November 2026 - Text Structure Study Guide

Core ideas to know

Learn the relationships, not a string of isolated definitions. These are the facts that let you reason through unfamiliar wording.

• Sequence arranges events or steps in time and uses signals such as first, next, after and finally.
• Cause and effect connects a reason or condition to a result; because, therefore and consequently are common clues.
• Compare and contrast develops similarities, differences or both through words such as likewise, unlike and however.
• Problem and solution names a difficulty, then proposes or evaluates a response to it.
• Description or classification groups details around a subject or sorts examples into meaningful categories.

A reliable way to answer

Use the same short process every time so the wording of the question does not decide your method for you.

1. State in a few words what each paragraph does rather than what every sentence says.
2. Circle transition words, but confirm that the relationship they suggest fits the surrounding ideas.
3. Choose the structure that explains the whole passage, not merely one paragraph inside it.
4. Use the structure to locate an answer: effects follow causes, solutions follow problems and contrasts sit near pivot words.

Distinctions that earn marks

Terms to know

Transition

A word or phrase that signals the relationship between ideas.

Chronology

Organisation according to time or event order.

Classification

Organisation by placing examples into categories.

Key points

• Name what each paragraph is doing to reveal the passage-wide pattern.
• Signal words are clues, not proof; meaning decides the structure.
• A passage may contain a small secondary pattern inside its main structure.