This document explains the difference between text structures and text features. Text structures refer to how a text is organized, such as the format of a business letter, poem, recipe, or book. Text features, on the other hand, are specific characteristics like italics, bolding, titles, and illustrations that help readers understand the information. The document uses examples of car parts and house features to illustrate the difference, emphasizing that text structures and features are distinct concepts that will be assessed on standardized tests.

1. TEXT
STRUCTURES
&
TEXT FEATURES
WHAT THE HECK ARE THEY?

2. What do we mean by
the term “structure?”
• Structure means the way something is
constructed and organized.

3. So “text structure” refers to
the way a particular text is
constructed and organized.
And, there are quite a few ways a writer can
organize and construct a piece of text.

4. HOWEVER!!!
• It is very important to remember that
“text structures” are a completely
separate idea from “text features.”
• You need to know the difference
because BOTH concepts are part of
your future FCAT and PARCC tests!

5. To help us clearly understand the difference
between “text structures” and “text features,”
we will use a car as an example.
Like this one, perhaps? Yes, a car.
Or maybe this one?
Or, possibly, this one?

6. Here, we have an example of a car’s structure.

7. These are the features of a 2012 Ford Mustang
• Standard Equipment All 2012 Ford Mustangs are impressively
packaged. Even the base V6 comes with air conditioning, power
windows/locks/mirrors, keyless remote entry, AM/FM/CD stereo with
AUX input, Selectable Electronic Power Steering Assist (EPAS),
cruise control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC; includes anti-lock
brakes), front and front-side airbags, and Ford's SOS Post-Crash
Alert system. The Premium versions add leather upholstery, trim
enhancements, an upgraded instrument cluster with MyColor
variable lighting, Shaker 500 audio system with SYNC and SIRIUS
Satellite Radio, power driver's seat, and a split-folding rear seat on
coupes. The GT has a 412-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 engine,
automatic headlamps, rear spoiler, fog lamps, a black-chrome pony
grille badge, and cloth instead of synthetic material on the
Convertible's power top.

8. What about the structures
and features of a house?

9. Here’s the structure of a house.

10. Here are some house features.
• Granite counter-tops • Refrigerator/freezer
• A/C and heat with ice-maker
• Wired for computer • Insulated roof
networking • High r-factor windows
• Two full bathrooms • Hurricane shutters
• Bay windows • Wall-to-wall carpet
• French doors • Screened-in patio and
• Crystal chandeliers pool area

11. So, let’s break it down for review.
• Text structures are • Text features are the
different ways a writer different, specific
can build or design a characteristics in a text
piece of text, like that help the reader
writing business letters, understand the
bulleted lists, poem information better, such
verses, step-by-step as italic and bold-faced
instructions, recipes, type, page numbers,
resumes, books, news titles and subtitles,
articles, school reports, illustrations, etc.
etc.

12. To sum it up, remember that text
structures and text features are
two very different things.
Both are important to know because they
will be included in your FCAT and
PARCC tests!