This document discusses different types of text structures used to organize information in a passage: chronological order, sequential order, spatial order, examples, and clarification. It provides examples of each type and suggests transition words commonly used to signal each structure. Chronological order uses time/dates to sequence events. Sequential order lists items or steps in an order without time signals. Spatial order describes locations in a passage. Examples are used to illustrate a point. Clarification provides additional context to explain a statement more fully.

1. RDNG 0361

2.  Used to inform readers about a topic by
presenting information though events or
steps in a chronological order using time.
Transition/Signal Words
First, second next not long after
Initially then before
Following when finally
Preceding after on (date)

3.  Kate Barlow preserved peaches which lasted for
years, and you can too if you follow these few simple
steps. First check the jars for cracks or chips. Second
place the lids in boiling water to sterilize. While the
lids boil, wash the jars and rings in hot, soapy water.
Next place the boiling hot peaches and syrup into the
hot, sterilized jars. As soon as the jar is full within a
half inch of headspace wipe the rim of the jar clean.
Immediately cap the jar with the hot lid. Next place
the jar in a steamer. After steaming for twenty
minutes remove the jar from the steam bath. Once
the jar has cooled you can store it until needed. The
peaches will stay fresh for several years

4. •First event
•Check the jar for cracks and chips
•Second event
•Place the lid in boiling water
•Third event
•Place the boiling peaches in sterilize jar

5.  Demonstrates that certain steps must be
followed in a specific order for it to make
sense.
Initially Then
Followed
by

6.  Whereby the author lists items in order
 Example:
◦ Think of it like a grocery list, it doesn’t matter what order
you get it in, as long as you get all the items
◦ Simple list should always be your last choice
 Transition/Signal Words
◦ Also, another, in addition, first, second, third, for
example; punctuation
◦ (bullets, dashes, numbers-1-2-3, letters a-b-c)

7. Allows for authors to describe or make points about
something using three dimensional space.
Spatial Order (location)

8. "Far to his left, in the northeast, beyond the valley and the terraced foothills of the
Sierra Madre Oriental, the two volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Ixtaccihuatl, rose clear
and magnificent into the sunset. Nearer, perhaps ten miles distant, and on a lower
level than the main valley, he made out the village of Tomalín, nestling behind the
jungle, from which rose a thin blue scarf of illegal smoke, someone burning wood
for carbon. Before him, on the other side of the American highway, spread fields
and groves, through which meandered a river, and the Alcapancingo road."
(Malcolm Lowry, Under the Volcano, 1947)

9.  Statement with examples designed to
illustrate or clarify the statement.
 Transition/Signal Words:
◦ For example
◦ For instance
◦ That is
◦ Thus
◦ To illustrate
◦ As demonstrated

10.  Example: Food labels provide important
information. For example, the label on Sara
Lee wheat bread states that one slice of bread
equals 70 calories.

11.  Statement of fact with discussion intended to
make that statement clear
◦ Use the clarification to help understand the
statement and the author’s purpose.
 Transition Words:
◦ Obviously
◦ Of course
◦ too

12.  Noise is much more than just an annoyance.
In fact, noise can be a type of pollution that
produces serious hearing
impairments, prevents people from getting
adequate rest, contributes to high blood
pressure, interferes with productivity, and
reduces our overall quality of life.*
 Notice the author makes a statement and the
sentences that follow are all clarification to
the first statement made.
* Noise pollution Clearinghouse, http:www.nonoise.org