pm, the entire block was blazing. In
another 3 hours, there were fires all
• Problem and over Chicago. The heavy wind coming
solution from the lake only made the fire
bigger. It would be another day before
the fire would be completely out. By
that time, 17,500 buildings had been
burned.
 What’s the text structure?
Daniel Sullivan was the first to notice
• Chronological the flames coming from the O’Leary
order barn at around 8:30 pm on October 8.
A problem with the alarm box made it
impossible for the people in the area
to call for the fire department. By 9:30
pm, the entire block was blazing. In
another 3 hours, there were fires all
over Chicago. The heavy wind coming
from the lake only made the fire
bigger. It would be another day before
the fire would be completely out. By
that time, 17,500 buildings had been
burned.
 What’s the text structure?
Daniel Sullivan was the first to notice
• Chronological the flames coming from the O’Leary
order barn at around 8:30 pm on October 8.
A problem with the alarm box made it
impossible for the people in the area
to call for the fire department. By 9:30
pm, the entire block was blazing. In
another 3 hours, there were fires all
over Chicago. The heavy wind coming
from the lake only made the fire
bigger. It would be another day before
the fire would be completely out. By
that time, 17,500 buildings had been
burned.
 What’s the text structure?
Daniel Sullivan was the first to notice
• Chronological the flames coming from the O’Leary
order barn at around 8:30 pm on October 8.
A problem with the alarm box made it
impossible for the people in the area
• Notice how to call for the fire department. By 9:30
the paragraph pm, the entire block was blazing. In
shows how another 3 hours, there were fires all
over Chicago. The heavy wind coming
events happen from the lake only made the fire
in time order bigger. It would be another day before
the fire would be completely out. By
that time, 17,500 buildings had been
burned.
 What’s the text structure?
Daniel Sullivan was the first to notice
• Understanding the flames coming from the O’Leary
that this text is barn at around 8:30 pm on October 8.
written in A problem with the alarm box made it
chronological impossible for the people in the area
order can help to call for the fire department. By 9:30
you to pm, the entire block was blazing. In
another 3 hours, there were fires all
understand
over Chicago. The heavy wind coming
how the Great from the lake only made the fire
Fire started bigger. It would be another day before
the fire would be completely out. By
that time, 17,500 buildings had been
burned.
 Try another!
• Chronological Why was the Great Chicago Fire so
disastrous? After all, Chicago had fire
order departments and fire alarms. One
• Compare and reason for the terrible fire is that the
alarm malfunctioned. The local fire
contrast company noticed the fire by accident
• Cause and as it was returning from another fire.
As another problem, a watchman who
effect saw the flames directed other fire
• Problem and companies to a location that was nearly
solution a mile away from the fire. Because of
these two problems, a fire that could
• Main idea have been controlled rapidly spread
(description text structure / across the city.
collection text structure)
 Try another!
Why was the Great Chicago Fire so
disastrous? After all, Chicago had fire
• Compare and departments and fire alarms. One
contrast reason for the terrible fire is that the
alarm malfunctioned. The local fire
• Cause and company noticed the fire by accident
effect as it was returning from another fire.
As another problem, a watchman who
• Problem and saw the flames directed other fire
solution companies to a location that was nearly
a mile away from the fire. Because of
these two problems, a fire that could
have been controlled rapidly spread
across the city.
 Try another!
Why was the Great Chicago Fire so
disastrous? After all, Chicago had fire
departments and fire alarms. One
reason for the terrible fire is that the
• Cause and alarm malfunctioned. The local fire
effect company noticed the fire by accident
as it was returning from another fire.
As another problem, a watchman who
saw the flames directed other fire
companies to a location that was nearly
a mile away from the fire. Because of
these two problems, a fire that could
have been controlled rapidly spread
across the city.
 Try another!
