����ý

The structure of a text can refer to:

• the ordering of the events and particular techniques being used such as flash back or flash forward to draw the reader’s attention to a particular point in time first
• the ordering of ideas
• the use of different elements, such as bullet points or dialogue, headings or subheadings
• withholding information until a later point to shock or interest the reader

Structure of a non-fiction text

The structure of a non-fiction piece could be:

• chronological – in date or time order
• prioritised – the most important facts first (like a news article)
• separated into blocks by subheadings – eg in a feature article
• question and answer – eg in information leaflets
• problem and solution – eg in agony aunt columns, or self-help guides
• letter structure – a salutation (Dear…) and an appropriate ending (Yours sincerely…)
• starting in the middle of an event, then providing further information to give several possible viewpoints

Using paragraphs to structure a text

Look at the way the key ideas in a piece are ordered. This will help you work out the structure. There is usually one important idea per paragraph, but some texts have more.

Within each paragraph, ideas can be structured in different ways. A common approach is to start with a topic sentence – the big idea – and then develop it with details or examples. Paragraphs often end with a hook to make you consider the ideas included in the paragraph that you have just read, or a link to the next paragraph.

The number and order of paragraphs, the order of the ideas, and how each paragraph is constructed are all features you can comment on when talking about structure.

Additionally, a shortened paragraph that stands out to the reader can sometimes indicate a change in viewpoint or significant point in the text that the writer may offer a counter argument.