Which text structure does the text use?
compare-contrast cause-effect
Read the text.
Canoes and kayaks are both great for exploring lakes and rivers. Both are light boats, easy to paddle and good in shallow water. They're not exactly the same, though. Canoes are larger and more open, with space for two or three people and supplies. Kayaks are usually covered on top with an opening for just one person. A canoe paddle has a single blade, that is, just one end that dips into the water. The kayak usually has a double-bladed paddle instead. The kayaker paddles by dipping in one blade, then the other.
Writers can organize their ideas in different ways. These ways of organizing writing are called text structures. When you can tell how a text is organized, it's easier to understand how the writer's ideas go together. You can also use these text structures to organize your own writing.
 | Text structure | Where you might find it | Words and phrases to look for
A sequential structure tells you about events that happen in a certain order. | a recipe for how to make a blueberry pie | first, until, second, after, next, then, before, finally, during
A cause-effect structure shows the causes and the effects, or results, of an event. | an essay about how recycling helps the environment | because, led to, since, as a result, due to, so, reason
A problem-solution structure explains a problem and offers possible solutions. | an article about ways to get more people to vote | issue, suggest, question, puzzle, fix, answer
A compare-contrast structure shows how two (or more) things are the same or different. | a chapter about the differences between whales and sharks | like, unlike, too, on the other hand, both, while, same, instead, common, different, as well as, however
A descriptive structure tells you a list of details about an object, scene, or topic. | a paragraph about what Tyrannosaurus rex looked like| for example, near, for instance beside, such as, most important, also
The text uses a compare-contrast structure to show how canoes and kayaks are alike and different. In the text, certain words and phrases help to organize ideas in a compare-contrast structure. Notice the words both, larger, and instead, as well as the phrase not exactly the same.