ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

Lesson USING TEXT STRUCTURE TO GLEAN

INFORMATION FROM TEXT
2

Text structure refers to how the information within a written text is organized. It refers to
the way an author arranges information in his writing. It enables authors to organize their
thoughts as they write. It also helps the reader in that it provides a structure in which information
can be found and understood while it's being read. This strategy helps you students understand
that a text might present a main idea and details; a cause and then its effects; and/or different
views of a topic as well as monitor comprehension.

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

Learning Objectives:
As you go through this module, you will be able to:
 identify the language features of an academic text; and
 differentiate language used in academic texts from various disciplines

WHAT IS IT
TYPES OF TEXT STRUCTURE
Text
Definition/Example Signal Words
Structure
For example, for
This type of text structure features a detailed
instance, specifically, in
description of something to give the reader a mental
Description picture. particular, in addition

EXAMPLE: A book may tell all about whales or

describe what the geography is like in a particular
region.
This structure presents the causal relationship Consequently,
Cause and between a specific event, idea, or concept and the therefore, as a result,
Effect events, ideas, or concept that follow. thereby, leads to

EXAMPLE: Weather patterns could be described

that explain why a big snowstorm occurred.
However, unlike, like, by
This type of text examines the similarities and
contrast, yet, in
differences between two or more people, events,
Comparison/ concepts, ideas, etc. comparison, although,
Contrast whereas, similar to,
different from
EXAMPLE: A book about ancient Greece may
explain how the Spartan women were different from
the Athenian women.
This text structure gives readers a chronological of
events or a list of steps in a procedure. Next, first, last, second,
another, then,
Order/ EXAMPLE: A book about the American revolution additionally
Sequence might list the events leading to the war. In another
book, steps involved in harvesting blue crabs might
be told.
This type of structure sets up a problem or factor, question, reason,
problems, explains the solution, and then discusses situation, Issue, problem
the effects of the solution. answer, possibility,
proposition, solution,
EXAMPLE: It seems like there has been a surge in remedy, resolution
Problem- teen pregnancies these days. Teen pregnancies
Solution make it very difficult for young mothers to pursue
their dreams and meet the demands of an infant.
Fortunately, most teen pregnancies can be easily
prevented by using birth control; however, even
birth control is not 100% effective. The most
effective way to prevent teen pregnancies is 1
 abstinence, which is 100% effective.
Text Structures Graphic Representation

Chronological Sequence Cause and Effect Problem and Solution Compare and Contrast

Step-by-step Cause
Timeline
3 Solution Alike
Effect Problem
2 Cause

1
Cause

WHAT’S MORE
Directions: Directions: Read each passage and identify the text structure used.
Choose your answers from the box. Write the letter of your answer. (18 points)
a. cause and effect b. compare and contrast c. chronological
d. spatial / descriptive e. sequence / process

