Understanding text structure is essential for comprehending and analysing written material effectively. Recognising different text structures helps students to better understand the organisation and purpose of various texts. The following set of 20 advanced text structure questions is tailored for the 11+ assessment tests in UK schools, aiming to enhance students’ ability to identify and work with different text structures.
Sample Example
Question:
Read the following passage and identify the text structure used. Explain your reasoning.
Passage:
Every morning, Anna wakes up at six o’clock. She brushes her teeth, gets dressed, and has breakfast before heading to school. After classes, she completes her homework and spends time reading her favourite books.
Answer:
- Text Structure: Chronological (Sequence)
- Reasoning: The passage describes events in the order they occur over time, detailing Anna’s daily routine from morning until after school.
Questions
1. Identify the Text Structure
Read the passage and identify the text structure used.
Passage:
Rainforests are vital to our planet. They produce oxygen, store carbon dioxide, and provide habitat for millions of species. Additionally, they play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate.
2. Cause and Effect
Determine whether the following passage is an example of cause and effect.
Passage:
The heavy rainfall caused the river to overflow, leading to widespread flooding in the nearby villages.
3. Problem and Solution
Identify the problem and the solution presented in the passage.
Passage:
Many cities suffer from traffic congestion. To alleviate this, the government introduced a new bus rapid transit system that is both efficient and affordable.
4. Compare and Contrast
Does the passage compare and contrast two ideas? If so, which ones?
Passage:
Cats are independent animals that require less attention, whereas dogs are loyal companions that thrive on interaction and exercise.
5. Descriptive Structure
What descriptive elements are used in the following sentence?
Sentence:
The ancient castle stood majestically on the hill, its towering spires piercing the cloudy sky.
6. Sequence of Events
Arrange the following events in the order they occurred.
Events:
A) Emma finishes her homework.
B) Emma wakes up early.
C) Emma goes to school.
D) Emma has breakfast.
7. Identify Signposts
Find the signpost words in the passage that indicate a cause and effect relationship.
Passage:
Because of the strong winds, the kite flew higher than usual.
8. Recognise the Text Structure
What is the text structure of the passage below?
Passage:
First, mix the flour and sugar in a bowl. Next, add the eggs and milk, stirring continuously. Finally, pour the batter into a baking tin and place it in the oven.
9. Text Structure Identification
Identify the text structure used in the following passage.
Passage:
There are several reasons why recycling is important. It reduces waste in landfills, conserves natural resources, and decreases pollution.
10. Problem and Solution Identification
In the passage below, what is the problem and what is the proposed solution?
Passage:
Many students struggle with time management. To help them, the school has introduced workshops that teach effective scheduling and prioritising techniques.
11. Compare and Contrast Analysis
How does the passage compare two different subjects?
Passage:
While both lions and tigers are big cats, lions live in groups called prides, whereas tigers are solitary hunters.
12. Sequence Identification
What text structure is used in the passage below?
Passage:
To make a cup of tea, you first boil water. Then, you steep the tea bag for a few minutes. Finally, you add sugar and milk to taste.
13. Cause and Effect Recognition
Identify the cause and the effect in the following sentence.
Sentence:
Due to the lack of sunlight, the plants in the greenhouse began to wilt.
14. Descriptive Structure Elements
What descriptive language is used in the passage below?
Passage:
The shimmering stars illuminated the night sky, casting a gentle glow over the calm, silent lake.
15. Identify Text Structure
Determine the text structure used in the passage.
Passage:
Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship. They require regular exercise and enjoy interactive play, making them ideal pets for active families.
16. Problem and Solution Identification
What is the problem and solution in the passage below?
Passage:
Pollution has become a significant issue in urban areas. To combat this, the city council has implemented stricter regulations on vehicle emissions and promoted the use of public transportation.
17. Compare and Contrast Elements
How are two ideas compared in the passage?
Passage:
Electric cars are environmentally friendly and produce no emissions, whereas traditional gasoline cars contribute to air pollution and rely on fossil fuels.
18. Sequence of Instructions
What is the correct sequence of steps in the passage below?
Passage:
After heating the oil, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Next, incorporate the spices and cook for another minute. Finally, add the tomatoes and let the mixture simmer.
19. Identify the Text Structure
What text structure is used in the following passage?
Passage:
Recycling helps the environment by reducing waste, conserving resources, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
20. Cause and Effect Analysis
Analyze the cause and effect in the passage below.
Passage:
The sudden drop in temperature caused the lake to freeze over, allowing children to skate on its surface.
Answers
1. Identify the Text Structure
Answer:
Cause and Effect
2. Cause and Effect
Answer:
Yes, the passage illustrates how heavy rainfall (cause) led to river overflow and flooding (effect).
3. Problem and Solution
Answer:
- Problem: Traffic congestion in cities.
- Solution: Introduction of a new bus rapid transit system.
4. Compare and Contrast
Answer:
Yes, it compares cats and dogs based on their independence and need for interaction.
5. Descriptive Structure
Answer:
Adjectives (ancient, majestically, towering, cloudy) and visual imagery.
6. Sequence of Events
Answer:
Correct Order:
B) Emma wakes up early.
D) Emma has breakfast.
C) Emma goes to school.
A) Emma finishes her homework.
7. Identify Signposts
Answer:
Signpost Words: “Because of”
8. Recognise the Text Structure
Answer:
Sequential (Process)
9. Text Structure Identification
Answer:
Cause and Effect
10. Problem and Solution Identification
Answer:
- Problem: Students struggling with time management.
- Solution: Introduction of workshops on scheduling and prioritising.
11. Compare and Contrast Analysis
Answer:
It compares lions and tigers by highlighting their social behaviour—lions live in prides while tigers are solitary.
12. Sequence Identification
Answer:
Sequential (Process)
13. Cause and Effect Recognition
Answer:
- Cause: Lack of sunlight.
- Effect: Plants began to wilt.
14. Descriptive Structure Elements
Answer:
Imagery (shimmering stars, gentle glow, calm, silent lake).
15. Identify Text Structure
Answer:
Compare and Contrast
16. Problem and Solution Identification
Answer:
- Problem: Pollution in urban areas.
- Solution: Stricter vehicle emission regulations and promotion of public transport.
17. Compare and Contrast Elements
Answer:
The passage compares electric cars and traditional gasoline cars based on their environmental impact and fuel reliance.
18. Sequence of Instructions
Answer:
Correct Sequence of Steps:
- Heat the oil.
- Add and sauté onions until golden brown.
- Incorporate spices and cook for another minute.
- Add tomatoes and let simmer.
19. Identify the Text Structure
Answer:
Cause and Effect
20. Cause and Effect Analysis
Answer:
- Cause: Sudden drop in temperature.
- Effect: Lake froze over, allowing children to skate.
These advanced text structure questions are designed to help students practice recognising and understanding different organisational patterns within texts. Mastery of these skills is essential for effectively analysing and comprehending various types of written material, a vital component of the 11+ English exam.
