Text structure is the pattern a writer uses to organize ideas: cause and effect, compare and contrast, problem and solution, sequence or description. In this free lab you read short original passages, mark each sentence as the main idea, a supporting detail, a transition or the conclusion, then name the structure and check your reasoning.
How the lab works
Choose one of five short original passages.
Select each sentence and mark it as the main idea, a supporting detail, a transition or the conclusion.
Pick the text structure: cause and effect, compare and contrast, problem and solution, sequence or description.
Practice mode explains every sentence; exam style gives one all-or-nothing result, like a TEAS item with no partial credit.
Sentence roles
Main idea: The claim the whole passage explains or supports. It is broader than any single detail.
Supporting detail: A fact, example, step or reason that backs up the main idea.
Transition: A sentence whose job is to move the reader from one part of the passage to the next.
Conclusion: A closing sentence that sums up, draws a lesson or states the result of the whole passage.
What are the five common text structures?
Cause and effect: Why did it happen, and what did it lead to? Signal words: because, so, as a result, therefore, leads to, causes.
Compare and contrast: How are two things alike or different? Signal words: both, similarly, however, on the other hand, unlike, whereas.
Problem and solution: What went wrong, and how can it be fixed? Signal words: problem, challenge, one solution, to prevent, the answer is.
Sequence: In what order do the steps or events happen? Signal words: first, next, then, after, finally, within seconds.
Description: What is it like, and what are its parts or features? Signal words: is made of, is covered with, for example, such as, each.
Passages in the lab
Mild dehydration in older adults (cause and effect, 6 sentences).
Two ways to clean hands (compare and contrast, 6 sentences).
Did I take my pill? (problem and solution, 7 sentences).
How a small cut closes (sequence, 7 sentences).
The lining of the small intestine (description, 7 sentences).
Cause and effect explains why something happened and what it led to. Compare and contrast shows how two things are alike or different. Problem and solution names a problem and ways to fix it. Sequence puts steps or events in time order. Description lists the features or parts of one thing.
How do I find the main idea of a passage?
Ask what the whole passage is about and what it says about that topic. The main idea is broad enough that every supporting detail backs it up. Test a candidate by asking whether each other sentence explains, proves or gives an example of it.
Is the main idea always the first sentence?
No. It is often first, but writers sometimes open with a vivid example or a question and state the main idea second, or build to it at the end. Choosing the vivid opening detail as the main idea is one of the most common mistakes.
Are these passages from the TEAS?
No. Every passage, label and explanation in this lab is original TEASPATH practice material written to the TEAS 7 Reading objectives. It is not a copy of any real TEAS item.
TEASPATH is independent of ATI. ATI TEAS® and TEAS® are registered trademarks of Assessment Technologies Institute, L.L.C., which is not affiliated with and does not endorse TEASPATH. Practice results and estimates are not official scores or admission predictions. Sample questions and passages are original practice material, not real TEAS items.