1. Ice-cream is a delicious frozen treat that comes in a many different colors and flavors.
Two of my favorite flavors are strawberry and chocolate. Though both of these flavors are
delicious, strawberry may contain pieces of fruit while chocolate usually will not. Even
though more chocolate ice-cream is sold across the country annually than strawberry, each
flavor tastes great inside of a milk shake.
Text Structure:
2. The ice-cream shop around the corner from my house has the best ice-cream in the city.
When you first walk inside, there is a long chrome counter with matching stools extending
to alongside the far wall. Right where the counter stops, the booth seating begins. There are
lots of old-timey knickknacks on the walls and chrome napkin holders on all the tables.
My favorite part of the shop is behind the counter glass, where they keep all of the ice-
cream flavors. A rainbow of delicious sugary flavors is kept cool and delicious behind the
counter glass.
Text Structure:
3. Freezer burn may have wasted more ice-cream than sidewalks. If you don’t know,
freezer burn is when ice crystals form on the surface of ice-cream. These ice crystals can
ruin the texture and flavor of the ice cream. But you can prevent freezer burn. Since
freezer burn is caused when melted ice-cream is refrozen, rather than eating your ice-
cream from the container as it melts, scoop your ice-cream into a bowl and put the
container back in the fridge immediately. Doing this ought to help you solve your issues
with freezer burn.
Text Structure:
4. No one knows the true origin of ice-cream, but the first published ice-cream recipe
appears in “Mrs. Mary Eales's Receipts,” a cook book that was printed in London in
1718. Sometime around 1832, an African American confectioner named Augustus Jackson
created multiple ice cream recipes and invented a superior technique to manufacture ice
cream. Ice cream soda was invented around 1874, but the real breakthrough may have
been at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri, when the American ice-cream cone
was unveiled!
Text Structure:
5. Making ice-cream is not easy. Cream and sugar have to first be mixed in a frozen
container. Ingredients may be added at this point, if desired. The mixture must be stirred
and whipped until the cream and sugar mixture is frozen. Depending on the equipment,
this may take as long as an hour. After the ice-cream is prepared, it must be kept frozen
until it is ready to be enjoyed. Making ice-cream is difficult, but most people would agree
that it is worth the trouble.
Text Structure:
6. Have you ever had an ice-cream headache? That’s when a painful sensation resonates
in your head after eating something cold (usually ice-cream) on a hot day. This pain is
produced by the dilation of a nerve center in the roof of your mouth. The nerve center is
overreacting to the cold by trying to heat your brain. Ice-cream headaches have turned
many smiles to frowns.
Text Structure: 2
 7. One time my mom and I made ice-cream. We added sugar and cream into a big glass
bowl. We kept it frozen in the middle of a bigger glass bowl. While it froze, I stirred the
mixture with a hand mixer. It was the first time that had I used one and it splattered ice-
cream mixture all over the kitchen. The rest of the mixture finally froze, so we ate some ice
cream, and then put the remaining portions in the freezer so that it wouldn’t get freezer
burned. That was a good day.
Text Structure:
8. It was the most beautiful banana split that I had ever seen. In the middle of the bowl,
there were three scoops of ice-cream: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. On top of the ice-
cream were a banana and a thick web of chocolate and caramel sauces. A huge puff of
whipped cream covered the sauces and a handful of crushed nuts dappled the whipped
cream. On top of it all was a cherry, but I’ve never liked the soggy squish of cherries.
Text Structure:
9. When it comes to making ice-cream, you can do it the traditional way, by stirring it in a
frozen container, or you can use liquid nitrogen to freeze your mixture. There are some
advantages to using liquid nitrogen. Since liquid nitrogen freezes the mixture faster, the
crystal grains are smaller, giving the ice-cream a creamier texture. The downside is that ice-
crystals grow faster in ice-cream prepared using liquid nitrogen, so it must be stored at
much colder temperatures. Both methods produce a distinct texture, and both are
delicious.
Text Structure:

WHAT I CAN DO
Directions: Read each paragraph carefully. A graphic organizer is used to
show the structure of the text. Fill in the empty boxes with appropriate
information. (43 points)

Problem and Solution Worksheet (4 points)

Medical Alert
Overview: Problem and solution is one type of text structure. When a writer is using the
problem and solution text structure, he or she may explain how to address or prepare for a
concern.
1. Having a cold is no fun.
Coughing makes it hard to
fall asleep. A sore throat is
painful. Try some tea with
honey in it. The honey will
soothe your throat. There
may be no cure for the
common cold. You can treat
the symptoms though.
2. A sprain is a tear in a
muscle. Sprains happen
when a muscle is twisted or
overstretched. They can be
painful. If you sprain a
muscle, you should ice it
immediately. Putting ice on
a sprain will reduce swelling
and pain. It may help stop
internal bleeding too.

3. Nobody wants to be stung by

a bee. Bee stings are itchy and
painful. But what if the bee
stings you anyway? One thing
that you can do is put vinegar
on it. The acid in the vinegar
may reduce the pain and
swelling from the sting.

