Text Structures

Text structures

How Informational and Non-Fiction Texts are organized

1. Description

2. Sequence

3. Cause & Effect

4. compare & Contrast

5. Problem/Solution

1. Description

The writer provides information or an idea with supporting details

Keywords: - for example - also - to show

Example using “Harrison Bergeron”

Example using “Harrison Bergeron”

In the short story, “Harrison Bergeron”, people are divided up into categories; below average, average, and above average. The goal of this society is to have everyone be on an equal playing field. To do this, above-average citizens are given handicaps to lower their physical or mental abilities. Those who are average or below average are left alone. There are many ways that above-average citizens are different from other citizens. Above-average citizens who have a high intelligence must wear an earpiece that will emit disturbing sounds. These sounds are very distracting and cause the citizen to stop thinking. However, average and below-average citizens do not have to wear this earpiece since they are not capable of forming intelligent thoughts that could destroy society. Above-average citizens cannot be physically more fit or beautiful than the below/average citizen. A difference the government gives above-average citizens is to wear a weighted vest if they are physically fit. Citizens who are considered beautiful must wear masks to hide this beauty. Although life is not fair for the above average, all citizens are under the control of the US Handicapper General. These handicaps allow all citizens to be equal. No one is smarter or stronger or prettier than the other.

2. Sequence

Events are listed in the order they happened

Keywords: - then - finally - next - before/after - first, second, etc

Example using “Harrison Bergeron”

Example using “Harrison Bergeron”

“Harrison Bergeron” begins in the year 2081 and paints an image of a country where everybody is equal. First, we are introduced to George and Hazel, who are comfortably watching ballerinas dance on TV. As they are watching TV, George’s thoughts keep getting disrupted with a buzzing sound in his head. George and Hazel briefly discuss taking a break from the handicaps, but George knows this is not a possibility. Next, the show is interrupted to announce that Harrison has escaped from jail. Harrison appears on the TV show breaking out of his handicaps and announcing he is the Emperor. Then, before Harrison can create any more drama, he is shot by the Handicap General. Finally, the story ends back in the living room with George and Hazel. They cannot remember what has happened, only that it was sad. George tells Hazel to forget the sad things.

3. Cause & Effect

Shows the relationships between events, ideas, and trends

Keywords: - because - if, then - since - as a result of - for this reason

Example using “The Stolen Party”

Example using “The Stolen Party”

As a result of the mother’s strong reaction when hearing about Rosaura’s invitation to the party, I theorize that she may have gone through a similar experience. For instance, her mother yells, “Get away with you, believing any nonsense you are told” (1). Since this seems like an overreaction, this could possibly be stirring up old emotions for her. If she was hurt by a similar situation in the past, it would make sense that she does not want her daughter to endure the same pain.

4. Compare & Contrast

Looks at similarities and differences in two or more subjects. Organized by subject OR by points

Keywords: - different from - same as - similar - although - however - on the other hand

Example using “Harrison Bergeron”

Example using “Harrison Bergeron”

In the short story, “Harrison Bergeron”, people are divided up into categories; below average, average, and above average. The goal of this society is to have everyone be on an equal playing field. To do this, above-average citizens are given handicaps to lower their physical or mental abilities. Those who are average or below average are left alone. There are many ways that above-average citizens are different from other citizens. Above-average citizens who have a high intelligence must wear an earpiece that will emit disturbing sounds. These sounds are very distracting and cause the citizen to stop thinking. However, average and below-average citizens do not have to wear this earpiece since they are not capable of forming intelligent thoughts that could destroy society. Above-average citizens cannot be physically more fit or beautiful than the below/average citizen. A difference the government gives above-average citizens is to wear a weighted vest if they are physically fit. Citizens who are considered beautiful must wear masks to hide this beauty. Although life is not fair for the above average, all citizens are under the control of the US Handicapper General. These handicaps allow all citizens to be equal. No one is smarter or stronger or prettier than the other.

5. Problem & Solution

The author introduces the situation or conflict and then explains how to correct or resolve

Keywords: - problem - solution - answer

(be careful - this is easily confused with cause & effect)

Example using “The Stolen Party”

Example using “The Stolen Party”

In “The Stolen Party,” one of Rosaura’s main problems occurred when the girl with the bow (Luciana’s cousin) said she was not one of Luciana’s friends. Rosaura really wanted to fit in with the group of children, so this accusation was a serious blow to her confidence. There are multiple ways Rosaura tried to solve this problem throughout the party. One way Rosaura tried to resolve the issue was by serving food to the guests. She served hot dogs and cake. The other children interacted with her positively while she was serving them. Due to this, she “enjoyed the task immensely” because she felt like the children liked her. Another way Rosaura tried to solve her problem was by playing with the other guests. She did really well playing the party games, which led to the boys wanting her on their team when they played charades. This helped solve Rosaura’s problem because she felt included by the other children, thus proving Luciana’s cousin wrong. The final solution was Rosaura helping the magician during his show. After the trick, “the children clapped furiously.” Rosaura was also labeled as the “little countess.” Again, Rosaura felt appreciated and included by the group. Overall, Rosaura felt she solved the problem presented by the girl with the bow. In her eyes, Rosaura proved that she was part of the group and Luciana’s friend. It was not until Rosaura left the party that she realized she was not actually a guest at the party. It is still up for debate whether or not Luciana views Rosaura as a friend or just an employee.