Nonfiction: Text Structure Flashcards

A passage reads: 'Many schools do not have enough books. To fix this problem, the school held a book drive and collected 500 new books.' What text structure is used?

Answer: Problem and solution

The passage states a problem (not enough books) and then presents a solution (book drive), which is problem and solution structure.

Which text structure would BEST help a reader understand the steps for planting a garden?

Answer: Sequence

Planting a garden involves following steps in a specific order, so sequence text structure works best.

A nonfiction passage uses the words 'similarly' and 'both' several times. What text structure is MOST likely being used?

Answer: Compare and contrast

'Similarly' and 'both' are signal words for compare and contrast, showing how two things are alike.

An author describes a tornado: its shape, size, color, wind speed, and sound. What text structure is the author using?

Answer: Description

Listing the features and characteristics of a tornado is description text structure.

Which graphic organizer BEST matches sequence text structure?

Answer: Flowchart with arrows

A flowchart with arrows shows events or steps in order from beginning to end, matching sequence structure.

A student reads: 'Heavy rain caused the river to overflow. As a result, many roads were flooded.' What text structure is used?

Answer: Cause and effect

'Caused' and 'as a result' are signal words showing that the rain led to flooding, which is cause and effect.

Why is it helpful to identify the text structure of a nonfiction passage before reading?

Answer: It helps you predict how information will be organized

Knowing the text structure helps readers predict how ideas will be arranged, making the passage easier to understand.