Cause and Effect Worksheet (7 points)

Everything Pink
Overview: Cause and effect is one type of text structure. When a writer is using the cause and
effect text structure, he or she is usually explaining reasons why something happened. 3
1. Some flamingos are pink.
Not all flamingos are pink.
The pink color comes from
their diet. Flamingos that eat
lots of shrimp will be pink.
Flamingos that eat lots of
algae will be pale or white.

2. Cotton candy is made

from sugar. Its natural color
is white. The color is added.
"Boo Blue" is used to make
blue cotton candy. "Silly
Nilly" is added to make pink
cotton candy, which has a
vanilla flavor.

3. Did you know that your

tongue is a muscle? It is.
And it's the only muscle you
have that's covered in saliva
and taste buds. Having taste
buds stops you from eating
rotten food. Having saliva
protects you from some
germs and bacteria. Gross,
but helpful.

Chronological Order Worksheet (10 points)

Famous Artists
Overview: Chronological order is one type of text structure. When a writer is using
chronological order as a text structure, he or she is putting info in order of time.

1. Rembrandt is a famous artist known for his oil paintings. He was born in 1606. He knew
that he wanted to be a painter by 1620, when he was at college. Rembrandt was ambitious.
By 1625 he had opened his own art studio. He would go on to paint many masterpieces.

2. Pablo Picasso is known for his abstract style. That means that his art looks out of this
world. Picasso's father was also an artist. He started training him when Picasso was seven.
When Picasso was 13, he was so good that his father quit painting. At the age of 16,
Picasso went to art school.

3. Andy Warhol made some outrageous art. He's the guy who painted the soup can in
1962. Or maybe one of his friends painted it. It's hard to say. Another one of his famous
works is of Chinese leader, Mao Zedong. That really upset people. He painted that in 1973.
In 1984 he painted a picture of Prince for the movie Purple Rain. Most people liked that
one.
4
Sequence Worksheet (7 points)
Discovery of the Philippines by the West and Revolution
Overview: Sequence is one type of text structure. When a writer is using
sequence, he or she is putting information in order of steps.

1. The Philippines were claimed in the name of Spain in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, a
Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain, who named the islands after King Philip II of Spain.
They were then called Las Filipinas. By the 1830's Spanish culture and thought had
penetrated into Filipino culture to the extent that the Filipino people began thinking about
liberation from Spain. The government of Spain developed Filipino agriculture to the point
that it was self-sufficient.

Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippines in 1521

2. After some attempts at independence, and an equal number of atrocities on the part of
Spain, Filipino Nationalists began to speak out. One of the most famous of the time was
Jose Rizal. He studied medicine at the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines and the
University of Madrid. Rizal wrote two important novels that portrayed the abuses of
Spanish rule. Although the books were banned, they were smuggled into the Philippines
and widely read. On the night of his execution, on December 30, 1896, Rizal proclaimed the
Philippines "the Pearl of the Oriental Seas".

Rizal wrote two novels about the abuse of the Spaniards

3. Rizal's execution gave impetus to the revolution. Although the Filipino rebels, led by
Emilio Aguinaldo, did not win complete independence, the Spanish were not able to end the
rebellion. In December of 1897, negotiations with Spain resulted in the Pact of Biak- na-
Bato. All of the rebels were granted amnesty and the leaders of the revolution returned in
voluntary exile to Hong Kong. While in Hong Kong, Aguinaldo and his compatriots designed
what is today the Philippine national flag.

Compare and Contrast Worksheet (9 points)

Dinosaurs
Overview: Compare and contrast is one type of text structure. When a writer is using
the compare and contrast text structure, he or she is explaining how two things are the
same or different.

1. Dinosaurs can be
carnivores or
herbivores. Carnivores
have sharp teeth.
Herbivores have round
teeth. Carnivores eat
meat. Herbivores eat 5
plants. Now you can
look at a dinosaur's
teeth and you will know
which type it is.

2. Some dinosaurs are

bipeds. Bipedal dinosaurs
walk on two legs. They may
use claws on their hands to
attack. Other dinosaurs are
quadrupeds. That means
that they walk on four legs.
This helps them move faster.

