How Is Nonfiction Organized? As you read nonfiction, look for clues about the text structure.

• • Some types of nonfiction give facts about a topic. The writer might introduce a problem and then describe its solution.

• • Other types of nonfiction give steps in a process. Signal words such as first, next, then, last, or numbers point out the steps. It is important to follow the steps in the correct order to accomplish a task.

• • Some selections, such as “Kids Are Inventors, Too,” have both types of text structure. Pay careful attention to how each part of the text is organized to help you remember and understand what you read.

Practice Together

Use a Chart Read the following passage aloud. As you read, listen for clues about the text structure. Decide which text structure the passage has. Fill in the chart.

Try It!

Identify Text Structure Review “Kids Are Inventors, Too.” Meet with a partner. Use a chart like the one above to figure out the text structure of each part of the selection. Why do you think the author changes the text structure?