Sixteen signal words and phrases, such as meanwhile, unlike, therefore, and to fix this, are sorted into four text structures on this 4th grade sheet. The columns are Chronology, Comparison, Cause and Effect, and Problem and Solution, with four words in each. Two follow-up questions ask for the trickiest word and one new signal word per category. It practices RI.4.5 over three pages. The answer key explains why since fits more than one column.
RI.4.5
“Describe the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in a text or part of a text.”
Students connect each signal word to chronology, comparison, cause and effect, or problem and solution, the four structures the standard names.
A 16-word bank, including finally, however, similar to, because, issue, as a result, one answer is, and resolved. Students write each word under the correct structure in a four-column table.
Students name the trickiest word to place, with a hint that one word fits two categories, then add one new signal word to each column.
Anchor chart
After the sort, turn the four columns into a class chart. Students add signal words they find in their own reading for the rest of the unit.
Tricky words
Since and issue cause the most debate. Ask students to write a sentence with each before deciding where it goes.
Before a nonfiction read
Sort first, then read a short article and underline every signal word. Students can then name the article's structure.
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