3. Was T-Rex a scavenger or

predator? A predator will
hunt living animals. A
scavenger will look for other
sources of food. Predators
have eyes on the front of
their heads. Scavengers'
eyes tend to be more to the
side. T-Rex probably did
both.

Spatial Order Worksheet (6 points)

Famous Buildings
Overview: Spatial order is one type of text structure. When a writer is using the
spatial text structure, he or she is putting information in order of space. Some
examples: left to right, North to South, or floor to ceiling.

1. The Willis Tower is the

tallest building in Chicago. It
is 1,729 feet tall. The base of
the tower is 225 feet wide. At
the 50th floor, building
continues as three towers. At
the 90th floor, the building
becomes one tower. The last
tower goes up for another 20
floors.

2. The Taj Mahal is quite a

building. It has four towers
on its outside. These are
called minarets. The Taj itself
rests on a large platform. The
platform is a 186-foot square.
On top of the platform rests
the building and inner dome. 6
It is quite a sight!

3. The Colosseum is an
ancient theater in Rome. It
looks like a big stadium. It
used to hold over 50,000
people. Where a person sat
depended on his or her
status. Peasants sat in the
top section. Merchants and
nobles sat in the middle.
And senators sat in the
front.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Directions: Read the paragraphs below. Determine the text structure used in
each paragraph. Identify the main idea of each paragraph and write it down in the
space provided after. (12 points)
Text Structures:
cause and effect chronological compare and contrast
sequence / process problem and solution spatial /descriptive

