1. Five Expository Text Structures
and their Associated Signal Words
Cue Words
Pattern Description Graphic Organizer
(signal words)
•
Description The author for example
•
describes a topic characteristics
•
by listing for instance
•
characteristics, such as
features, • is like
attributes, and • including
examples
• to illustrate
•
Sequence The author lists first
•
items or events in second
•
numerical or third
•
chronological later
sequence, either 1.__________________
• next
explicit or 2.__________________
• before
implied 3.__________________
• then
4.__________________
• finally
• after
• when
• later
• since
• now
• previously
• actual use of
dates
•
Comparison Information is however
•
presented by nevertheless
•
detailing how two on the other hand
•
or more events, but
concepts, • similarly
theories, or things • although
are alike and/or
• also
different
• in contrast Alike Different
• _________ _________
different
• _________ _________
alike
• _________ _________
same as
• either/or
• in the same way
• just like
• just as
• likewise
• in comparison
• where as
• yet

2. •
Cause and The author if/then
•
Effect presents ideas, reasons why
•
events in time, or as a result Effect #1
•
facts as causes therefore
and the resulting • because
effect(s) or facts • consequently
that happen as a
• since
result of an event.
• Cause Effect #2
so that
• for
• hence
• due to
• thus
• Effect #3
this led to
•
Problem and The author problem is
•
Solution presents a dilemma is
Problem
•
problem and one if/then
•
or more solutions because
to the problem • so that
• question/answer
• puzzle is solved
Solution