Why Does Structure Matter?
When you write to inform, your primary goal is clarity. You want your reader to understand the information easily and accurately. The way you structure your text is one of the most important tools for achieving this. A logical structure acts like a roadmap, guiding your reader through the information step-by-step. Choosing the right structure depends on your topic and what you want to explain. We will explore three common and effective structures for informational writing.
Common Informational Text Structures
1. Chronological Order (Time Order) 🗓️
Information is presented in the order that it happened. This is perfect for historical accounts, biographies, or explaining a process. Whakapapa is a powerful form of chronological and relational structure.
Signal words: First, next, then, finally, before, after, on (date).
2. Compare and Contrast ⚖️
This structure is used to explain the similarities and differences between two or more things. It's useful for reviews, analysis, and decision-making.
Signal words: Similarly, likewise, on the other hand, however, both, in contrast.
3. Cause and Effect dominoes
This structure explains why something happened (the cause) and what happened as a result (the effect). It is ideal for scientific and historical explanations.
Signal words: Because, as a result, therefore, consequently, due to, led to.
Deconstruction & Application
1. Deconstruction: Read the short paragraphs below and identify which text structure is being used (Chronological, Compare/Contrast, or Cause/Effect).
"Due to a lack of rainfall, the region's reservoirs became dangerously low. Consequently, the local council was forced to implement strict water restrictions for all residents."
Structure: ____________________
"The iPhone 15 features a USB-C port for charging. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 still used the older Lightning connector. Both models, however, have excellent camera systems."
Structure: ____________________
2. Application: Choose ONE of the topics below and write a short informational paragraph using the specified structure.
- Topic A: The main events of the 1981 Springbok Tour (Chronological)
- Topic B: The reasons for the decline in kiwi populations (Cause and Effect)
Self-Assessment & Challenge
Success Criteria Checklist
- My paragraph has a clear topic.
- I have chosen the correct structure for my topic.
- I have used at least two signal words for my structure.
- My paragraph is clear and easy to understand.
Challenge Task 🚀
Choose one of the *other* topics from the application list and write a new paragraph using the *wrong* structure. For example, write about the Springbok Tour using Cause and Effect. Why is this structure less effective for this topic? What problems do you encounter?
📋 Teacher Planning Snapshot
Ngā Whāinga Ako — Learning Intentions
Students will engage with this resource to develop literacy, critical thinking, and writing skills, with connections to Te Ao Māori and real-world New Zealand contexts.
Ngā Paearu Angitū — Success Criteria
- ✅ Students can apply the key skill or concept from this resource in their own writing or analysis.
- ✅ Students can explain the learning using their own words and connect it to a real-world context.
Differentiation & Inclusion
Scaffold: Provide sentence starters, graphic organisers, and entry-level tasks. Offer extension challenges for capable learners to address a range of readiness levels.
ELL / ESOL: Pre-teach key vocabulary before the lesson. Provide bilingual glossaries and allow first-language drafting.
Inclusion: Neurodiverse learners benefit from chunked instructions and visual supports. Ensure accessible formats throughout.
Curriculum alignment
- English — Writing: Students will construct and communicate meaning using language features appropriate to purpose and audience.
- Social Sciences: Understand how people participate individually and collectively in response to community challenges.