Hidden Structure Clues

This close-reading worksheet helps students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 strengthen reading comprehension and analytical thinking by uncovering the signal words that reveal how informational texts are organized. Students read short paragraphs, underline key words or phrases, and use those clues to identify which text structure-cause/effect, chronological, problem/solution, compare/contrast, or description-is being used. The activity emphasizes evidence-based reasoning and careful attention to language.

Learning Goals

• Identifying Structural Clues (Grades 4-6)
  Students locate signal words and phrases that indicate how a text is organized.
• Understanding Author’s Organization
  Learners analyze how authors structure ideas to show relationships between concepts.
• Vocabulary and Signal Word Development
  Students recognize and interpret transition words commonly used in nonfiction texts.
• Evidence-Based Identification
  Responses require students to justify structure choices using specific textual clues.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created and Standards-Aligned
  Designed by educators to support informational reading and vocabulary standards.
• Promotes Close Reading Skills
  Underlining and analysis encourage careful attention to wording and structure.
• Builds Transferable Comprehension Strategies
  Helps students apply signal-word recognition to new nonfiction texts.
• Flexible Classroom and Homeschool Use
  Ideal for literacy lessons, small groups, independent practice, or assessment.

This printable worksheet helps students internalize how authors use signal words to communicate structure and meaning. By identifying clues, interpreting vocabulary, and supporting conclusions with evidence, learners build strong comprehension and critical thinking skills. Suitable for both classroom and homeschool settings, this resource supports confident reading of informational texts and deeper understanding of how organization shapes ideas.

This worksheet is part of our Matching Text to Structure Type collection.