Text Structure
The relationships of different parts of a text to each other and to the text as a complex whole. The structure of the text can refer to the internal organisation of ideas, as in an argument or story, the development of parallel plots in a novel or play, or the overarching framework of the text.
Text structure refers to how the information within a written text is organised. This strategy helps 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. Teaching students to recognise common text structures can help students monitor their comprehension.
Marking Criteria
0/4 - no evidence of any structural components of a persuasive text
1/4 - minimal evidence of persuasive structure:
- structural components not clearly identifiable OR
- one component only, e.g. an introduction or body
2/4 - text contains two clearly identifiable structural components OR all components are present but weak
3/4 - text contains an introduction, a body and conclusion OR detailed longer text with two developed components and one weaker component
4/4 - coherent, controlled and complete argument: all components are well developed
- introduction with clear position statement AND
- body with reasons and detailed supporting evidence AND
- conclusion that reinforces the writer’s position
Simplified Marking Criteria (source NSW DET)
Introduction - Body Paragraphs - Conclusion
Description
The author explains a topic, idea, concept or thing by listing characteristics, features and examples. The focus of the text is usually one thing and is referred to or repeated throughout the text,
characteristics are
for example
such as
looks like
for instance
most importantly
on (date)
at (times)
directions
at the same time...
meanwhile...
Sequence
The author lists ideas or events in numerical or chronological order. It often includes a description of the order of events or how to do something
following
finally
at Last
in the end
after that
first
second
third
next
then
before
prior
not long after
simultaneously
Compare & Contrast
The author explains how two or more things are alike or different
differs from
similar to
in contrast
alike
same as
as well as
however
both
either
not only, but also
yet, although, but
some 'est' words:
- best, fewest, tallest, shortest, fastest etc.
Cause and Effect
The author lists one or more causes or events and the results that occure
caused by
result / resulted in
outcome
impact
because
so
reasons why
reasons for
if ... then ...
as a result of
since .... therefore ...
because of
influenced by
leads to ... / led to ...
brought about by
Problem & Solution
The author states the problem and lists one or more possible solutions to the problem. The text may include pros and cons for the solutions.
one possible solution is
one challenge ...
this lead to .... so that ...
If ... then ...
the main difficulty
since
question
answer
because
dilemma
problem
therefore
as a consequence
resulted in
options include