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Organizing Informational Writing: Text Structures and Signal Words — Answers

Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the 5th Grade informative writing worksheet.

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Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheet5th Grade · English · Informative Writing

Organizing Informational Writing: Text Structures and Signal Words — Answers

Part A: Signal words

Signal words tell the reader how ideas are connected. Match each structure to its signal words.

1.Match each text structure to its signal words.
  • description
  • sequence
  • compare and contrast
  • cause and effect
  • problem and solution
  • one way to fix, the answer is, to solve this
  • because, as a result, therefore
  • both, similarly, however, unlike
  • for example, such as, has, looks like
  • first, next, then, finally

Answer: description → for example, such as, has, looks like; sequence → first, next, then, finally; compare and contrast → both, similarly, however, unlike; cause and effect → because, as a result, therefore; problem and solution → one way to fix, the answer is, to solve this

Part B: Name the structure

Read each paragraph. Circle its text structure.

2.Alligators and crocodiles are both large reptiles with powerful jaws. However, an alligator has a wide, U-shaped snout, while a crocodile's snout is narrower and more pointed. What is the structure?
  1. Asequence
  2. Bcompare and contrast
  3. Cproblem and solution
  4. Ddescription

Answer: compare and contrast

Both and however signal that the writer is showing likenesses and differences.

3.Heavy rain fell for days. As a result, rivers rose over their banks, and many roads flooded. What is the structure?
  1. Acause and effect
  2. Bsequence
  3. Cdescription
  4. Dcompare and contrast

Answer: cause and effect

The rain is the cause; the flooding is the effect. As a result is the signal.

4.Many birds fly into large glass windows because they see the sky reflected in them. One way to solve this problem is to put stickers or patterns on the glass so birds can see it is there. What is the structure?
  1. Adescription
  2. Bcompare and contrast
  3. Cproblem and solution
  4. Dsequence

Answer: problem and solution

The writer states a problem and then gives a way to solve it.

5.To make paper by hand, first tear scrap paper into small pieces. Next, soak the pieces in water and blend them into pulp. Then spread the pulp on a screen. Finally, press out the water and let the sheet dry. What is the structure?
  1. Acause and effect
  2. Bsequence
  3. Cproblem and solution
  4. Dcompare and contrast

Answer: sequence

The steps happen in order, and first, next, then, and finally signal the sequence.

Part C: Choose a structure

Writers choose a structure that fits their topic and purpose.

6.Topic: how a seed grows into a plant. Which structure fits best?
  1. Asequence
  2. Bcompare and contrast
  3. Cproblem and solution
  4. Ddescription

Answer: sequence

Growth happens in stages, in order.

7.Topic: how living in a city is different from living on a ranch. Which structure fits best?
  1. Asequence
  2. Bcause and effect
  3. Ccompare and contrast
  4. Dproblem and solution

Answer: compare and contrast

The topic asks how two things are alike and different.

8.Topic: why some beaches lose sand each year. Which structure fits best?
  1. Adescription
  2. Bcause and effect
  3. Csequence
  4. Dcompare and contrast

Answer: cause and effect

The topic asks why something happens: causes and their effects.

9.Write a topic that would work well as problem and solution.

Answer: How our school could cut down on food waste in the cafeteria

  1. Any topic with a clear problem and possible solutions is correct.

Part D: Use signal words

10.Fill in the blanks with signal words: Frogs and toads are ____ amphibians. ____, frogs usually have smooth, wet skin, ____ toads usually have dry, bumpy skin.

Answer: both; However; while

  1. Other correct choices: In contrast or On the other hand for However; but or whereas for while.
11.Fill in the blanks with signal words: The cafeteria started using reusable trays. ____, the school threw away far less trash. ____ less trash, the custodians needed fewer garbage bags.

Answer: As a result; Because of

  1. Other correct choices: Therefore or Because of this for As a result; With or Due to for Because of.

Part E: Your turn

12.Write one informational paragraph organized as compare and contrast or cause and effect. Choose your own topic or use one of these: summer and winter in Texas; cats and dogs as pets; what happens when people do not get enough sleep. Start with a topic sentence that makes the structure clear, and use at least three signal words.

Model answer: Cats and dogs are both popular pets, but they need different kinds of care. Both animals need fresh water, healthy food, and visits to the veterinarian. However, most dogs need to be walked every day, while many cats get their exercise indoors. Dogs often need to go outside to use the bathroom; in contrast, cats usually use a litter box. Similarly, both pets need attention, but dogs often want more time with their owners.

Success criteria:

  • A topic sentence that names the topic and signals the structure
  • Details are organized to fit the chosen structure
  • At least three signal words that match the structure
  • Facts are accurate
  • Sentences are complete and correctly punctuated
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Marking tips

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