(The third in a series of 6 blogs unpacking nonfiction text structures) Show
When we read a nonfiction piece of writing to learn about the world around us, sometimes it is framed in a compare and contrast text structure. When we read a nonfiction piece of writing to learn about the world around us, sometimes it is framed in a compare and contrast text structure. Whether the topic is ancient civilizations or future scientific breakthroughs, we are able to make meaning when we recognize that the text structure presents a compare and contrast relationship. When we, as readers, are guided and coached to readily identify a compare and contrast text structure, we are able to effectively read with purpose and comprehend. Likewise, when we write a nonfiction piece and effectively use a compare and contrast text structure to convey meaning we are able to achieve our purpose. Essential QuestionsHow does a compare and contrast text structure help to read for meaning? How does a compare and contrast text structure help to write with purpose? Information text has one or more types of text structure based upon the author’s purpose: Six Types of Nonfiction Text Structure
When readers know, understand, and apply these six types of text structure they are able to read with purpose and make meaning. When writers use one or more of the six types of text structure to inform and educate an audience about a subject, we effectively write with purpose. Compare and Contrast Text StructureA compare and contrast text structure shows how two or more things are alike and/or how they are different. Features of Compare-Contrast• Details of similarities and differences between two or more persons, places, or objects Questions to Ponder
Signal Words and Phrases
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Compare and Contrast is a text structure or pattern of organization where the similarities and differences of two or more things are explored. It is important to remember that with the compare and contrast text structure the text should be discussing similarities and differences. If the text only discusses similarities, it is only comparing. Likewise, if it only discusses ways that the things are different, it is only contrasting. The text must do both to be considered compare and contrast. Example: Apples and oranges are both fruits, which means that they have seeds inside of them. Each has a skin, but orange skins are thick and easy to peel. Apple skins are thinner and do not peel easily. Oranges also contain more acid than apples, but both fruits are delicious. Compare and Contrast Graphic Organizer Identifying when the writer is comparing and contrasting is usually not difficult because the speaker will bounce back and forth between two subjects and this pattern is generally pretty easy to recognize. However, here are some signal words that may indicate that the text is written using the compare and contrast organizational pattern: like, unlike, both, neither, similar, and different. Here is a simple worksheet on compare and contrast if your students need more practice. Here is a more complex set of worksheets on text structure if your students are ready to advance. Learn More About Text Structure
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Text structure refers to how the information within a written text is organized. 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 recognize common text structures can help students monitor their comprehension. BenefitsTeachers can use this strategy with the whole class, small groups, or individually. Students learn to identify and analyze text structures which helps students navigate the various structures presented within nonfiction and fiction text. As a follow up, having students write paragraphs that follow common text structures helps students recognize these text structures when they are reading. Create and Use the StrategyTo create the text structure strategy teachers should:
4. Introduce and model using a graphic organizer to chart the text structure. To use the text structure strategy teachers should:
Examples
ReferencesDickson, S. V., Simmons, D. C., & Kameenui, E. J. (1995). Text organization and its relation to reading comprehension: A synthesis of research. Eugene, OR: National Center to Improve the Tools of Educators. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED386864 Dymock, S. (2005). Teaching Expository Text Structure Awareness. The Reading Teacher, 59(2), 177-181. Simonsen, S. (1996). Identifying and Teaching Text Structures in Content Area Classrooms. In D. Lapp, J. Flood, & N. Farnan (Eds.), Content Area reading and Learning: Instructional Strategies (2nd ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon. |