Targeting Text Structure & More:

Improving Challenging Reading Skills

Learning
to read
the
Signs
and
Clues

Pencils Down!
Analyze the following
image.
You will be asked to reproduce this
in a moment

You have one minute to draw!

After 1 minute-pencils down and
click forward to see how well you
did!

Kristi Orcutt, kristio@essdack.org, 2007

So how
did you
do?

Try again!
Pencils Down!
Analyze the following
image.

You will be asked to reproduce this

in a moment

You have one minute to draw!

Kristi Orcutt, kristio@essdack.org, 2007

Which picture did you do

better with?
Why?
Can you give me an
answer with the word
STRUCTURE?

Most Recognize

Fiction Structure:

gA
cti
o
sin
Ri

Climax
Problem
hits it
peak!

on
c ti g
g A lvin
llin so
Fa gin m
be oble
pr

It goes in order, or sequence or

Middle
chronologically!

Beginning

End

Exposition

Resolution

But
What are Nonfiction
Text Structures?
Organizational patterns used in writing

1.Sequence/Chronological
2.Cause and Effect
3.Comparison and Contrast
4.Problem and Solution

Kristi Orcutt, kristio@essdack.org, 2007

1. Golden Eagles are apt to hunt for prey while in

contrast Bald Eagles are more likely to take an
easy meal.
2. Many Bald Eagles were killed by pesticides and
illegal hunting last year. This is leading to the
becoming in danger of being extinct.
3. Golden Eagles are powerful raptors with large dark
brown bodies and small heads and golden crowns.

4. Golden Eagles soar high along the ridge near

their nests. First they search for prey, then
when it is spotted they swoop down. Finally,
they attack their prey quickly.
5. Raptor species have been declining. In order
to solve this issue scientists have been taking
wild bird eggs to raise in captivity which has
helped increase the number of birds.

Teaching Text Structures

1. can often be identified by
certain clue or signal words
2. Using graphic organizers will help
you organize what the text is trying
to teach
Compare and Contrast
Venn Diagram:
Signal Words: alike, different, similar,
same
as, both, in contrast,
differ
Kristi Orcutt, kristio@essdack.org, 2007

Chronological or Sequential
Information is organized in order of time.
Chrono = time
Logic = order
Signal Words: first, next, last, later, before,
after, finally, initially, at the same time,
another, then

ALL stories are told chronologically.

Cause and Effect

An action and its results are explained.
Cause

Effect

Signal Words: because, accordingly, therefore, for

this reason, if..then, since, so that, because, effect,
as a result, consequently, nevertheless, in order to,
thus, may be due to
Wont have a beginning, middle, and end.
Time wont progress much.

Compare and Contrast

Tells how two things are similar and different.
Signal Words: different, contrast, alike, although, however, instead, same, either, similar, compared, on the other hand, on the contrary,
as opposed to , while, unless, but not, resemble

Alike

Different

Scholastic

Problem and Solution

A problem and answer are suggested.
Signal Words: problem, conflict, issue, solution, solve, question
answer, dilemma, puzzle, therefore, as a result, thereby, because of

Problem

Solution

Dont confuse with cause and effect.

It is presented as a PROBLEM.