Why was the Great Chicago Fire so
disastrous? After all, Chicago had fire
departments and fire alarms. One
reason for the terrible fire is that the
• Cause and alarm malfunctioned. The local fire
effect company noticed the fire by accident
• Notice how as it was returning from another fire.
As another problem, a watchman who
the causes (in saw the flames directed other fire
blue) lead to companies to a location that was nearly
the effect (in a mile away from the fire. Because of
these two problems, a fire that could
yellow) have been controlled rapidly spread
across the city.
 What text structure is here?
After the fire, thousands of people
• Chronological were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
order clothes on their backs. Providing all
• Compare and of these people with food, clean
contrast water, and shelter was a huge task.
Luckily, the city quickly formed a
• Cause and effect Relief and Aid Society. This group
• Problem and started giving out the food donations
solution that were pouring in from other
cities. The society built places for
• Main idea people to live, gathered the tools that
(description text structure / people needed to rebuild their
collection text structure) houses, and even vaccinated 64,000
people against smallpox.
 What text structure is here?
After the fire, thousands of people
• Chronological were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
order clothes on their backs. Providing all
of these people with food, clean
water, and shelter was a huge task.
• Cause and effect Luckily, the city quickly formed a
• Problem and Relief and Aid Society. This group
solution started giving out the food donations
that were pouring in from other
cities. The society built places for
people to live, gathered the tools that
people needed to rebuild their
houses, and even vaccinated 64,000
people against smallpox.
 What text structure is here?
After the fire, thousands of people
were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
• Problem and clothes on their backs. Providing all
solution of these people with food, clean
water, and shelter was a huge task.
Luckily, the city quickly formed a
Relief and Aid Society. This group
started giving out the food donations
that were pouring in from other
cities. The society built places for
people to live, gathered the tools that
people needed to rebuild their
houses, and even vaccinated 64,000
people against smallpox.
 What text structure is here?
After the fire, thousands of people
were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
• Problem and clothes on their backs. Providing all
solution of these people with food, clean
water, and shelter was a huge task.
Luckily, the city quickly formed a
• Here is the Relief and Aid Society. This group
problem started giving out the food donations
that were pouring in from other
cities. The society built places for
people to live, gathered the tools that
people needed to rebuild their
houses, and even vaccinated 64,000
people against smallpox.
 What text structure is here?
After the fire, thousands of people
were left homeless. Many escaped
the fire with nothing except the
• Problem and clothes on their backs. Providing all
solution of these people with food, clean
water, and shelter was a huge task.
Luckily, the city quickly formed a
• Here is the Relief and Aid Society. This group
solution started giving out the food donations
that were pouring in from other
cities. The society built places for
people to live, gathered the tools that
people needed to rebuild their
houses, and even vaccinated 64,000
people against smallpox.
 Can you find the text structure?
Chicago changed in many ways after
• Chronological the fire. Before the fire, most of the
buildings were less than five stories
order
high. The buildings that were
• Compare and constructed after the fire, however,
contrast were some of the first skyscrapers in
the country. Before the fire, most of
• Cause and effect the houses were made of wood. After
• Problem and the fire, people chose to build their
solution houses out of stone or brick. There were
changes in where people lived, as well.
• Main idea The poor people in the city lived close to
(description text structure / the center of the city before the fire.
collection text structure) After the fire, they moved into
neighborhoods that were farther away
from the downtown area.
 Can you find the text structure?
Chicago changed in many ways after
• Compare and the fire. Before the fire, most of the
buildings were less than five stories
contrast
high. The buildings that were
• Cause and effect constructed after the fire, however,
• Main idea were some of the first skyscrapers in
the country. Before the fire, most of
(description text structure /
the houses were made of wood. After
collection text structure)
the fire, people chose to build their
houses out of stone or brick. There were
changes in where people lived, as well.
The poor people in the city lived close to
the center of the city before the fire.
After the fire, they moved into
neighborhoods that were farther away
from the downtown area.
 Can you find the text structure?
