English·Reading Comprehension·conceptual
Structure of information texts
Describe the overall structure of an informational text (chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) and explain how the author's chosen structure helps convey information and ideas
Suggested ages 9–10
Learning journey
Your child is developing sophisticated reading skills — analysing how authors structure texts, comparing different perspectives, understanding themes and literary devices, and integrating information from multiple sources.
Evidence of understanding
- Identify which organisational structure an informational text uses (chronological order, compare/contrast, cause/effect, or problem/solution) and cite textual features that signal it
- Explain how signal words (first, then, finally for chronology; however, similarly for comparison; because, as a result for cause/effect; the solution was for problem/solution) reveal text structure
- Compare two informational texts on the same topic that use different structures and explain how each structure affects the way information is presented to the reader
Assessment prompt
When Structure of information texts reads a non-fiction text, can they identify how it's organised — for example, "this one is structured as a problem and solution" or "this one goes through events in time order" — and explain why that structure works?
Standards alignment
RI.4.5US · ccss-ela
RI.4.5
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 4