Analyzing Author's Craft and Text Structure in Informational Texts Flashcards

An author opens an article about climate change with a striking statistic about rising sea levels before exploring causes and solutions. What structural technique is the author using?

Answer: Hook followed by problem-solution structure

Using a striking statistic as an opening hook draws readers in before the author transitions into a problem-solution structure.

When an author uses transitional phrases like 'as a result' and 'consequently,' what relationship between ideas is being signaled?

Answer: Cause and effect

'As a result' and 'consequently' are signal words that indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between ideas.

A science journalist includes a sidebar with definitions of technical terms alongside the main article. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this text feature?

Answer: To provide supplemental information that aids comprehension

Sidebars with glossary definitions supplement the main text by clarifying technical vocabulary without interrupting the flow of the article.

An author writing about the history of jazz includes headings such as 'The Birth of Jazz,' 'The Swing Era,' and 'Modern Jazz.' What text structure does this most clearly indicate?

Answer: Chronological order

Headings that mark distinct historical periods indicate a chronological structure organizing events in time order.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a topic sentence in an informational paragraph?

Answer: To introduce the main idea of the paragraph

A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph, preparing the reader for the supporting details that follow.

An author writes: 'While solar energy has grown rapidly, it still faces significant storage challenges.' What rhetorical purpose does the word 'while' serve?

Answer: It signals a contrast between two ideas

'While' is a contrast signal word that acknowledges one fact while introducing a contrasting or limiting idea.

An informational text includes a graph showing population growth alongside a paragraph discussing urbanization. How does the graph function in relation to the paragraph?

Answer: It provides visual evidence that supports and clarifies the written content

Graphs in informational texts serve to visually represent data that supports and makes the written content more concrete and understandable.