The document describes five common expository text structures: description, sequence, comparison, cause and effect, and problem and solution. Each structure is defined and associated signal words are provided to help identify the structure being used. Examples of graphic organizers that could represent each structure are also listed.

1. Five Expository Text Structures
and their Associated Signal Words
Cue Words
Pattern Description Graphic Organizer
(signal words)
•
Description The author for example
•
describes a topic characteristics
•
by listing for instance
•
characteristics, such as
features, • is like
attributes, and • including
examples
• to illustrate
•
Sequence The author lists first
•
items or events in second
•
numerical or third
•
chronological later
sequence, either 1.__________________
• next
explicit or 2.__________________
• before
implied 3.__________________
• then
4.__________________
• finally
• after
• when
• later
• since
• now
• previously
• actual use of
dates
•
Comparison Information is however
•
presented by nevertheless
•
detailing how two on the other hand
•
or more events, but
concepts, • similarly
theories, or things • although
are alike and/or
• also
different
• in contrast Alike Different
• _________ _________
different
• _________ _________
alike
• _________ _________
same as
• either/or
• in the same way
• just like
• just as
• likewise
• in comparison
• where as
• yet

2. •
Cause and The author if/then
•
Effect presents ideas, reasons why
•
events in time, or as a result Effect #1
•
facts as causes therefore
and the resulting • because
effect(s) or facts • consequently
that happen as a
• since
result of an event.
• Cause Effect #2
so that
• for
• hence
• due to
• thus
• Effect #3
this led to
•
Problem and The author problem is
•
Solution presents a dilemma is
Problem
•
problem and one if/then
•
or more solutions because
to the problem • so that
• question/answer
• puzzle is solved
Solution