Internal Text Internal Text StructuresStructures

Internal Text Internal Text StructuresStructures

In Nonfiction In Nonfiction

Internal Text Structures

•Different ways of organizing information in nonfiction

Examples:

Process Chronological

Listing Compare and Contrast

Concept/Definition Cause and Effect

Problem/Solution

#1 Process

What is it?• A series of

actions or steps to accomplish a goal

Signal Words

•In order to…•A series of steps•steps involved•Step 1, 2, 3•To begin with…•First, second, third…•Next, then•after that•Finally

Graphic Organizer?

The Library• Do you know how to get to the library from

Ms. Hyland’s classroom? There are several steps involved. To begin with, when you walk out of her door, you first need to turn left. Next, walk down the hall until you reach Main Street. The next step is to turn left again. After that, you will walk straight, passing Mrs. Donohue’s room on the right. The final step is to turn left and walk through the large wooden doors. These are the steps you must follow in order to get to the library from Ms. Hyland’s room.

#2 Chronological What is it?• Puts events in time order

Signal Words

• Specific dates (1982, 1993)•First, second, third•After that•Next•After a while•Several years later•Soon•Before long•During•Finally

Graphic Organizer:

ChronologicalMiddle School Before this school year began,

students had the opportunity to attend the Eagle Fly By. A few days later, students nervously arrived for the first day of school. They soon learned their way around Lanier and before long they were experts at taking short cuts throughout the building.

#3 Compare and Contrast

What is it? Explains how

two or more things are alike and/or different

Signal WordsBoth (+)Similar to (+)alike (+)as well as (+)Different from (-)On the other hand

(-)Unlike (-)While (-)In contrast (-)

Graphic Organizer

Compare and Contrast Lanier MS and Eagle View Elementary

School are two schools in Fairfax City. Unlike Eagle View, which houses grades K-6, Lanier MS has grades 7-8. Another difference between the schools is their student population. Lanier has over 1000 students, while Eagle View has closer to 800 students. Lanier students attend school 5 full days each week. On the other hand, Eagle View students have a half day each Monday. Despite their differences, the schools have many similarities. Both schools have a lot of diversity and students

who speak a variety of languages.

#4 Concept/Definitio

n

What is it?• Provides

information about a topic

• Explains what something is

• Lists important characteristics

• Gives examples

Signal Words

__________ is… For example,For instanceIn factcan be defined

Graphic Organizer

Concept/DefinitionPride Time

What is Pride Time? It is a 48 minute block of time that meets Monday-Thursday each week. The purpose of Pride Time is for students to get caught up on missing assignments, to complete their homework, or to meet with teachers for extra assistance. For example, students can get a pass to another teacher’s room if they are struggling in one of their classes or they can remain in their own Pride Time and do their homework. Some students use their time wisely, while others just waste their time.

#5 Problem/Solution What is it?• Shows a problem• Lists or shows solutions• Asks a question and

then answers it

Signal Words• a problem • an issue• is solved by• a possible answer • a solution

Graphic Organizer

Problem/SolutionTardy for Class

During the months of January and February an issue arose at Lanier MS. Many students were arriving tardy for class. This created a large problem for teachers. As a result, Dr. Poole decided to create a new tardy policy. His solution requires students who are tardy to sign in on a clipboard so that the school can track students’ tardies. The new policy has solved the problem by reducing the number of students who are tardy to class!

#6 Cause and EffectWhat is it?• Shows how one

event causes another event to happen

• Lists one or more causes and the resulting effect(s)

Signal Words•As a result•Due to•Therefore, Thus•Consequently•Causes•In order to•The results•An effect of/The effects of

Graphic Organizer

Cause/EffectLevel 4 ESOL

• It isn’t easy to bridge out of ESOL in Virginia. In order to reach level 5, students need to perform well on the WIDA test. What causes some students to be ready and others not to be ready by the end of the year? Students who work hard on their writing skills and read every day typically reach level 5 ESOL faster than students who do not. This is due to the fact that these students develop their vocabularies and their essay writing skills. As a result of their effort, they are prepared for the WIDA exams and perform higher than students who give limited effort. Will you reach Level 5 this year?

#7 ListingWhat is it?• A numbered list

or• A paragraph

that lists info

Signal Words•First, second, third•One, two, three•Ten, Nine, Eight•Another, Other

Graphic Organizer

ListingLanier’s Activities

• There are many after school activities available for students who want to get involved. First, there is homework club for students who want help from teachers with their work. Another option for after school is the Games Room where you can play video games or hang out with your friends. Third, there is basketball in the gym. Other fitness activities include the boot camp and

soccer clubs. Join an activity!

ListingExample

Top 5 Lanier After School Activities1. Games Room2. Basketball3. Homework Club4. Dance Team5. Soccer Academy