Text structure and organisation

Every text is organised in a way that suits its purpose: the order of the paragraphs, the headings, and how it opens and ends. Spotting the structure helps you read it and write your own.

Key facts

  • Chronological (time order): events in the order they happened, with time words: ⟦First⟧, ⟦Then⟧, ⟦After that⟧, ⟦Finally⟧. Used in stories, recounts and instructions.
  • Problem and solution: a problem is described, then how it is solved: ⟦One solution is…⟧, ⟦To solve this…⟧
  • Compare and contrast: how two things are alike and different: ⟦both⟧, ⟦whereas⟧, ⟦on the other hand⟧, ⟦in contrast⟧.
  • Cause and effect: why something happened and what it led to: ⟦because⟧, ⟦as a result⟧, ⟦consequently⟧, ⟦therefore⟧.
  • Features that organise a text: a heading, subheadings, an introduction, paragraphs with topic sentences, bullet points, captions and a conclusion.

Worked examples

Example 1

How is this organised? ⟦Our school had no space to play. The council gave us the empty field next door, and now we have a playground.⟧

  1. First a problem: no space to play.
  2. Then how it was solved: the field.

Answer: problem and solution

Example 2

Which connective fits? ⟦Cats sleep most of the day, ___ dogs need lots of exercise.⟧ (⟦whereas⟧ / ⟦then⟧)

  1. Cats and dogs are being compared.
  2. ⟦whereas⟧ shows a contrast.

Answer: ⟦whereas⟧

Example 3

What job does a topic sentence do?

  1. It is usually the first sentence of a paragraph.
  2. The other sentences add details to it.

Answer: It says what the paragraph is about.