Question

• Students annotate
the short article.
• Then write 3–4
sentences
explaining how
structure conveys
meaning on the
next slide.
In many crowded cities, open green space is hard to find. As a result,
some communities have started transforming unused rooftops into
gardens. These rooftop gardens provide several important benefits
for both people and the environment.
To start, rooftop gardens help reduce extreme heat in urban areas.
Large amounts of concrete and asphalt absorb sunlight, raising city
temperatures. Plants, on the other hand, cool the air by releasing
moisture. Because of this natural process, buildings with rooftop
gardens often require less air‑conditioning, which saves energy.
Rooftop gardens also help manage rainwater. During heavy storms,
city drainage systems can become overwhelmed. Soil and plants on
rooftops absorb much of the rain, reducing flooding and preventing
polluted water from rushing into rivers and streams.
Finally, these gardens create new habitats for birds, butterflies, and
insects. In cities where wildlife is limited, even small patches of
greenery can support local ecosystems. Some rooftop gardens even
grow vegetables, giving residents access to fresh produce.
As cities continue to grow, rooftop gardens offer a practical and
creative way to make urban areas healthier and more sustainable.
Write your
sentences
here.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.

Answer 1

1.
1. The article opens with a problem (limited green space) and immediately presents rooftop gardens as a solution, so readers understand the purpose right away.
2. Each paragraph focuses on a single benefit and uses signal words like "To start" and "Finally," which makes the information easy to follow and shows cause-and-effect.
3. The concluding sentence restates the main idea and connects rooftop gardens to future city growth, reinforcing the argument that they are practical and sustainable.

2.
1. The writer structures the text by listing benefits, with each paragraph beginning with a clear topic sentence about one advantage of rooftop gardens.
2. Cause-and-effect wording (for example, plants cool the air, so buildings need less air-conditioning) helps readers see how the gardens produce specific results.
3. The final summary ties the points together and emphasizes that rooftop gardens are a helpful solution as cities get larger.