5 Text Structures

You will see these 5 text structures often show up on the GED test.

This lesson is a part of Onsego GED Prep.

What is Text Structure?

The text structure is like a roadmap for a piece of writing. It tells us how the writing is set up, with a beginning, middle, and end, just like a story.

The Beginning of a Text:
This is where the writer starts the story or topic. They introduce characters, settings, or the main idea (like a thesis or argument). Think of it like the start of a movie, where you get to know who and what the story is about.

Real-Life Example: In a blog post about healthy lifestyle, the beginning might introduce why eating healthy is important and what foods are considered healthy.

The Middle of a Text:
The middle part is where the main information or story is. Depending on what kind of writing it is (its genre), the middle can be organized in different ways, like:

• Sequence: This is when events or steps are told in the order they happen. Example: A recipe blog post lists steps in the order you need to cook the dish.
• Description: Here, the writer gives details about something or someone. Example: A blog highlights swimming, detailing its benefits for heart health and endurance, ideal for a healthy lifestyle.
• Cause and Effect: This shows why something happened (the cause) and what happened because of it (the effect). Example: A news article explaining how a storm (cause) led to power outages (effect).
• Compare and Contrast: This is used to show how things are alike or different. Example: A review comparing two smartphones, highlighting their similarities and differences.
• Problem and Solution: The writer presents a problem and then explains a solution. Example: A blog about pollution in the ocean (problem) and ways to reduce it (solution).

The End of a Text:
The ending wraps everything up. It might summarize the main points, revisit the big idea, or end with a strong statement to make the reader remember the text.

Real-Life Example: At the end of an article about a healthy lifestyle, it might summarize the benefits of regular exercise and encourage the reader to start a workout routine.

Last Updated on January 1, 2026.