Types of Informational Text

Text structures
 We have talked external text structures – things like
titles, headings, graphs, pictures, bolded words,
indexes, tables of content, etc. They help us to use
access and understand information more easily.
 Now we will talk about internal text structure – the way
the text is written – to also help us get information from
non-fiction text more easily.
 There are five types of text we are going to discuss:
definition/description, problem-solution,
sequence/time, comparison and contrast, and cause
and effect.
Descriptive or definition

Frequently in textbook Signal words:

reading an entire is,
paragraph is devoted for example,
to defining a complex involves,
term or idea. The can be defined,
concept is initially an example,
defined and then for instance,
further expanded with in fact,
also,
examples and
is called,
restatements.
refers to…
Problem-Solution

The text states a Signal words: a

problem and then problem is, a solution
suggests one or more is, the problem is
solutions. solved by, a potential
alternative is, solution,
issue, a possible
answer, therefore,
conclusion…
Sequence/Time

The main idea’s Signal words:

supporting details are first, second, third,
written in a specific now, then, before,
order. Changing the after, next, finally,
order would change following, while, last,
the meaning. during, on (date), not
long, when…
Comparison-Contrast
Points out similarities and
differences between two or
more topics.
Signal words: different
from, same as, alike,
like, similar to, unlike,
but, as well as, yet,
either…or, not only…
but also, compared to,
in contrast, while,
resembles, although,
unless, similarly,
however…
Cause-Effect

Shows a relationship Signal words: so that,

between the cause of because of, thus,
something and the unless, therefore,
effect that follows as a since, in order to, as a
result. result of, this led to,
then, reasons for, if…
then, consequently, an
explanation for, this
reason, nevertheless,
accordingly…