Nonfiction Text Structures
Lesson 9 - Sequence
Today we are going to learn how a sequential nonfiction text is built and how understanding this helps the reader with comprehension.
We're thinking about texts that are built to sequence information. The author uses steps in a sequence to give the reader a clear picture of the information s/he wants the reader to "get."
Think about your daily school schedule. What does it look like?
We call this sequence. A sequence is affected by time.
A sequence structure is best captured in a flowchart or linear string that shows each step in the sequence of information. The important thing to remember about this structure is that one thing comes after another in a logical order. It is not a jumble of facts or a list of things to do. You cannot mix up the order in this type of text and still have it make sense.
As you read this type of text, look for signal words that go along with sequential structure. Some examples of the signal words for sequential structure are:
to begin with
first
secondly
next
then
finally
most important
also,
in fact
for example
for instance
at the same time
In the article you will read today, Hunting the Horned Lizard, the author will track a day in the life of a group of biologists as they attempt to locate the elusive North American horned lizard.
The main part of this article is in sequential structure. As you read I want you to think about the order. What happens first? Second? And so on.
Now that you have read Hunting the Horned Lizard, work to sequence the events in the text. Some events have been put in for you to keep you on track and show you an example. Remember to make a copy and save it in your reading folder.
You can read for the remainder of the time. For this unit you must be reading nonfiction. If you do not have a physical nonfiction book go to www.getepic.com/students and enter our class code: bzr3899. Select your name and go to your mailbox located near the top right. I have placed 40+ nonfiction books for you to read there in the three different categories.