Students sort nine statements about two text structures, chronological and problem/solution, into a Venn diagram. Some describe one structure only, and some fit both. Signal words are the main clue: "first," "next," and "finally" on one side, "dilemma," "solve," and "therefore" on the other. The 3-page sort practices 5th grade RI.5.5, and the answer key places three letters in each region.
RI.5.5
“Compare and contrast the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in two or more texts.”
The whole sort compares the two structures by signal words, purpose, and the topics they suit, such as the history of a place or a plan to clean the ocean.
Nine lettered statements, A to I, sit in a table. They include "Tells events in the exact order that they happened in time" and "The best structure for proposing a new way to clean up the ocean."
Students write each letter in the Chronological circle, the Problem/Solution circle, or the Both section.
Before paired texts
Run the sort before students read a biography and a problem and solution article. They then know which signal words to look for.
Watch the middle
Statements B, D, and F belong to both. Students often put D in the chronological circle because transition words feel like a time-order feature.
Anchor chart
Copy the finished diagram onto chart paper. Through the unit, students add signal words from their own reading to each circle.
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