Text Structures

This type of writing considers similarities and differences.

• description
• compare & contrast
• order & sequence
• cause & effect

In this type of writing the reader will find words/phrases such as a problem is, solve,or solution.

• cause & effect
• problem & solution
• order & sequence
• compare & contrast

This type of writing gives information step-by-step.

• cause & effect
• problem & solution
• order & sequence 
• compare & contrast

This type of writing is usually in chronological order.

• cause & effect
• problem & solution
• order & sequence
• compare & contrast

Every morning, I wake up at about 7:00 AM. The first thing I do is make my bed and pick out the clothes I’m going to wear. Then, I brush my teeth and take a shower. After my shower, I dry my hair and get dressed.

• description
• compare & contrast
• order & sequence
• problem & solution

Students who are frequently absent often have lower average grades than those who have good attendance. When they are out of the classroom, students do notget to see a teacher’s lessons. Even if they attend extra help, it’s usually much shorter and less detailed than the actual lesson. In addition, frequently absent students often miss tests or other assignments and don’t always make up the work.

• problem & solution
• order & sequence 
• compare & contrast
• cause & effect

While oranges and lemons are both citrus fruits that grow on trees, they are different colors and have very different tastes.

• description
• compare & contrast
• order & sequence 
• problem & solution

The school hallway carried the smell of wax, varnish, and cleaning supplies. Bright,yellow light glared into the hall through the freshly cleaned windows. This highlighted the deep scrapes in the lockers, the chips in the wall tiles, and the spider webs hanging in the corner.

• description
• compare & contrast
• order & sequence
• problem & solution

Before editing your writing, the first step should be to revise. Begin by reading each paragraph separately, and then find the topic sentence for each one. Next, make sure all the sentences relate to that topic sentence. Finally, look at how the paragraphs work together. Make sure there are transitional words between each paragraph so your writing flows together smoothly.

• order & sequence
• descriptive
• compare & contrast
• problem & solution

This type of structure says why something happens and describes what happened.

• cause and effect

• problem/solution

• sequence

• description