Text Structure - Answer Keys

Grade 4 ELA | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.4.R.2.1

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Student Concept Worksheet Answers

Question Answer
1 B. Compare and Contrast
Signal words "but," "while," and "unlike" indicate comparing/contrasting butterflies and moths.
2 C. Problem and Solution
The passage presents a problem (students not getting enough sleep) and a solution (starting school later).
3 Cause and Effect
Signal words: "Due to," "Consequently"
4 Sequence
Signal words: "first," "next," "then," "finally" - the steps must happen in order.

Practice Worksheet Answers

Question Answer
1 D. Sequence
The water cycle is explained step by step in order.
2 First, Next, Then, Finally
Accept any three of these sequence signal words.
3 The author chose sequence structure because the water cycle happens in a specific order. Each step leads to the next, so it makes sense to explain it step by step.
4 C. Problem and Solution
5 Bee populations are declining rapidly (which affects food crops)
6 Any two: Creating bee-friendly gardens, reducing pesticide use, installing bee hotels
7 B. Compare and Contrast
8 Any three: both, on the other hand, however, similarly, while, unlike
9 Similarity: Both are skilled hunters / Both live in the ocean
Difference: Dolphins are mammals, sharks are fish / Dolphins live in groups, sharks hunt alone
10 A. Cause and Effect
11 Magma is lighter than the solid rock around it, so it rises toward the surface.
12 The volcano erupts, sending magma (lava), ash, and gases into the air.
13 C. Description
14 For example, also, In addition, Another (any three)
15 Any two: three hearts, blue blood, eight arms with suction cups, can change color/pattern/texture, can solve puzzles/use tools
16 B. Compare and Contrast
17 C. Problem and Solution
18 A. Cause and Effect
19 Understanding text structure helps you know what to expect, find information faster, and remember what you read. It helps you see how ideas are connected.
20 Answers will vary. Look for correct use of signal words that match the chosen structure.

FAST Format Quiz Answers

Question Answer
1 C. Problem and Solution
Paragraph 1 presents the problem (coral reefs dying); paragraph 2 presents solutions.
2 B. Rising ocean temperatures are killing coral reefs
This is the central problem that the solutions address.
3 B. "The problem is"
This phrase directly signals that a problem/solution structure is being used.
4 D. Sequence
The hurricane formation process is explained in chronological order.
5 B. first, next, then, finally
These are classic sequence signal words showing the order of events.
6 B. Compare and Contrast
The passage compares renewable and nonrenewable energy throughout.
7 B. It helps readers see how renewable and nonrenewable energy are alike and different
8 B. Cause and Effect
Signal words "Because" and "As a result" show cause and effect relationships.
9 See rubric and sample response below.
10 See rubric and sample response below.

Question 9 Scoring Rubric

Score Criteria
2 Correctly explains that sequence is appropriate because hurricanes form in a specific order/process where each step leads to the next
1 Partially explains the connection between sequence structure and the topic; missing clear reasoning
0 Incorrect explanation or does not address why sequence structure was chosen
Sample 2-Point Response:
The author chose sequence structure because hurricanes form through a specific process where each step must happen in order. First the water heats the air, then the air rises, then it spins, and finally it becomes a hurricane. If the author didn't use sequence, readers wouldn't understand how one step leads to the next.

Question 10 Scoring Rubric

Score Criteria
2 Names a text structure, lists appropriate signal words, AND writes a correct example sentence using at least one signal word
1 Names structure and signal words but example sentence is weak or missing; OR example is good but signal words don't match structure
0 Incorrect structure identification; signal words don't match; no example or completely incorrect example
Sample 2-Point Response (Cause/Effect):
Text structure: Cause and Effect
Signal words: because, as a result, therefore, so, due to
Example sentence: Because I forgot to set my alarm, I woke up late. As a result, I almost missed the bus.
Sample 2-Point Response (Compare/Contrast):
Text structure: Compare and Contrast
Signal words: however, similarly, both, unlike, on the other hand
Example sentence: Dogs and cats are both popular pets. However, dogs need to be walked outside, while cats can stay indoors.

Quick Reference: Text Structure Signal Words

Structure Signal Words
Cause/Effect because, as a result, therefore, so, since, consequently, due to, leads to, for this reason
Compare/Contrast similarly, however, unlike, both, but, on the other hand, in contrast, same as, different from, while
Problem/Solution the problem is, one solution, as a result, solved by, the answer is, one way to fix, to solve this
Sequence first, second, next, then, finally, before, after, following, later, meanwhile, last, during
Description for example, such as, includes, characteristics are, in addition, also, features, another