The document discusses different types of internal text structures that help readers understand and access information more easily from non-fiction texts. It identifies five main types: definition/description, which uses examples and restatements to define complex terms; problem-solution, which states an issue and suggests ways to address it; sequence/time, where changing the order of details would alter the meaning; comparison and contrast, which points out similarities and differences between topics; and cause and effect, showing relationships between causes and resulting effects. Signal words are provided for each type to help identify them.

2.  We have talked external text structures – things
like titles, headings, graphs, pictures, bolded
words, indexes, tables of content, etc.They help
us to use access and understand information
more easily.
 Now we will talk about internal text structure –
the way the text is written – to also help us get
information from non-fiction text more easily.
 There are five types of text we are going to
discuss: definition/description, problem-
solution, sequence/time, comparison and
contrast, and cause and effect.

3. Frequently in textbook
reading an entire
paragraph is devoted
to defining a complex
term or idea.The
concept is initially
defined and then
further expanded with
examples and
restatements.
Signal words:
is,
for example,
involves,
can be defined,
an example,
for instance,
in fact,
also,
is called,
refers to…

4. The text states a
problem and then
suggests one or more
solutions.
Signal words: a
problem is, a solution
is, the problem is
solved by, a potential
alternative is, solution,
issue, a possible
answer, therefore,
conclusion…

5. The main idea’s
supporting details are
written in a specific
order. Changing the
order would change
the meaning.
Signal words:
first, second, third,
now, then, before,
after, next, finally,
following, while, last,
during, on (date), not
long, when…

6. Signal words: different
from, same as, alike,
like, similar to, unlike,
but, as well as, yet,
either…or, not
only…but also,
compared to, in
contrast, while,
resembles, although,
unless, similarly,
however…
Points out similarities and
differences between two or
more topics.

7. Shows a relationship
between the cause of
something and the
effect that follows as a
result.
Signal words: so that,
because of, thus,
unless, therefore,
since, in order to, as a
result of, this led to,
then, reasons for,
if…then, consequently,
an explanation for, this
reason, nevertheless,
accordingly…