1. You may think it’s bad to forget your homework, but what if you forgot who you were?
Amnesia is a condition where a person loses some of their memories, like details about
their personal identity, but still may remember how to do things, like play a piano. One
type of Amnesia is called post-traumatic amnesia. Post-traumatic amnesia is usually due
to a head injury (like a serious fall or knock on the head). The degree of memory loss may
be related to the force of the injury. A simple whiplash may cause a person to forget the
moments before the accident, but a more severe injury may cause a greater loss. For
example, the victim may not remember who certain people are or may forget details about
their own identities.
Text Structure:
Main Idea:
2. Ansel Bourne was a preacher, carpenter, and most likely an inspiration for the name
“Bourne” in the movie and novel series, “The Bourne Identity.” Up until 1857, Bourne had
been a carpenter, until he was called to religion. After 1858, he worked as a evangelical
preacher, until 1887. He set up shop in Norristown, Pennsylvania, as a candy maker using
the name A.J. Brown. Three months later, he woke up not knowing where he was, with no
memory of the previous months. The case of Mr. Bourne has fascinated psychologists, and
some film makers, for years.
Text Structure:
Main Idea:
3. The term “amnesia” refers to complete or partial memory loss. Almost all of us will
experience some form of amnesia in our lives, even if it’s just a simple case of verbal
amnesia, like forgetting someone’s name. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to
prevent amnesia. Here is a list of foods that you can eat to improve your memory: almonds,
walnuts, bananas, honey, apples, and black pepper. Though these foods may not reverse
post-traumatic amnesia, they should improve your memory in daily life if you eat them
regularly enough.
Text Structure:
Main Idea:
4. What do “Finding Nemo” and “Robocop” have in common? Not much, except that they
both feature characters that suffer amnesia. Amnesia is a common plot device in movies
and TV shows, but how accurate are these depictions? In television and movies, memory 7
loss caused by a knock to the head (post-traumatic amnesia) is shown as fairly common,
when it is actually quite rare. Unlike in movies and television shows that feature amnesia,
most knocks to the head will not produce memory loss. In reality, memory loss or amnesia
is much more likely to occur as the result of a stroke, brain infection, or brain surgery. So
while amnesia causes people or characters to lose memories in both film and reality,
characters are usually “fixed” by taking another knock to the head. In reality, people are
not cured so simply.
Text Structure:
Main Idea:
5. What would you do if you awoke one day and discovered that you could not create new
memories? You might remember everything that occurred in your life up to the point of an
injury, but could not form new memories beyond that. This condition is called “anterograde
amnesia,” and it is difficult to treat, but doctors and therapists recommend these steps:
first, use technology to help. A cell phone with a calendar reminder can do much to offset
this condition. Second, use helpers. Having people to assist with daily tasks, like paying
bills, will prove quite helpful. Lastly, seek therapy. While there is no cure for anterograde
amnesia, memory training may help the afflicted live a more normal life. Currently, there
are no chemical medications or drugs that will alleviate this condition.
Text Structure:
Main Idea:
6. The brain is the most complicated system in the human body. The brain is separated
into two hemispheres or halves. From front to back, the brain is further divided into three
parts: the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain. The forebrain is where most
reasoning, thinking, and emotional activity occur. It is also where most memories are
stored. The midbrain controls reflexes and processes sensory information (sight, touch,
taste, etc.) The hindbrain processes basic survival functions, like breathing and
maintaining a heartbeat. The brain is truly the most amazing system in the human body.
Text Structure:
Main Idea:
Assessment
Directions: Read each of the following passages and identify the main idea.
(12 points)
A. Write the main idea.
B. Put key information from the text into a graphic organizer.
1. What’s that in the sky? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a firework! Fireworks capture
the attention of crowds around the world, but how do they work? First, the firework is
stuffed into a tube loaded with gunpowder. This is the mortar. Second, a fuse that leads to
the mortar is lit. When the fuse ignites the gunpowder in the mortar, an explosion launches
the firework into the air. A fuse on the firework is lit at the same time as the mortar fuse,
but this fuse burns slower, allowing the firework to get into the air before it explodes. After
it has risen to its peak, the firework should explode, causing tiny pieces of metal to burn in
different colors as they scatter outward. Oooooh!
Main idea:
2. Fireworks are beautiful; but as with many beautiful things, they are also dangerous.
Misusing fireworks can result in property damage, injury, and even the loss of life. Such
accidents usually happen for one of two reasons. The operators may be using poorly
manufactured products, such as fireworks with fuses that burn too quickly. A defective
firework can cause even the most skilled operator to have an accident. Other times,
however, it is the operator who is at fault. The operator may be unskilled or distracted and
make a mistake, such as setting up an explosion sequence improperly or not accounting for
conditions in the environment, like soundproof foaming. For these reasons even the most
beautiful fireworks display can turn really ugly really quickly.
Main idea:
3. Fireworks have been around for at least as long as gunpowder. Both gunpowder and
fireworks are Chinese inventions. During the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth centuries,
fireworks were commonly sold in Chinese markets as a way to get rid of evil spirits. During
the thirteenth century, Chinese merchants developed rocket propulsion. This allowed
fireworks to travel great distances, much like they do today. In the 17th century, Chinese
fireworks were popularized in Europe. After becoming popular with the British, fireworks
spread all over their vast empire. Nowadays people around the world celebrate with
fireworks. Whether at a sporting event, concert, or public gathering, fireworks signal a great
celebration.
Main idea: ________________________________________________________________________________
8
 ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND
PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
Lesson 2
Name: ________________________________________________ Year and Section: _________ Score: ______
What’s More (2 pts each)
1. 6.
2. 7.
3. 8.
4. 9.
5.

What I Can Do

Problem and Solution

1. 3.

2.

Cause and Effect

1.

2.

3.

9
Chronological Order

Sequence

Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippines in 1521

Rizal wrote two novels about the abuse of the Spaniards

Compare and Contrast

10
 Spatial Order

WHAT YOU WILL DO

1. Text Structure: ____________________________________________________________________________

Main Idea: ___________________________________________________________________________
2. Text Structure: ____________________________________________________________________________
Main Idea: ___________________________________________________________________________
3. Text Structure: ____________________________________________________________________________
Main Idea: ___________________________________________________________________________
4. Text Structure: ____________________________________________________________________________
Main Idea: ___________________________________________________________________________
5. Text Structure: ____________________________________________________________________________
Main Idea: ___________________________________________________________________________

Assessment

1. Main Idea:
Graphic Organizer

11
2. Main Idea:
Graphic Organizer

3. Main Idea:
Graphic Organizer

12