What does the word “explanatory” mean? The word "explanatory" refers to something that provides explanation or clarification about a subject. It is intended to make something easier to understand by detailing how it works or the reasons behind it.
What is a text structure? Text structure refers to the way a written work is organized or arranged. It encompasses the framework that dictates the arrangement of ideas or information within a text to effectively convey its message. Text structures can include formats like chronological sequencing, cause and effect, problem and solution, and compare and contrast.
Why do authors choose different organizational structures when writing? Authors choose different organizational structures to best suit the content they are presenting and to achieve their specific purpose. Different structures help emphasize certain points, streamline the flow of information, facilitate understanding, and engage the reader. For instance, a problem/solution structure might be used to highlight an issue and propose ways to resolve it, while a compare/contrast structure might be used to discuss similarities and differences between two subjects.
Use the Gallery on Lesson page 4 to complete the chart below.
| Type of Text Structure | What It Does | |---------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Compare/Contrast | Examines the similarities and differences between two or more subjects or ideas. | | Problem/Solution | Identifies a problem and proposes one or more solutions to address it. | | Cause/Effect | Explores the relationship between events where one or more causes lead to specific effects. | | Claims/Counterclaims/Evidence | Presents a claim or argument, addresses opposing viewpoints (counterclaims), and provides evidence to support the argument. |