Five Elements of Text Structures By Suzy Leopold

In my college level course at Lincoln Land Community College we discuss and evaluate text structures. Doing so supports the students to become proficient, strategic readers and writers. A variety of nonfiction picture books are used as mentor texts to study the five elements of text structures.

“When teachers combine picture book instruction with teaching text, 

students gain a better understanding of how texts are 

organized, strategies for recalling information, and approaches 

to use in their own writing.”

Credit:

Tracey S. Hodges, Assistant Professor of Elementary Education & Literacy, University of Southern Mississippi

Sharon D. Matthews, Clinical Assistant Professor of Literacy, Texas A & M University

Text structures are tools for readers and writers. 

Text structures are the way in which a reader organizes information in one’s mind while reading. This helps a reader to better understand the text and supports comprehension recall. While reading, thoughtful and  strategic readers make predictions and connections. Interactive readers are thinking and asking questions.

In our class, students ask, What is the author’s purpose for writing this piece?

A nemonic device is used to determine the text structure used and identify the author’s purpose.

P: Persuade

                                                       I: inform

E: Entertain

Text structures are useful to writers and readers.

Many writers consider a text structure as a road map for the reader. Using a specific text structure is an excellent tool for all writers. Selecting the just right text structure keeps the reader engaged and turning the pages.

Nonfiction Text Structure	Description	Key Words	Nonfiction Picture Book Suggestions
Cause and Effect	Shows the relationship among events	because, as a result, therefore, since, so	NURSE, SOLDIER, SPY: THE STORY OF SARAH EDMONDS, A CIVIL WAR HERO by Marissa Moss & John Hendrix
Compare and Contrast	Shows the ways in which two or more subjects are similar and different.	differs from, in contrast, alike, same as, on the other hand, either, both	WHO WOULD WIN? WHALE VS. GIANT SQUID by Jerry Pallota & Rob Bolster
Descriptive	Gives many details about a topic	for example, such as, like, in comparison to, in contrast to, first, second, last	SUGAR CHANGED THE WORLD The Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science by Marc Aronson & Marina Budhos
Sequence	Presents details in time order— from first to last or sometimes from last to first.	first, next, not long after, while, at last, later	FINDING WINNIE: THE TRUE STORY OF THE WORDL’S MOST FAMOUS BEAR by Lindsay Mattick & Sophie Blackall
Problem and Solution	Identifies a problem and then proposes a	because, as a result, therefore, since, so	THE RIGHT WORD: ROGET AND HIS THESAURUS by Jen Bryan & Melisa Sweet

Credit: Picture Books Aren’t Just for Kids! Modeling Text Structures through Nonfiction Mentor Books by Tracey S. Hodges and Sharon D. Matthews

NURSE, SOLDIER, SPY:
THE STORY OF SARAH EDMONDS,
A CIVIL WAR HERO

WHO WOULD WIN? WHALE VS.
GIANT SQUID

SUGAR CHANGED THE WORLD: A STORY OF MAGIC, SPICE, SLAVERY,
FREEDOMAND SCIENCE

FINDING WINNIE: THE TRUE STORY OF
THE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS BEAR

THE RIGHT WORD
ROGET & HIS THESAURUS

Understanding these five nonfiction text structures are mutually beneficial for both a reader and a writer. Studying text structures give readers and writers a deeper meaning. 

As we move on in our course work, my students’ the understanding of these complexities are applied to longer textbook readings, scholarly articles, and chapter books. The students' writing shows improvement as their writing benefits from this knowledge, too.

The element of text structure is important for all writers to consider. Writers who study how texts structures are constructed and why an author chose a specific structure supports a writer’s understanding of how to use text structures effectively and approaches to use in writing nonfiction stories. When rewriting and revising a manuscript consider how one structure may work better than another to tell the story. 

There are numerous text structures to consider. Hopefully, these five elements are helpful to your writing. Share in the comments other text structures that you find important.