What are the six types of expository text structure and which is/are more likely to facilitate comprehension and retention? What are some ways to teach students about these structures?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The six types of expository text structure are as follows:
1 Enumeration-description (lists details about a subject without giving any cause-effect or time relationship among them)
2 Time sequence (also lists details in a way similar to enumeration, but time order is specified)
3 Explanation-process (tells how something works)
4 Comparison-contrast (presents differences and/or similarities)
5 Problem-solution (states a problem, then gives one or more possible solutions)
6 Cause-effect (presents a single cause or a series of causes along with possible consequences or results)

Readers tend to understand more and retain information better when texts employ either comparison-contrast or cause-effect structures.

One way to teach expository text structure is to expose students to a number of formats by reading aloud early on, as well as having a variety of reading materials available (periodicals, trade books, and content-area textbooks, as well as everyday formats involving simple directions or step-by-step instructions such as recipes, sets of rules, or lists of directions). Direct instruction in text structures, using graphic organizers, asking questions that reflect text structures, and teaching students how to use text structures in their writing also develops students' knowledge of text structures.