The document outlines various common text structures used in writing, including compare-contrast, cause-effect, sequence, problem-solution, descriptive, question-answer, and cyclical structures. Each structure is described with its definition, characteristics, and examples of transition words that can be used to enhance clarity. The information serves as a guide for understanding how to effectively organize ideas in written form.

1. Common Text Structures
K. DEVENDRAKULA THIRUMAGAL
Assistant professor
Lakshmi College of Education,
Gandhigram ,Dindigul,
Tamilnadu
India
k.thirumagal84@gmail.com

2. Common text structure
• It is important understand that there is no “official “ list
of text structure
Compare- contrast structure
Cause-effect structure
Sequence structure
Problem-Solution structure
Descriptive structure
Question-answer structure
Cyclical structure

3. Compare- contrast structure
This text structure shows how two or more ideas or
items.
This text structure is also fairly easy for students to
understand.
This text may use a clustered approach, with details
about one topic followed by details about the other.
The text may also show an alternating approach , with
the author going back between the two topics.

4. cont..
Transition words may includes
Like
Similar
Unlike
On the other hand
Also

6. Cause-effect structure
This text structure shows how one or more causes
leds to one or more effects.
This text structure also has a strong component,
since causes come before effects.
Time order transitions are also used , which can
lead to some confusion for students.

7. Cont..
Another complication is that many texts do not include
just one cause leading to one effect, instead there may be
several causes and several effects.
Transitions words such as
Cause
Effect
As a result
Consequently
Because

9. Sequence structure
This text structure gives readers a chronological of events
or a list of steps in a procedure.
A process is explained.
Transitions words such as
• First,second,third
• Next before
• Finally
• During
• In the end

11. Problem-solution structure
This text structure presents a problem, and shows
how it can be (or has been) solved.
This text structure can be confused with cause and
effect.
Transitions may include problem, solution,
solve,effect,hopeful,issue, as a result, causes.

13. Description structure
This text structure shows what an item or place
is like.
Information is organised in order of space(top to
bottom, left to right)
Transitions in this structure might include spatial
words such as next to, on the top of, beside, for
example, for instance, most important, in front, to
begin with, near.

15. Question-answer structure
A question is asked and an answer is given.
Transition words such as
• What
• Where
• Who
• Why
• How
• When

16. Cyclical Structure
This structure starts with an event
then progresses through a series until it
is back to the beginning event.