Monday 11-07-11

TEXT STRUCTURE

MONDAY

The term “text structure” refers to how information is organized in a passage.  The structure of a text can change multiple times in a work and even within a paragraph.  

You are often required to identify text structures on state reading tests; therefore, it is important that you are given exposure to the various patterns of organization. 

There are seven commonly used patterns of organization: 

1.      Cause and Effect: the results of something are explained.

Example:

The dodo bird used to roam in large flocks across America.  Interestingly, the dodo wasn’t startled by gun shot.  Because of this, frontiersmen would kill entire flocks in one sitting.  Unable to sustain these attacks, the dodo was hunted to extinction.

2.      Chronological: information in the passage is organized in order of time.

Example:

Jack and Jill ran up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his arms and Jill came running after.

3.      Compare and Contrast: two or more things are described.  Their similarities and differences are discussed.

Example:

Linux and Windows are both operating systems.  Computers use them to run programs.  Linux is totally free and open source, so users can improve or otherwise modify the source code.  Windows is proprietary, so it costs money to use and users are prohibited from altering the source code.

4.      Order of Importance: information is expressed as a hierarchy or in priority.

Example:

Here are the three worst things that you can do when you meet someone for the first time.  

1.   Tell jokes that aren’t funny and laugh really hard to yourself.  This will make you look bad. 

2.   Offend the other person.  One bad “joke” may cause this person to lash out at you, hence ruining the moment. 

3.   Appear slovenly.  By not showering and properly grooming, you may repulse the other person, and this is the worst thing that you can do.

5.      Problem and Solution: a problem is described and a response or solution is proposed or explained.

Example:

Thousands of people die each year in car accidents involving alcohol.  Lives could be saved if our town adopts a free public taxi service.  By providing such a service, we could prevent intoxicated drivers from endangering themselves or others.

6.      Sequence / Process Writing: information is organized in steps or a process is explained in the order in which it occurs.

Example:

Eating cereal is easy.  First, get out your materials.  Next, pour your cereal in the bowl, add milk, and enjoy.

7.      Spatial / Descriptive Writing: information is organized in order of space (top to bottom, left to right). 

Example:

When you walk into my bedroom there is a window facing you.  To the right of that is a dresser and television and on the other side of the window is my bed.