TEXT STRUCTURES

1. TEXT STRUCTURES How expository paragraphs are written

2. Have you ever wondered why certain words are used in expository paragraphs? Because For instance Actually The problem is… By comparison Before Alike

3. In informational writing, a writer is wanting to:describe details and facts.list a specific orderpresent differences and similarities.state a problem, its causes, effects and solutions.

4. A strong writer will write a new paragraph for each of these purposes. Each paragraph will have a unique structureusing specific words.

5. There are 5 types of paragraph structure we study in 7th grade. Those structures are: • DESCRIPTION • CAUSE AND EFFECT • COMPARE AND CONTRAST • PROBLEM AND SOLUTION • SEQUENCE • Each structure has: • a certain purpose and • specific key words

6. Let’s look at each of these 5 types of structure.

7. At the top of your paper writeDESCRIPTIVE STRUCTURE Adescriptive paragraph will explain the topic or subject by giving specific and general details. A descriptive paragraph will include these words:Characteristics are:For instance,Actually,In addition,For example,IncludingSuch ascolor wordsnumber wordsdescriptive adjectives WRITE FIVE EXAMPLES OF CLUE WORDS ON YOUR PAPER.

8. Mrs. Hoffman’s office is located by the main entrance to French Middle School. Two secretaries, Mrs. Cline and Mrs. Torrez, have desks outside her door. In her office you will see a large, oak conference table with eight chairs. Actually, Mrs. Hoffman’s desk faces the north wall and has a computer , phone and fish bowl on it. In addition, numerous files and books will often be seen on the top of her desk.

9. A descriptive paragraph can be written after completing a graphic organizer similar to this:

10. NEXT WRITE COMPARE/CONTRAST STRUCTURE A compare/contrast paragraph will describe the similarities and the differences of two ideas or topics. Some key words in a compare/contrast paragraph are: same as alike similar to resembles Likewise by comparison However different from as opposed to Yet but in contrast on the other hand by contrast WRITE FIVE OF THESE WORDS ON YOUR PAPER.

11. Mrs. Light’s room and Mrs. Downs room are similar in only a few ways. They both have counter tops and places for storage. However, they are very different. Mrs. Light’s classroom has desks as opposed to Mrs. Down’s who has tables. Mrs. Light’s class has no windows. On the other hand, Mrs. Down’s room has one window. Obviously, these two rooms could never be confused.

12. A compare/contrast paragraph can be written after completing a Venn graphic organizer.

13. Now write SEQUENCE STRUCTURE A sequence paragraph lists details about the topic in a specific order. Key words in a sequence paragraph are: Until finally before, during, after first/last next/then later, earlier first, second, third dates Times Write five of these words on your paper.

14. When you enter French Middle School, the first door on the left will be the main office. As you move past the office, you will see the 8th graders lockers. Then you will enter the commons where we eat and have assemblies. After you turn left , past the commons, you will see classrooms on your left and the library on the right. The next north south hallway will be the 7th grade hall. After you turn right in the 7th grade hall, you will enter the 6th grade hall. Next hallway to your right will again take you past the library and other classrooms. Finally, you return to the commons.

15. A sequence paragraph can be written after completing a graphic organizer like this:

16. Now write:CAUSE AND EFFECT STRUCTURE A cause and effect paragraph explains why something exists and what effects it has. Some key words found in cause/effect structure are: Because if……then as a result of the effect/the cause on account of consequently due to since/because Therefore thus so that in order to NOW WRITE FIVE OT THESE WORDS.

17. Mrs. Keegan walked into the lunchroom and noticed many of the 8th graders were yelling across the tables. Due to the loud noise, she sent several students to the office to finish eating their lunch. As a result of her action, other students began to quiet down.

18. A cause/effect paragraph can be written after a graphic organizer like this is completed:

19. Now write: PROBLEM /SOLUTION STRUCTURE A problem/solution paragraph states and describes a problem, it’s causes and solutions for the problem. Key words in problem/solution structure could include: one reason for that A solution/a problem have solved this by one possible solution the difficulty/puzzle/question is a cure/remedy Now write five of these words.

20. The only problem that students have at French Middle School is lockers that are too small. This creates a problem for storing winter coats, back-packs, and all the textbooks. One solution would be to install larger lockers. Another way to solve this would be to allow students to keep all textbooks in the classrooms.

21. A problem/solution paragraph can be written after a graphic organizer like this is completed:

22. In conclusion: You now understand the forms that any expository writing will follow. If you are aware of the clue words and structure of each paragraph, you not only improve your comprehension as a reader, but your writing becomes more interesting to your reader. Put your paper in the drawer please.