Informational Text Structure-Study Island

Example of Process

Before you inflate your car's tires with air, you will need to know the recommended tire pressure for your tires. To find out this information, consult the owner's manual for your car. Then connect a tire gauge on the valve stem of each tire to check the air pressure. After you turn on the air pump, attach the pump hose to the valve stem of each tire to allow air to flow inside. Depending on the type of pump, you will more than likely need to squeeze a trigger on the hose to release the air. Periodically check the pressure on each tire after filling with a small amount of air to ensure that you aren't putting too much air in your tire. Doing so could damage your tire. If there is too much air in a tire, squeeze the button on the valve stem to release the excess air until your tires are inflated at the correct pressure.

Example of Question/Answer

Countries around the world are increasing their consumption of oil and are thinking about this question: Will there be enough to sustain everyone? Based on the quickly diminishing supplies of oil, countries will not have oil for very long. They first need to learn how to conserve oil . . .

Example of Order of Importance

Great chefs are experts in all culinary skills. These chefs know what techniques to use and how to use them well. The most important skill a good chef needs is the ability to follow a recipe. Although most chefs do not use recipes, they know the basics. Knowing the basics of recipes allows a chef to modify the recipes to his or her needs. The next best skill a chef should have is knowledge of different cultural foods. Food from other cultures exposes a chef to a variety of flavors, which can inspire his or her cooking.

Order of Importance

In this organizational pattern the author progresses from least to most important idea or from most to least important idea. Look for words like "first of all," "most important," "least important," etc.

Example of Parallel Construction

It is important to remember that you are the future of this country, that you are the future leaders of corporate America, that you are the future politicians and leaders in Washington, D.C.

Example of Ascending Order

Street lights should be placed at the Main and First intersection by school for many reasons. First, it allows students who walk to school a safe place to cross the street. It also will cut down on the number of minor car accidents that occur at that intersection, since Main street does not have any stop signs there. Finally, having that street light will force the traffic going by the school to slow down, which will keep all of our students—drivers, bike riders, and pedestrians—safer.

Example of cause and effect

That year, winter was tough on the coastal city of Pierce. The city's only pier broke in half because the waves had crashed heavily against it.

Example of chronological order

The first day of college orientation was bustling with activity. First, Hugh met his roommate for the first time. Then, he explored the campus to see where his classes were going to be. After that, Hugh attended the Freshman Extravaganza.

Example of Comparison/Contrast

The hiking trails in the Sierra Nevada are spectacular. They are better than the ones found in Colorado because they have many different kinds of trails. There are trails for new and experienced hikers alike.

Process

The text gives an explanation of how to do or make something. Recipes, game rules, scientific experiments, and how-to books are organized by this.

Problem/Solution

The text is split into two parts: One part presents a problem, and the other part gives the solution to the problem. Look for words like "problem," "solution," "solve," and "plan."

Comparison/Contrast

The text shows how ideas or things are alike or different. Look for words like "best," "more," "better," "less," "worse," "easier," "than."

Cause/Effect

The text shows that one event causes another thing to happen. Look for words like "because," "then," "since," and "as a result."

Main Idea/Anecdote

The writer first states his or her main idea and then supports the point with anecdotes or examples. This kind of text structure is used most often in essay writing.

Question/Answer

The writer presents a question and then tries to answer it.

Spatial Order

The writer presents items according to their location. Look for words like "over," "under," "beside," "next to," "behind," "left," "right," "above," "top," and "bottom."

Parallel Construction

This is when a writer uses repeated phrasing or sentence structure. This kind of text structure is used most often in speeches or persuasive writing, as the parallelism and repeating phrases emphasize the point the speaker or writer is trying to make.

Example of Problem/Solution

Twelve parks are currently located in the city of Chesapeake. In the years past, the parks were maintained by the city's parks and recreation department. However, the city had to cut most of the department's budget. Now, a very number of employees have to take care of these 12 parks. The city proposed that its citizens help out with their local park's maintenance. The city asked citizens to throw away trash and to not damage the parks' facilities. In turn, the city will cut the grass and trim foliage. The problem in this passage can be summed up by this question: How can Chesapeake continue to maintain its parks? The solution: Encourage citizens to help with the upkeep of the parks.

Ascending Order

When a writer organizes this way, he or she progresses from the least to most important idea. The most important idea the writer wants the reader to remember is saved for last, so that it will stick in the reader's mind the strongest. This kind of structure is often used in persuasive writing.

Descending Order

When a writer organizes this way, he or she progresses from the most important or largest idea to the least important idea. This style of writing is used most often in news stories, where the first sentence answers the 5 W's: who, what, when, where, why.

Example of Spatial Order

With my head and body resting on the wall, I stood in the garage surveying all the junk. I knew Mom wanted me to move things so that her car would park easily in there. Next to me stood a row of shelves that housed motor oil, garden tools, car wax, tools, and various odds and ends. To my left, two bicycles rested gently against the wall. In the middle of the garage were two rows of boxes stacked six feet high. To my right, the lawn mower, weed eater, leaf blower, and a golf bag took up the spot where Mom wanted to park her car. I knew finding a space for everything was going to be a challenge.

Example of Main Idea/Anecdote

Wolves should not be feared by humans. One wolf expert lived peacefully with wolves for almost a decade.

Example of Descending Order

Yesterday at 5:15 AM, firefighters in Longview responded to a five-alarm fire at the Merryville apartment complex on Leightner Avenue. It took firefighters three hours to put out the blaze. Three separate buildings and fifteen units were destroyed, but no one was badly injured. Four residents were taken to the hospital after suffering smoke inhalation. The local chapter of the Red Cross will be assisting residents until they can be placed in a new unit. The cause of the fire is not known.

chronological order

a method of speech organization in which the main points follow a time pattern, the writer places events in the order in which they happen. Look for words like "first," "then," "finally," "a few minutes later," "next," "after lunch," "last year."

When you understand how the writer has organized information,

you will understand and remember the text better. Writers organize text in several different ways to fit their purposes.