Reading (and Scaffolding) Expository Texts

To help students comprehend expository text structures, teachers can acquaint them with the signal or cue words authors utilize in writing each of the structures and use the graphic organizers offered in this article

Introduction

Expository text differs greatly from narrative text in tone, style, structure, and features.First, expository texts purvey a tone of authority, since the authors possess authentic and accurate information on the subjects they write about (Fisher &Frey, 2008). Second, these texts follow a style that is distinctly different from that of narrative text. Expository text uses clear, focused language and moves fromfacts that are general to specific and abstract to concrete.

Another aspect of expository texts is that they utilize specific structures to present and explain information (Burke, 2000). And, it has long been known that the ability to recognize text structure enhances the student's ability to comprehend and recall the information read (Armbruster, Anderson, & Ostertag,1989).The five most common structures utilized in informational text are cause-effect, comparison-contrast, definition-example, problem-solution, and proposition supportor sequential listing. To help students recognize and identify these structures, teachers can acquaint them with the signal or cue words authors utilize in writing each of the structures (See below). In addition, DougBuehl (2001) has created a series of questions to help guide students in identifying each specific structure. Finally, see the reproducible masters below for a set of graphic organizers that students and teachers may use to facilitate structure identification.

Text Structure Signal Words
Cause- Effect	Comparison- Contrast	Definition- Example	Problem- Solution	Proposition- Support
because consequently If so, then since therefore so that thus as a result not only, but	however but on the other hand instead of as well as similar to different from compared to	for example for instance specifically in addition described as to illustrate another first, second, third	because since consequently so that nevertheless a solution however therefore in addition as result	for example therefore first, second, third before after then finally in conclusion

A final aspect of informational text is its features or those items that an author uses to organize the text. Common text features include the following:(1) a table of contents, (2) a preface, (3) chapter introductions, (4) chapterheadings and subheadings, (5) marginal notes or gloss, (6) chapter summaries, (7) maps, charts, graphs, and illustrations, (8) an index, and (9) a glossary. As noted above, content reading instruction is most effective when teachers scaffold their students' learning (Biancarosa & Snow, 2004). While presenting a structural overview as a scaffolding strategy is a good place to begin, Garber-Miller (2007) advises, "It is also beneficial to give students a content overview so they can ponder the many concepts and questions they will encounter throughout the year. Teachers must help them understand how the ideas in the textbook are interrelated" (p. 285). She suggests that teachers utilize text previews in order to accomplish this.

Scaffolding strategies for expository text

Readence, Bean, and Baldwin (2004) suggest a simple procedure to help students recognize, identify, and utilize text structure as a way to better comprehend and recall reading from expository text:

Steps to Recognize Expository Text Structure

1. First, model this strategy for students by working through an assigned text reading that illustrates a particular text structure and explaining why it is a certain type and how that type is organized. Make use of the text structure signal words provided above and use a graphic organizer from among those below that is illustrative of the type of text being explained.

2. Next, provide students with a practice session so they can utilize the signal words and graphic organizers for each text structure pattern. This secondstep allows you to gradually shift the responsibility of learning about text structures from yourself to the students.

3. Finally, when students have become proficient at identifying specific text structure patterns, they should produce examples of the various structures on their own.

In order to further reinforce students' understanding of text structure, you can utilize the Structured Notetaking procedure (Smith & Tompkins, 1988) to develop study guides based on the text structure of assigned readings.

Steps for Structured Notetaking

1. Select a section of text and determine the organizational pattern used to convey information in the text. Common organizational patterns are discussed above.

2. Next, create a graphic organizer that follows this pattern, complete withfocusing questions, and distribute it as a study guide. (Graphic organizer templates are offered below.)

3. Instruct students to read the chapter and take notes by recording the appropriate information in the graphic organizer sections.

Downloadable graphic organizers

References

Click the "References" link above to hide these references.

Armbruster, B., Anderson, T.H., & Ostertag, J. (1989). Teaching text structure to improve reading and writing. The Reading Teacher, 43(2), 130-137.
Biancarosa, G. & Snow, C. (2004). Reading Next — A vision for action and research in middle school and high school literacy. Washington, DC: Alliance for Excellent Education.
Buehl, D. (2001). Classroom strategies for interactive learning. Newark, DE: International Reading Association.
Burke, J. (2000). Reading reminders: Tools, tips and techniques. Portsmouth, NH: Boynton/Cook.
Fisher, D. & Frey, D. (2008). Improving adolescent literacy: content area strategies at work.Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Garber-Miller, K. (2007). Playful textbook previews: Letting go of familiar mustache monologues. Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy 50(4), 284-288.
Readance, J.E., Bean, T.W. & Baldwin, R.S. (2004).Content area literacy: An integrated approach. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt.
Smith, P. & Tompkins, G. (1998). Structured notetaking: A new strategy for content areas. Journal of Reading 32(1), 46-53.

References

Sejnost, R.L. & Thiese, S.M. (2010). Building Content Literacy. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

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Comments

Excellent information for all grade levels.

I use the venn diagrams often throughout each year. The problem/solution diagram is very close to the story maps that I always use. These graphic organizers will be helpful.