Text+Structure

=Text Structure= Readers of all ages must be aware of text structures if they are to be most successful (Meyer, 2003). The structure or organization of the text is the arrangement of ideas and the relationships among the ideas (Armbruster, 2004). Readers who are unaware of the text structures are at a disadvantage because they do not approach reading with any type of reading plan (Meyer, Brandt, & Bluth, 1980). However, readers who are familiar with text structures expect the information to unfold in certain ways (RAND Reading Study Group, 2002). Most expository texts are structured to facilitate the study process for prospective readers. These texts contain structural elements that help guide students through their reading. Authors of expository texts use these structures to arrange and connect ideas. Students who understand the idea of text structure and how to analyze it are likely to learn more than students who lack this understanding. The ability to identify and analyze these text structures in expository texts helps readers to comprehend the text more easily and retain it longer.
 * Description-The author describes a topic.
 * Sequence-The author uses numerical or chronological order to list items or events.
 * Compare/contrast-The author compares and contrasts two or more similar events, topics, or objects.
 * Cause/effect-The author delineates one or more causes and then describes the ensuing effects.
 * Problem/solution-The author poses a problem or question and then gives the answer.

= Sequence = **// What does Sequence of Events mean? //** The word "sequence" means to put something in order from first to last. Sequence of events in a story is the order in which the events happen.

**// Why is Sequence of Events an important reading strategy? //** Knowing the sequence of events in a story helps us to picture what is happening and when. It helps make the story clear and easy to follow. When events are not in order, the story becomes blurry and hard to follow. We also use sequence of events to understand how to do daily activities like following a list of directions when cooking or building something.

**// How do we use sequence of events to help us understand what we are reading? //** As you read, ask yourself, "What happened first? What happened next?" Look for sequence words such as: first, next, before, after, then, and finally. Picture the story in your mind as you are reading. Think about what the character did first, second, and so forth.

= Cause and Effect = **​** **// What does Cause and Effect mean? //** Many times when one event happens it causes something else to happen. The cause is the first event that makes another event happen. The effect is the event or events following the first event that happened.

**// Why is Cause and Effect an important reading strategy? //** Understanding cause and effect helps us to make connections with why events happen. It helps us to think about what will, or might happen because of something else. In life we have to think about the consequences of our actions. Understanding cause and effect helps us to make better choices.

**// How do we use cause and effect to help us understand what we are reading? //** As you read, ask yourself, "What Happened?" and "Why?" The answer to "What happened?" tells you the effect. The answer to "Why?" tells you the cause. Look for signal words such as: because, so, as a result, since, and therefore = **Compare and Contrast** = **// What does Compare and Contrast mean? //** Compare is to think about how two things are alike. Contrast is to think about how two things are different.

**// Why is Compare and Contrast an important reading strategy? //** Understanding similarities and differences helps us to connect ideas together. We can learn about something new by using compare and contrast with something we know more about. Being able compare and contrast helps us to make a better decision when choosing between two things.

**// How do we use Compare and Contrast to help us understand what we are reading? //** As you read, ask the question, "How are these two things the same? How are these two things different?" Look for signal words such as: alike, both, also, difference, on the other hand, and unlike.

= **Problem and Solution** = **// What does Problem and Solution mean? //** The Problem in a fiction story is the obstacle the character must overcome. The Character usually has to make decisions about how they are going to solve the problem.

**// Why is Problem and Solution an important strategy? //** The problem of the story is like the meat on a sandwich. It is what makes the story interesting and gives the story a plot.

**// How do we use Problem and Solution to help us understand what we are reading? //** When the characters are working through their problem, we learn what kind of person they are. We learn how they deal with difficult situations. The characters show their feelings when they are solving their problems, so we get interested in what will happen to them at the end of the story.

=Description= //** What does Description mean? **// The author describes a topic by listing characteristics, features, attributes, and examples.

Description text structure supplies the supporting details to the main ideas.
 * // Why is Description an important strategy? //**

Subtitles (a text feature) could help you organize your thoughts/summary of the text.
 * // How do we use Description to help us understand what we are reading? //**