Chicago changed in many ways after
• Compare and the fire. Before the fire, most of the
buildings were less than five stories
contrast
high. The buildings that were
constructed after the fire, however,
were some of the first skyscrapers in
the country. Before the fire, most of
the houses were made of wood. After
the fire, people chose to build their
houses out of stone or brick. There were
changes in where people lived, as well.
The poor people in the city lived close to
the center of the city before the fire.
After the fire, they moved into
neighborhoods that were farther away
from the downtown area.
 Can you find the text structure?
Chicago changed in many ways after
• Compare and the fire. Before the fire, most of the
buildings were less than five stories
contrast
high. The buildings that were
constructed after the fire, however,
Notice how were some of the first skyscrapers in
the country. Before the fire, most of
this paragraph is the houses were made of wood. After
comparing the fire, people chose to build their
Chicago houses out of stone or brick. There were
BEFORE the changes in where people lived, as well.
The poor people in the city lived close to
fire to Chicago
the center of the city before the fire.
AFTER the fire After the fire, they moved into
neighborhoods that were farther away
from the downtown area.
 Can you find the text structure?
Chicago changed in many ways after
• Compare and the fire. Before the fire, most of the
buildings were less than five stories
contrast
high. The buildings that were
constructed after the fire, however,
Notice how were some of the first skyscrapers in
the country. Before the fire, most of
this paragraph is the houses were made of wood. After
comparing the fire, people chose to build their
Chicago houses out of stone or brick. There were
BEFORE the changes in where people lived, as well.
The poor people in the city lived close to
fire to Chicago
the center of the city before the fire.
AFTER the fire After the fire, they moved into
neighborhoods that were farther away
from the downtown area.
 One more paragraph!
By Monday night, the town • Chronological
of Chicago was burning. order
People described it as • Compare and
terrible, but amazing. The contrast
flames were brighter than
• Cause and effect
anything people had ever
seen. The harsh winds swept • Problem and
the fire across the city with solution
terrible speed. For many • Main idea
who watched, it was a sight (description text structure /
to remember for the rest of collection text structure)
their lives.
 One more paragraph!
By Monday night, the town • Compare and
of Chicago was burning. contrast
People described it as • Cause and effect
terrible, but amazing. The
flames were brighter than
anything people had ever • Main idea
(description text structure /
seen. The harsh winds swept
collection text structure)
the fire across the city with
terrible speed. For many
who watched, it was a sight
to remember for the rest of
their lives.
 One more paragraph!
By Monday night, the town
of Chicago was burning. • Main idea
People described it as (description text structure /
terrible, but amazing. The collection text structure)
flames were brighter than
anything people had ever
seen. The harsh winds swept
the fire across the city with
terrible speed. For many
who watched, it was a sight
to remember for the rest of
their lives.
 One more paragraph!
By Monday night, the town
of Chicago was burning. • Main idea
People described it as (description text structure)
terrible, but amazing. The
flames were brighter than
anything people had ever
seen. The harsh winds swept
the fire across the city with
terrible speed. For many
who watched, it was a sight
to remember for the rest of
their lives.
 One more paragraph!
By Monday night, the town
of Chicago was burning. • Main idea
People described it as (description text structure)
terrible, but amazing. The
flames were brighter than • Notice the
anything people had ever main idea
seen. The harsh winds swept
the fire across the city with
terrible speed. For many
who watched, it was a sight
to remember for the rest of
their lives.
 One more paragraph!
By Monday night, the town
of Chicago was burning. • Main idea
People described it as (description text structure)
terrible, but amazing. The
flames were brighter than • Notice the main
anything people had ever idea
seen. The harsh winds swept
the fire across the city with
• The rest of the
terrible speed. For many sentences
who watched, it was a sight explain/describe
to remember for the rest of the main idea
their lives.
What have you learned about text
structures?

• Share your ideas with a partner

• Be sure to explain how you can find the text
structure of a paragraph
by Emily Kissner