Review It

Knowing the organizational structure an author uses is like having road signs that prepare you as you embark on your reading journey. By looking for signal words, you know in advance the direction the author is taking to emphasize his or her point(s). In this Review It activity, new signal words are introduced.

Download the Five Basic Types of Organizational Text Structures PDF to review the different types of organizational text structures and the signal words associated with each type.

Review the chart about the five basic types of organizational text structures, their use and their signal words. Note the addition of new signal words for each organizational structure. Familiarize yourself with all of these words as they will be used in the final activity.

hands holding magnifying glasses over a document

Understanding the text structures used by the author can help readers map out their reading journeys.


Term

Signal words

New Signal Words

Description
fountain pen on top of a form field titled Description

Writers use description to convey how something looks, acts, feels, tastes, sounds and so on.

for example
for instance
most important
in front
beside
near
looks like
sounds like
such as
is a feature of
also
another

to begin with

to illustrate

an example


Term

Signal words

New Signal Words

Sequence or Timeline
six red numbered balls placed sequentially with the lowest number closest to the screen

Writers use sequence to explain how events or steps in a process take place.

first
second
third
before
after
next
at the same time
on
now
preceding
when
then
following
finally

soon

not long after


Term

Signal words

New Signal Words

Compare and Contrast
an apple and an orange on a balanced scale

Writers use compare and contrast to explain similarities and differences.

similar
different from
although
instead
but
yet
likewise
like
unlike
also
too
both
in contrast
on the other hand
however

alike

as well as

not only …but also

same as

either …or

as opposed to


Term

Signal words

New Signal Words

Cause and Effect
hand drawing arrows linking the words Cause and Effect

Writers use cause and effect to explain how an event caused another to occur.

causes
effects
as a result of
since
because of
for this reason
consequently
if
then
this led to
therefore
in order to
produces

reason why
 
effect of

may be due to



Term

Signal words

New Signal Words

Problem and Solution
checkbox for Problem crossed while checkbox for Solution selected

Writers use problem and solution to describe a problem and the steps taken to solve it.

because
the problem is
a solution is
the question is
difficulty
help
solve
one answer is
steps taken to solve (prevent)
solution
resolution
answer

the problem is…

the puzzle is…

to solve this…

dilemma is

one answer is…

one reason for the problem is…