A coconut is a tropical fruit. It comes from Asia originally, but it grows in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Central America, and South America. A coconut grows on a coconut palm, which looks like a palm but actually is taller and has more leaves. The coconut appears to be shades of brown and has a hairy shell. On the inside, there is a watery liquid called coconut milk. After you break through the shell, you find what is called the coconut meat. Both the meat and the milk are white. Dried coconut meat is called copra. The coconut is a very interesting fruit.
Structures of Informational/Factual Text
Informational Text Structure refers to how the information within a written text is organized. This strategy helps learners understand that a text might present a main idea and details; a cause and then its effects; and/or different views of a topic.
These text structures use signal words for further understanding of the text.
Text Structure Definition/Meaning Signal Words Description Describes details , characteristics and examples of something for example, such as, characterized by, consists, such as, describes, looks like, for instance, most important, another
Geologists classify types of rocks by closely examining certain characteristics such as crystal structures, luster, and color. Breaking the rock shows specimen’s fracture or cleavage. Signal word(s) used: characteristics, such as
Sequence/ Order The steps in a sequence,and the logical order of things. first, second, third first of all, then, meanwhile, former, latter, last, in the beginning, in the end, after, eventually, next, in order, before
Deviled Eggs Pop out (remove) the egg yolks to a small bowl and mash with a fork. Then, add mayonnaise, mustard powder, vinegar, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly. Next, fill the empty egg white shells with the mixture and sprinkle lightly with paprika. Lastly, cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one day before serving.
Compare and Contrast This shows how two or more things are alike or how they are different. like, similar to, unlike, in contrast, whereas, while, than, although, different from, however, as well as, either/or, alike, same as, though, on the other hand, just like,
There are two popular sports played at Ericson, basketball and volleyball. Both take place inside of the gym at Ericson. Also, each sport has two teams of people. In basketball, however , the ball can be played off on the floor, and in volleyball, the ball cannot touch the floor or it is out of play. Basketball and volleyball are popular sports at Ericson.
Cause and Effect The cause tells why something happened and the effect tells what happened. therefore, as a result, lead to, because of, in order to, for the reasons, thus, if-then, may be due to, another reason, is caused by, since, effects of,
Though toads are still around, they no longer are as common in some areas as they were a few decades ago. As a reason, the growing use of insecticides has reduced their numbers. The chemical sprays usually do not harm toads, but cut down the animals’ food supply. Thereby, the toads do not have enough food to survive. There are fewer toads in many areas populated by humans.
Problem and Solution The text states a problem and then suggests one or more solutions. problem is, a solution is, the problem is solved by, a potential alternative is, solution, issue, a possible answer, therefore, conclusion, because, since, led to.
Dr. Knapp does not want people to sit back and let the toad vanish. He believes that everyone is responsible for restoring the toad species. Dr. Knapp thinks of possible solutions and one is if we stop mowing parts of our lawns and let the grass grow wild to reserve space for the toad. He also believes we need to stop using pesticides and fertilizers. The chemicals kill the insects that toads eat. If we preserve some spaces in our lawns and stop using fertilizers, Dr. Knapp believes we can save the toads. Signal word(s) used: possible solutions
Directions: Read each passage and identify how the information is being organized.
Ice-cream is a delicious frozen treat that comes in a many different colors and flavors. Two of my favorite flavors are strawberry and chocolate. Though both of these flavors are delicious, strawberry may contain pieces of fruit while chocolate usually will not. Even though more chocolate ice cream is sold across the country annually than strawberry, each flavor tastes great inside of a milk shake. compare and contrast c. description cause and effect d. problem and solution
2. A lot of students have been failing classes. These students wouldn’t be failing classes if they studied more, asked questions, tried harder, and came in for extra help. Even though many students fail classes, they have many options if they want to pass and to solve their concern. compare and contrast c. description cause and effect d. problem and solution
3. Making ice cream is not easy. Cream and sugar have to first be mixed in a frozen container. Ingredients may be added at this point, if desired. The mixture must be stirred and whipped until the cream and sugar mixture is frozen. Depending on the equipment, this may take as long as an hour. After the ice-cream is prepared, it must be kept frozen until it is ready to be enjoyed. Making ice-cream is difficult, but most people would agree that it is worth the trouble. problem and solution c. cause and effect sequence/order d. description
4. Lots of students fail classes. Some students fail because the work is too hard for them. Other times they may fail because they are lazy, and don’t do any work. Another reason why students may fail is if they don’t go to school. If you’re not in class you may miss a lot. Many students fail classes every quarter. a.description c. cause and effect b. sequence/order d. description
5 . Coral snakes are distinguished or characterized by their red, yellow/white, and black colored banding. Most species consist small in size. North American species average around 3 feet in length, but specimens of up to 5 feet or slightly larger have been reported. a. problem and solution c. compare and contrast b. cause and effect d. description
Identify the structure of the text.
1. All matter, all things can be changed in two ways: chemically and physically. Both chemical and physical changes affect the state of matter. Physical changes are those that do not change the make-up or identity of the matter. Chemical changes turn the matter into a new kind of matter with different properties. The difference between them is that physical changes are temporary or only last for a little while, and chemical changes are permanent, which means they last forever. Physical and chemical changes both affect the state of matter
2. When I got home from school after a long boring day, I took out the peanut butter, jelly, and bread. After taking the lid off of the jars, I spread the peanut butter on one side of the bread and the jelly on the other, and then I put the two pieces of bread together. After that, I enjoyed it while watching “Cops” on the TV. I swear, that was the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich I ever ate
3. There are many reasons why people dance. Some people dance for fun, just because they enjoy dancing. At other times, people dance for exercise or for weight loss, because dancing can really get your heart beating. Also, sometimes people dance to try to get boyfriends or girlfriends. Some people think that good dancing is attractive. There are many reasons why people dance.
4. The playground at the park is built for fun. There are plenty ways to get to the top just like – a ladder, a stairway, and even a rock wall. Once at the top, kids can find plenty of things to play with, like a curved tube, two different steering wheels, and even a tic-tac-toe board. And two curved sliding boards make the perfect way to return to the ground.