Learn to identify the primary organizational patterns used in reading passages, such as chronological order, compare/contrast, cause and effect, and problem/solution. Recognizing these structures helps in understanding the author's main purpose.
What is "text structure" in the context of reading comprehension?
It's the way an author organizes information in a passage. Recognizing this organizational pattern helps you predict where to find information and understand the author's purpose.
What is a "chronological" or "sequential" text structure?
A structure where information is presented in time order. It's common in passages that recount historical events, describe a process, or tell a story.
What signal words suggest a chronological structure?
Look for words indicating time or sequence, such as "first," "next," "then," "before," "after," "finally," and specific dates or time periods.
What is a "compare and contrast" structure?
A structure that discusses the similarities and differences between two or more subjects, ideas, or events.
What signal words suggest a compare and contrast structure?
For similarities, look for "also," "similarly," "like." For differences, look for "however," "in contrast," "unlike," "while," "whereas."
What is a "cause and effect" structure?
A structure that explains why something happened (cause) and what resulted from it (effect). A passage might discuss a single cause with multiple effects, or vice versa.
What signal words suggest a cause and effect structure?
Look for words like "because," "since," "as a result," "consequently," "therefore," "led to," and "if...then."
What is a "problem and solution" structure?
A structure where the author presents a problem or poses a question and then offers one or more solutions or answers.
How does a passage typically shift from a problem to a solution?
The first part of the passage will describe the issue, its significance, and its causes. The latter part will introduce and explain potential solutions and evaluate their effectiveness.
What is a "main idea and supporting details" structure, also known as "general to specific"?
This common structure starts with a general statement or main idea (often in the topic sentence or first paragraph) and follows with specific examples, evidence, or explanations to support it.
What is a "descriptive" structure?
This structure focuses on describing the characteristics, features, or attributes of a person, place, thing, or idea. It often relies on sensory details.
How can identifying the overall text structure help you answer SAT/ACT questions?
It helps you create a mental map of the passage, anticipate the flow of information, and locate specific details more quickly. It's especially useful for "main idea" or "organization" questions.
An SAT/ACT question asks: "The overall structure of the passage is best described as..." What is it asking for?
It is asking you to identify the primary organizational pattern the author used to construct the passage, such as chronological order, cause and effect, or compare and contrast.
What is a "narrative" structure?
This structure tells a story, usually with characters, a setting, a plot (conflict, rising action, climax, resolution), and a specific point of view. It's the primary structure for fiction passages.
