PARA 131 - Reading Comprehension: Informative Texts: Informative Text Elements / Page 1

Fact

A fact is something that can be verified with information or proved by experience or experimentation.

Topic Sentences

A topic sentence is a sentence found in the text that gives the reader the main idea of the text's content.

Opinion

An opinion is a confidently held belief or conclusion, which cannot be verified with information or proved by experience or experimentation.

Q3. This paragraph is an example of which informative text structure? As a result of the Law of April 6, 1830, issues of states' rights, the Battle of Gonzales, and the colonists feeling their rights as individuals were infringed upon, Mexico and the Texas colonists engaged in a revolution that changed the course of history.

Cause and effect. You are correct! A cause and effect text structure lists one or more causes and the resulting effects.

Q1. This passage is an example of which informative text structure? There are several characteristics which distinguish plants from animals. Green plants are able to manufacture their own food from substances in the environment. This process is known as photosynthesis. In contrast, animals, including man, get their food either directly from plants or indirectly by eating animals which have eaten plants. Plants are generally stationary. Animals, on the other hand, can usually move about. In external appearance, plants are usually green. They grow in a branching fashion at their extremities, and their growth continues throughout their lives. Animals, however, are very diverse in their external appearance. Their growth pattern is not limited to their extremities. It is evenly distributed and only occurs in a definite time period.

Comparison. You are correct! A comparison text structure shows how things are similar or different.

Q2. This paragraph is an example of which informative text structure? Immigrants began to arrive in Texas to farm cotton. Then Robert Munger developed a new cotton ginning process. Soon after the railroad system became a major transport of cotton.

Sequence. You are correct! A sequence text structure lists items or events in order.

Supporting Details

Supporting details are the sentences that explain, support, and develop the topic sentence.

Closing Sentences

The closing sentence wraps up a paragraph by restating the main idea.

Main Ideas

The main idea is the central thought of the passage or text. The main idea may be stated in the topic sentence. When defining the main idea, express it in a phrase or statement.

Q1. Which of the following sentences is the topic sentence in this paragraph? The zoo is a great place to see and experience new things. At the zoo, I may see many different kinds of animals. Some of these animals I might have seen before. Some of them may be new to me. Many people visit the zoo, so it is important to follow the rules so that everyone can have fun! While I am visiting the zoo, I need to remember to respect the animals I see. I may look at the animals in their habitats, but I may not tap or bang on the glass. Learning about the animals and their habitat is important, but I must remember to follow the adult's directions. It is their job to keep me safe and make sure I have fun! The zoo is a great place to see and experience new things. You are correct! The topic sentence gives the reader the main idea of the text's content. I may see many different kinds of animals. Some of these animals I might have seen before. Some of them may be new to me. It is important to follow the rules so that everyone can have fun! While I am visiting the zoo, I need to remember to respect the animals I see.

The zoo is a great place to see and experience new things. You are correct! The topic sentence gives the reader the main idea of the text's content.

In general, an informative text

informs, explains, describes, presents information, or persuades.

A paragraph is a group of sentences (______ or more) about the same topic.

three

Q5. This paragraph is an example of which informative text structure? The lemur has a moist nose and a cleft upper lip. It has a striking fox-like muzzle and a good sense of smell. Most lemurs have nails on the fingers and toes, except for the second toe, which bears a claw. This is called the "toilet claw," because it is used in grooming. Lemurs also groom their fur with the tongue and the lower front teeth, which slant outward almost horizontally. Generally speaking, lemurs and their relatives are small mammals with thick or woolly hair and large eyes. Some have long bushy tails; others, rat-like tails; a few only a stub.

Description. You are correct! A description text structure shares the features, characteristics, or examples of a topic.

Q2. Which of the following sentences provides supporting details in this paragraph? The zoo is a great place to see and experience new things. At the zoo, I may see many different kinds of animals. Some of these animals I might have seen before. Some of them may be new to me. Many people visit the zoo, so it is important to follow the rules so that everyone can have fun! While I am visiting the zoo, I need to remember to respect the animals I see. I may look at the animals in their habitats, but I may not tap or bang on the glass. Learning about the animals and their habitat is important, but I must remember to follow the adult's directions. It is their job to keep me safe and make sure I have fun! The zoo is a great place to see and experience new things. Many people visit the zoo. You are correct! Supporting details are the sentences that explain, support, and develop the topic sentence. While I am visiting the zoo, I need to remember to respect the animals I see. I may look at the animals in their habitats, but I may not tap or bang on the glass. You are correct! Supporting details are the sentences that explain, support, and develop the topic sentence. Learning about the animals and their habitat is important, but I must remember to follow the adult's directions.

Many people visit the zoo. You are correct! Supporting details are the sentences that explain, support, and develop the topic sentence. While I am visiting the zoo, I need to remember to respect the animals I see. I may look at the animals in their habitats, but I may not tap or bang on the glass. You are correct! Supporting details are the sentences that explain, support, and develop the topic sentence.

Q4. This paragraph is an example of which informative text structure? America suffered various setbacks under the Articles of Confederation. They soon realized a new form of government was necessary for the success of the states. The United States Constitution was created, a president was elected, and a supreme court and representative congress were formed.

Problem and solution. You are correct! A problem and solution text structure states a problem with one or more solutions.