Download Internal Text Structures

What is Internal Text Structure?
Internal Text Structures
Name____________________________
Text Structure
Concept/Definition
Listing/Enumeration
Cause/Effect
Chronological/Sequential
Definition
The purpose of
the text is to
define a concept
using
appropriate
supporting
details.
The purpose of
the passage is to
list specific
points or
examples about
a topic.
The purpose of
the passage is to
show the cause
or causes of an
outcome OR to
show the
effect(s) of an
event.
The passage
shows the time
order in which
events occurred.
What to
Look For
Internal Text Structure is the way the
ideas in a text are organized.
Example
“such as”
“for example”
“that is”
Global warming is a looming threat to the world. Just what is it?
Scientists agree that global warming refers to the increase in
the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and
oceans in recent decades and its projected continuation.
Punctuation:
--a bulleted list
--a list in a
sentence
separated by
commas
“because”
“since”
“due to”
“therefore”
“so”
Climate change is endangering many species of animals. Polar
bears and tigers are only two of the many species that are
threatened by global warming. Also affected by changes to the
environment are such diverse animals as salmon, penguins,
and corals.
“first…second…”
“then”
“before”
“after”
“next”
“finally”
Climate change poses potentially devastating effects on the
environment and people’s lives all over the world. Not only are
temperatures rising due to increased levels of carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere, climate change also is creating a rise in sea
level and a decline in glaciers. Climate changes are producing
more drought, intensified flooding, increased hurricane
intensity, and other extreme weather events that put people at
risk.
Can human activity change the climate? As early as 1896, a
scientist published his theory that burning fossil fuels like coal
raised Earth’s average temperature. By the 1930s, the United
States had warmed significantly, but most people thought it was
just a phase. During the 1950s and 60s, scientists began to
measure the level of carbon dioxide that was building up in the
atmosphere. From the 1970s through the beginning of the
twenty-first century, scientists continued to do research. Since
then, more and more sophisticated computer models have
assisted scientists in improving their understanding of global
The purpose of
the passage is
to show
similarities and
differences
between two
things.
“more than”
“less than”
“similarly”
“in contrast”
“however”
Problem/Solution
The passage
describes a
problem and its
solution(s).
Look for a
problem
mentioned in the
beginning of the
text. These texts
might have a
question-andanswer format.
Process
The purpose of
“begins with”
the text is to
“in order to”
delineate the
procedure or
process
for how
something is
done/created,
e.g., cookbooks,
science labs,
etc.
Compare/Contrast
warming. This has led to increased interest around the world in
finding solutions to the problem of global warming.
Every two years the World Monuments Fund lists 100 of the
most endangered sites around the world. Many of these are in
North America, but not all. The United States is home to more
endangered sites than any other country. Still, close behind the
seven sites in the U.S. are six in Peru and five each in India and
Turkey. Many of the sites are affected by climate changes. Not
all sites are endangered by climate, though. Some, like Iraq
and Afghanistan, are threatened by political unrest. Some sites
are even threatened by their popularity with tourists. The Incan
ruins in Machu Picchu are one such site. One thing, however,
is certain. No matter where they are located or the cause of the
danger to these cultural landmarks, it is equally important that
they be preserved for the future.
One group that is working to reduce the effects of climate
change is the WWF (World Wildlife Fund). They are doing
extensive research and trying to find creative solutions to this
serious problem. The organization is focusing on four main
ways to stop climate change. They are: creating responsible
policies to reduce global warming, encouraging businesses to
reduce carbon dioxide emissions, protecting forests that can
help lower the damaging effects of climate change, and helping
high-risk communities create plans to lower the impact of global
warming on their ecosystems. By encouraging these solutions,
the WWF believes that it can protect wildlife from future
devastation caused by global warming.
Mexican Chicken Fajitas
Directions
1. Cut peppers and onion into thin slices. Do not dice, leave slices long and thin.
2. Saute peppers and onion in a small amount of oil until tender. Add mushrooms
and chicken. Continue to cook on low heat until heated through. Stir in dry salad
dressing mix and blend thoroughly.
3. Warm tortillas and roll mixture inside. If desired top with shredded cheddar
cheese, diced tomato and shredded lettuce.
Generalization or principle
The purpose of
the text is to
organize
information into
general
statements with
supporting
details.
“always” “in fact”
The penny is getting a makeover. The United States Mint
revealed four new designs for the 1-cent piece. They will be
issued to celebrate the coming bicentennial of President
Abraham Lincoln's birth.