4.2.2: Internal Text Structures

Internal Text Structures

When you are reading informational text, you will notice that authors use many different text structures or organizational patterns to organize their information. The following chart lists signal words, definitions, and examples of some of the most common text structures you will encounter when reading informational text:

Text Structure	Signal Words	Definition	Example
Cause and Effect	so that, because of, thus, unless, since, as a result, then, reasons for, consequently, explanation for, nevertheless, thus, accordingly	The writer explains the reasons for an event or phenomenon.	Psychologist Alphonse Chapanis and other researchers redesigned the cockpit controls of aircraft to make them less confusing and easier to respond to, and this led to a decrease in pilot errors and crashed.
Comparison/ Contrast	different from, same as, alike, similar to, compared to unlike, but, yet, either...or, in contrast, while, although, unless, however	The writer discusses the similarities and differences of two ideas, objects, or processes.	Many studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy can help many people suffering from depression and anxiety disorders.In contrast, research reveals that some types of therapies actually might be harmful on average.
Enumeration or Listing	to begin with, first, second, in addition, next, then, last, finally, another, also, most important	The writer presents information in a structure that resembles an outline. It is often presented in bulleted format.	There are several extensive ethical guidelines for how human participants should be treated in psychological research.Following are a few highlights: 1. Informed consent. 2. Confidentiality.....
Sequential or Chronological ~ Process	first, second, third, now, before, after, then, next, finally, following, while, meanwhile, last, during, not long, when, on date	The writer presents a series of events or explains a procedure or process in the order they happen.	This module outlines the characteristics of the science, and the promises it holds for understanding behavior. The ethics that guide psychological research are briefly described. Itconcludes with the reasons you should learn about scientific psychology.
Concept/ Definition	is, for example, involves, can be, defined, an example, for instance, in fact, also, contain, make up	The writer introduces an idea and explains what it is.	Specifically, science is the use of systemic observation in order to acquire knowledge.
Generalization & Illustration/Example	is, for example, involves, can be, defined, an example, for instance, in fact, also, contain, make up, such as, including	The writer explains phenomenon and processes by listing examples and unique characteristics.	A growing body of research is concerned with determining which therapies are the most and least effective for the treatment of psychological disorders. For example, many studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy can help many people suffering from depression and anxiety disorders.

External Text Structures or Features

A text may contain multiple external text structures, such as:

• Underlined words

• Headings and Subheadings

• Illustrations (graphics, images, maps, diagrams, etc.)

• Italics/Bold Text

• Definitions (within text, usually in parentheses, or in the footer or margin of a page)

External text structures can help you read and understand informational (or expository) text. The following chart lists some commonly used text structures, their format and their purpose:

External Text feature	Format	Purpose–How does it help me read and understand the information?
Table of contents	Chapters	This provides me with a list of information included in the text.
Headings	Headings and Subheadings	I can read a brief phrase that tells me what information I will find in the paragraph below it.
Bold or italicized words	Bold or italicized words	These words are important terms that I must be able to define so I can understand the information.
Graphics/illustrations	Graphics/illustrations	A picture, graph, or chart that provides me more information OR arranges the information in a visual format so I might understand it better.

To help you understand how internal and external text structures are used together, the following chart lists informational (or expository) writing assignments and the internal text structure and external text structure/feature that could be used when completing them:

Writing Assignment	Internal Text Structure/External Text Structure
Biography	Chronological Order/Timeline
Report about a country or state	Description/Map
Article for a school newspaper about a school related question or issue	Problem and Solution/Chart
Report about a life cycle	Sequential/Diagram
Essay about how something has changed over time, such as clothing styles	Compare and Contrast/Pictures
Article about the effects of a new law or important news event	Cause and Effect/Subheadings, Definitions, Italics

Using Graphic Organizers:

Cluster/map/web – creative writings, just to come up with ideas for your essayFlowchart – chronological essays
Venn Diagram – comparing and contrasting (what goes in the center?)
Listing – coming up with ideas

Outline – coming up with ideas and organizing your essay by paragraph