Reading Comprehension Text Structure and Organization

Question 1

A passage describes how the invention of the printing press led to the spread of literacy. What text structure is being used?

Accepted Answer

Cause and effect

Answer

The passage explains how one event (the printing press) caused another outcome (spread of literacy), which is cause-and-effect structure.

Question 2

A paragraph first describes a city's traffic congestion and then proposes building a new subway line. What text structure does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Problem and solution

Answer

Presenting an issue followed by a proposed remedy is the classic problem-and-solution text structure.

Question 3

Which signal word BEST indicates a compare-and-contrast text structure?

Accepted Answer

Similarly

Answer

'Similarly' signals comparison between two ideas, which is characteristic of compare-and-contrast structure.

Question 4

A passage lists the steps for conducting a science experiment in the order they must be performed. What text structure is this?

Accepted Answer

Sequential/Chronological

Answer

When a text presents steps or events in the order they occur, it uses sequential or chronological structure.

Question 5

An author uses vivid sensory details to describe the sights, sounds, and smells of a busy marketplace. What text structure best describes this paragraph?

Accepted Answer

Descriptive

Answer

Using sensory details to paint a picture of a subject is the hallmark of descriptive text structure.

Reading Comprehension Practice Test

Reading Comprehension Practice Test

Reading Comprehension Text Structure and Organization