Understanding Text Structures in Nonfiction

Read the following nonfiction passage: "Many animals migrate to survive. For example, monarch butterflies travel from North America to central Mexico each fall to escape the cold. Similarly, gray whales swim thousands of miles from the Arctic to the warm waters of Mexico to give birth." Which text structure is used in this passage?

• Cause and Effect

• Compare and Contrast

• Chronological Order

• Problem and Solution

What is the main idea of the following passage? "Cell phones have changed the way people communicate. In the past, people relied on letters and landline phones. Now, instant messaging and video calls are common, making communication faster and more convenient."

• Cell phones are expensive.

• Communication has become slower.

• Cell phones have transformed communication methods.

• Letters are still the best way to communicate.

Based on the passage below, what is the author’s primary purpose? "Recycling helps reduce waste in landfills and conserves natural resources. By sorting paper, plastic, and glass, individuals can make a significant impact on the environment."

• To entertain readers with a story

• To persuade readers to recycle

• To describe the history of recycling

• To compare recycling and composting

Which text structure would be most effective for explaining the steps in a scientific experiment?

• Chronological Order

• Cause and Effect

• Problem and Solution

• Description

Read the sentence: "The drought led to a severe shortage of crops, causing food prices to rise across the country." What is the relationship between the drought and rising food prices?

• Sequence

• Cause and Effect

• Compare and Contrast

• Description

A passage describes the similarities and differences between electric cars and gasoline cars. Which text structure is being used, and why might the author choose this structure?

• Chronological Order, to show events in time

• Compare and Contrast, to highlight pros and cons

• Problem and Solution, to present a problem

• Description, to provide details

Given two passages, one using chronological order and the other using cause and effect, how might the effectiveness of each structure differ when explaining a historical event?

• Chronological order is better for showing sequence, while cause and effect is better for explaining reasons and outcomes.

• Both are equally effective for all purposes.

• Cause and effect is only useful for fiction.

• Chronological order is never effective.

Read the sentence: "After the heavy rainfall, the river overflowed, flooding nearby homes." What can you infer about the impact of the rainfall?

• The rainfall had no effect.

• The rainfall caused significant damage.

• The river was always overflowing.

• The homes were already flooded.

A nonfiction passage describes the process of photosynthesis step by step. Why is this structure effective for explaining the topic?

• It allows the author to compare different plants.

• It helps readers understand the sequence of events in the process.

• It focuses on the causes of photosynthesis.

• It describes the problems with photosynthesis.

If an author wants to show how two inventions have impacted society differently, which text structure should they use, and what is the benefit of this choice?

• Description; it provides detailed imagery.

• Compare and Contrast; it highlights differences and similarities.

• Chronological Order; it shows events over time.

• Cause and Effect; it explains reasons for inventions.