Comparing Structure in Information Texts
Compare and contrast the overall structure of events, ideas, concepts, or information in two or more informational texts, identifying patterns such as chronology, comparison, cause/effect, or problem/solution
What a learner can do afterwards
- Identify the organisational structure of two texts on the same topic
- Explain how one text uses cause/effect while another uses problem/solution to present information
- Analyse why an author chose a particular structure for their informational text
The lesson
You already know that information texts can be organised in different ways: time order, comparison, cause and effect, or problem and solution. Now compare two texts on the very same topic. Even when the topic matches, the authors can pick different structures to present it.
Two texts are both about disappearing bees. Text A names the problem, fewer bees every year, then lists solutions like planting more flowers. Text B explains the causes of the bee decline and the effects on nearby crops. Same topic, two different structures.
Look for clue words. First, next, and then point to time order. Because, so, and as a result point to cause and effect. Problem and solution point to problem/solution structure. Unlike, both, and in contrast point to comparison.
Authors pick the structure that fits their purpose. A writer explaining how a storm forms often uses time order, since the stages happen in sequence. A writer trying to convince you to act often uses problem and solution.
The same topic can be organised in different ways, and clue words help you spot which structure each text uses.
Watch it
Where it sits
Learn first
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Where this leads
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.