Expository Text Structures or Types

In this bundle of resources, students will be exposed to reading the different types of expository text: description, sequence, compare and contrast, caused and effect.

1. Description: Students will read about the German Pointer dog. They are asked to underline signal words. Students will list the three things that make the dog a popular pet and then give reasons why they would want or not want to own one. On the backside of the paper, students will then write their own description of a family member.
2. Sequence: Students will read three steps on how to take care of pet guinea pigs. They will underline keywords from the text that help them know that it is written as a sequence. The kids will list the three steps in order and then explain which step would be the hardest for them to do. On the backside, students will write step by step instruction on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The teacher can then have the students read their steps word for word, while the teacher follows the instruction to the letter. This is actually great fun if you haven't ever done it this activity before.
3. Compare and Contrast: Students will read about how insects and spiders are both similar and different. They will then fill out a Venn Diagram with those similarities and differences. On the backside, students will compare and contrast cows and horses as well as their principal and their teachers. The principal and teacher compare and contrast is also quite entertaining. They will use two different methods to complete their compare and contrast.
4. Cause and Effect: Students will read about how killing the gray wolves found in Yellowstone National Park created a chain of events that ended up affecting elk, beavers, fish and the Yellowstone rivers. They will underline the keywords that help them realize this is a cause and effect paper. They will list the 3 effects that happened because the wolves were killed off. On the backside, students will have an opportunity to find positive causes and effects that are common to young students. Finally, there is a word search for the early finishers who have to find cause and effect keywords.
5. Problem and Solution: Students will read about the importance of learning to read and some solutions that help students to read. They will underline words in the text that help them know that this is a problem and solution article. Students will identify the problem and then write sentences about the solution. On the backside, students will select 3 out of 6 problems that are described and then write a sentence or two detailing a solution to the stated problem.