Reading Standards for Informational Text: Describing Text Structures in Informational Texts (CCSS.RI.4.5)

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Common Core 4th Grade ELA › Reading Standards for Informational Text: Describing Text Structures in Informational Texts (CCSS.RI.4.5)

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1

If you want to make a paper airplane, start with a rectangle sheet. First, fold it in half lengthwise and crease it. Next, open it and fold the top corners down to meet the center line. Then fold the new edges to the center again to make a narrow point. After that, fold the plane in half along the first crease. Finally, fold each wing down so the top edges line up, and smooth the creases. Follow these steps in order, and your airplane will be ready to fly.

Which answer shows how the passage is organized?

Cause and effect (reasons and results)

Problem and solution (issue and fix)

Sequence/chronology (steps in order)

Description (listing features)

Explanation

It is sequence: clue words like "First," "Next," "Then," "After that," and "Finally" show ordered steps.

2

Our school library used to be noisy during lunch. Students came in to play games, so readers could not focus. The librarian noticed the problem and wrote down when it was loudest. To fix this, she created two quiet corners with soft chairs and posted a sign-in plan that limited groups during the busiest time. She also started a "silent ten" at the start of each lunch period, giving everyone a calm break. After these changes, students found it easier to choose books and finish research. The simple steps solved the noise problem and made the library welcoming again.

How is this passage mainly organized?

Cause and effect of noise on reading

Sequence of a typical lunch period

Problem and solution to reduce noise

Description of different kinds of chairs

Explanation

It states a "problem," then shows how "To fix this" steps were taken and that the steps "solved the noise problem," which is problem/solution.

3

On Planting Day, our class grew beans. First, we loosened the soil in the raised bed with small trowels. Next, we pressed shallow holes a few inches apart. Then we dropped one bean into each hole and covered them with soil. After that, we watered gently until the dirt looked dark and damp. Finally, we labeled the row and cleaned our tools. Over the week, we checked the bed each morning and added water when the top felt dry. By Friday, tiny green shoots poked up. We knew the steps had worked because we followed them in order.

How is this passage mainly organized?

Compare/contrast two kinds of plants

Sequence (steps in order)

Problem/solution about dry soil

Cause/effect of rain on sprouts

Explanation

It uses sequence words like First, Next, Then, After that, and Finally to show steps in order.

4

To plant a bean seed, follow these steps. First, choose a small pot with holes in the bottom. Next, fill the pot with soil until it is almost full. Then press your finger into the soil to make a small hole. After that, drop the bean seed into the hole and cover it gently. Then water the soil until it is damp, not soggy. Next, place the pot in a sunny spot. After a few days, check the soil and water it again if it feels dry. Finally, keep repeating these steps, and you will see a sprout appear.

How is this passage mainly organized?

Description — it tells what a bean plant looks like using details.

Sequence — it lists steps in order using words like first, next, and finally.

Cause/effect — it explains how weather causes plants to grow.

Problem/solution — it states a planting problem and offers fixes.

Explanation

This is sequence: clue words like first, next, after that, and finally show steps in order.

5

Saturday's soccer game was canceled after a sudden storm. Dark clouds rolled in, and heavy rain soaked the field within minutes. Because the ground became muddy and slippery, coaches worried players could get hurt. The puddles also made it hard for the ball to roll. As a result, the park manager closed the field to protect the grass. Therefore, our team moved practice to the gym on Monday, once the floor was dry and safe. The storm changed our plans, and each decision happened because of what the weather did.

Which text structure best describes how the author organizes the information?

Description of a soccer team

Sequence of training drills

Problem/solution about uniforms

Cause/effect of a storm on plans

Explanation

Clue words like Because, As a result, and Therefore show cause/effect relationships.

6

Making a paper airplane is easier when you follow steps. First, fold a sheet of paper in half lengthwise and crease it. Then open it and fold the top corners down to the center line. Next, fold those edges to the center again to make a narrow point. After that, fold the plane in half along the first crease. Then fold each wing down so their edges line up. Finally, hold the plane under the wings and give it a gentle throw. If it dives, bend the back edges up a little and try again.

Which detail shows the passage is written in sequence?

It compares two different airplane designs to find the best one.

It explains that airplanes fly because of air pressure and lift.

It uses words like first, next, after that, and finally to show the order of steps.

It describes what the finished airplane looks like in great detail.

Explanation

Sequence is shown by clue words like first, next, after that, and finally that list steps in order.

7

Before the neighborhood bike ride, I get ready in a set order. First, I check the tires to make sure they feel firm. Next, I test the brakes and spin each wheel to see that nothing rubs. Then I put on my helmet and adjust the strap so it fits snugly. After that, I clip on a small light and place a water bottle in the holder. Finally, I review the route with an adult, and we start at the corner. Following these steps helps the ride go smoothly.

Which shows the passage is written in sequence?

It describes parts of a bike with many details.

It presents a biking problem and a solution.

It uses words like first, next, then, after that, and finally to show steps in order.

It explains why rain leads to slippery roads.

Explanation

It is sequence. Clue words such as "First," "Next," "Then," "After that," and "Finally" show an ordered set of steps. The passage is not solving a problem, giving reasons and results, or simply describing parts.

8

Crossing a busy street safely takes steps. First, stop at the curb and look for a crosswalk. Next, press the signal button and wait for the walk sign. Then look left, right, and left again to check for turning cars. After that, start walking, keeping your eyes up as you cross. Finally, reach the other side and step onto the sidewalk before you stop watching traffic. Following each step helps you arrive safely.

Which detail shows the passage is written in sequence?

It explains why streets can be dangerous when drivers are distracted.

Because there are many cars, the street is busy.

Words like 'First,' 'Next,' and 'Finally' show steps in order.

It compares crossing at a crosswalk to crossing in the middle of the block.

Explanation

Sequence clue words such as 'First,' 'Next,' 'Then,' 'After that,' and 'Finally' show an order of steps.

9

To check the strength of a bridge made from craft sticks, our class ran a simple test. First, we set the bridge across two blocks. Next, we placed an empty cup in the middle. Then we added marbles to the cup one scoop at a time. After each scoop, we paused to see if the bridge bent. When it finally sagged, we counted the marbles and recorded the number in our notebooks. Finally, we repeated the steps with a second bridge to compare results. The ordered steps helped us keep the test fair.

Which shows the passage is written in sequence?

It gives a problem and a matching solution

It explains reasons and results of a flood

It compares two bridge designs

It uses time-order words like "First," "Next," "Then," and "Finally."

Explanation

Time-order clue words such as "First," "Next," "Then," and "Finally" show the steps in order, which is sequence.

10

In early fall, the air turned cooler sooner than usual. Nights felt chilly, and cold winds arrived from the north. Because insects were harder to find and flowers faded early, some birds began migrating ahead of their typical time. They flew south to places where food was still plentiful. The early cold snap also pushed tiny lakes to the edge of freezing, so ducks left to find open water. As a result, bird-watchers recorded flocks a week earlier than last year. The changes in temperature caused changes in the birds' behavior.

Which shows the passage is written in cause/effect?

It lists exact travel dates in order

It describes how to identify bird species

It explains that colder weather leads birds to migrate

It tells a story about a single duck

Explanation

Words like Because, so, As a result, and caused show how cold weather leads to migration.

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