How Is the Information Built?

Every text has a structure—like the blueprint of a building. Recognizing how a passage is organized helps you follow the author’s ideas and remember what you read.

Common Text Structures

• Chronological: Events in order by time.
• Cause and Effect: Shows reasons and results.
• Compare and Contrast: Points out similarities and differences.
• Problem and Solution: Presents an issue and how it’s solved.
• Description: Gives details about a topic.

Finding the Structure

Look for signal words, like “first,” “because,” “however,” or “as a result,” to figure out the organization.

Why It’s Useful

Understanding structure lets you quickly locate information and better comprehend complex passages.

Real-World Example

Knowing text structures helps you write organized essays and read instructions or manuals more effectively.