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.
Text Structure Quiz & Practice
Text Structures Questions and Answers
1. This text structure is “how are things in the text similar or different.”
- Main Idea and Details
- Problem and Solution
- Cause and Effect
- Comparison
2. This nonfiction structure is used when an author or writer conducts an interview.
- Description
- Question and Answer
- Chronological
- Cause and Effect
3. The text structure that discusses what is specifically being described is ______________.
- Comparison
- Description/MI & D
- Cause and Effect
- Problem and Solution
4. The text structure that is written in a style that tells what happened and why it happens is…
- Problem and Solution
- Question and Answer
- Chronological
- Cause and Effect
5. This text structure tells what is the conflict, or problem, and how it was resolved.
- Main Ideas and Details
- Problem and Solution
- Chronological
- Cause and Effect
6. The text structure that shows events taking place over time or gives steps is…
- Chronological
- Description/MI & D
- Cause and Effect
- Question and Answer
7. “Similar, same, alike, both, on the other hand, instead” are signal words for…
- Comparison
- Description
- Question and Answer
- Cause and Effect
8. “Who, what, when, where, why, and how” are used with …..
- Chronological
- Description/MI & D
- Question and Answer
- Comparison
9. “Such as, for instance, in addition, for example” are signal words for …
- Problem and Solution
- Comparison
- Description/MI & D
- Question and Answer
10. “First, second, following, and finally” are used with …
- Description
- Problem and Solution
- Cause and Effect
- Chronological
11. “Issue, as a result, problem, and so” is used in …
- Cause and Effect
- Description
- Problem and Solution
- Question and Answer
12. “Therefore, then, leads to, and since” are used in the text structure…
- Question and Answer
- Description/MI & D
- Cause and Effect
- Problem and Solution
13. Before putting the model car together, we gathered our supplies. Then we were able to read and follow the directions. Before long our car was done.
- Descriptive
- Sequential
14. Differences between two or more things.
- Solution
- Compare
- Cause
- Contrast
15. Events that explains why something happens.
- Contrast
- Cause
- Problem
- Compare
16. Similarities between two or more things
- Cause
- Contrast
- Problem
- Compare
17. Similarities and differences between two or more things
- Compare
- Compare/Contrast
- Cause/effect
- Contrast
18. A conflict and how the conflict is solved
- Problem
- Description
- Solution
- Problem/solution
19. 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.
- Compare and Contrast
- Chronological
- Cause and Effect
- Sequential
20. Define: Verb
- An action
- A word that gives more detail about nouns
- A person, place, thing, or idea
- A word that gives more details about verbs
21. Define: Adjective
- An action
- A word that gives more detail about nouns
- A person, place, thing, or idea
- A word that gives more details about verbs
22. Which type of text structure answers the question of what happened and why?
- Chronological
- Cause & Effect
- Problem & Solution
- Compare/Contrast
23. Which type of text structure shows how two or more things are alike and different?
- Sequence
- Cause & Effect
- Problem & Solution
- Compare/Contrast
24. Which type of text structure describes events in sequential order?
- Chronological
- Cause & Effect
- Problem & Solution
- Compare/Contrast
25. Which text structure defines a topic, and gives supporting details about that topic?
- Main Idea
- Compare Contrast
- Problem Solution
- Cause and Effect
26. Things happen in a specific order using steps
- Solution
- Effect
- Cause
- Sequence
27. The results of something happening
- Sequence
- Cause/effect
- Effect
- Cause
28. A paragraph gives the dates in order of when a tornado hit Kansas. Which text structure would this be?
- Chronological/ Sequence
- Compare/ Contrast
- Cause and Effect
- Problem Solution
29. If you ever get a really good idea, one that could change the world, you should get a patent to protect it. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issues two types of patents: design patents and utility patents. These patents have similar purposes but function in different ways. Design patents cover appearances. Let’s say that you developed a new and original design for an iPhone case. To protect your work, you would want to get a design patent, which would help you win lawsuits against people who sell iPhone cases that look like yours. However, if you created a whole new product, like an iPhone case that recharges your phone using solar energy, then you would want to file for a utility patent. Utility patents are harder to get, but they allow you to sue those that copy the function of your product, giving you even greater protection.
- Cause and Effect
- Chronological Order
- Compare and Contrast
- Sequence
30. When Americans settled the Midwest, they were challenged by tough soils that resisted their cast iron plows. The Midwest contains some of the richest soil in the world, yet many settlers concluded that the soil was unsuitable for farming because they couldn’t break ground. John Deere’s steel plow changed all of that. Deere’s plow was stronger and lighter than the iron plows people had used up until then. This allowed settlers to open up the tough but rich soil in the Midwest and unlock its agricultural potential. His invention became known as “The Plow that Broke the Plains,” and it helped American farmers feed the world.
- Descriptive
- Problem and Solution
- Compare and Contrast
- Sequence
31. Thomas Edison became known as “The Wizard of Menlo Park” in 1877, when he invented the phonograph. Edison’s phonograph allowed people to record sounds and replay them. Though this technology was unimpressive by today’s standards—his recordings would only play few times and the sound quality was poor— back then Edison’s device appeared to be magical. That’s why people called Edison “The Wizard of Menlo Park,” because they suspected him of witchcraft.
- Problem and Solution
- Cause and Effect
- Descriptive
- Sequence
Text Structure Test Terms and Answers to Learn
