Make Informational Text Structure Review Fun and Engaging
Reviewing informational text structures doesn't have to feel like pulling teeth—for you or your students.
We’ve all been there. You know your class needs more practice identifying things like cause and effect, compare and contrast, and chronological order, but the thought of dragging them through another worksheet makes you want to run for the copier room and never come back.
Good news: It doesn’t have to be that way.
You can review text structures in a way that is meaningful, rigorous, and—dare I say it—actually fun. Whether you’re prepping for end-of-unit assessments or simply reinforcing skills, this post will walk you through how to turn a traditionally dull topic into a student-centered, game-based challenge that keeps everyone engaged.
Why Reviewing Informational Text Structure Matters
Before we get into the fun part, let’s quickly talk about why this skill is so important.
Text structure is how authors organize information in a nonfiction or informational text. When students can identify the structure, they are better able to:
Understand the main idea
Make inferences
Summarize key details
Retain information longer
Answer comprehension questions correctly
Upper elementary students are expected to recognize structures such as:
Description
Cause and Effect
Compare and Contrast
Sequence/Chronology
Problem and Solution
That’s a lot to keep track of! And without meaningful review, students often confuse one structure for another.
The Problem with Traditional Review Methods
Let’s be honest: Sometimes reviewing informational text structures becomes one of those “just get through it” lessons.
Typical methods include:
Read a passage, then answer multiple choice questions
Match text structures to signal words
Complete worksheets that all feel the same
The result? Students get bored. Engagement drops. Retention plummets.
We need to mix things up with something that feels fresh and active—but still reinforces the skills we care about.
The Solution: Turn It Into a Challenge
Why Gamify Text Structure Review?
Turning your text structure review into a challenge does more than just make it fun—it builds deeper understanding.
Here’s what makes this method so effective:
It provides scaffolding through levels of complexity
It promotes collaboration and discussion
It boosts student confidence by meeting them where they are
It invites critical thinking as students evaluate and explain their reasoning
When you make it feel like a game, even reluctant readers want to participate.
A Three-Part Challenge to Review Text Structures
Let’s walk through a simple, three-level challenge you can use to help students master informational text structures. You can do this whole-group, in small groups, or as a station rotation activity. No matter how you use it, it will make review time way more engaging.
Level 1: Low-Stakes Warm-Up (DOK 1)
Start with something simple and low-risk. Your goal here is to activate prior knowledge and help students feel successful right away.
Some ideas:
Provide 5 short paragraphs and ask students to match each one to the correct text structure
Create a signal word sort using terms like "because," "similarly," "next," "however," etc.
Do a "structure scavenger hunt" in a nonfiction article where students highlight text features and clues
At this level, students are just identifying, labeling, and sorting. Keep it short and sweet.
Level 2: Small-Group Challenge with Support (DOK 2–3)
Next, increase the complexity. Give students a small chunk of text (maybe 1–2 paragraphs) and ask them to:
Identify the text structure
Highlight or underline evidence for their choice
Answer a few comprehension questions that depend on their structural analysis
This is a great opportunity to:
Model your thinking with one example
Use sentence starters like “I think this is cause and effect because…”
Let students collaborate in pairs or triads to build confidence
This level still gives support—but begins to build toward independence.
Level 3: Independent Application with Accountability (DOK 3–4)
Finally, challenge your students to apply what they’ve learned independently.
Here’s how:
Provide a longer passage (or choice of passages)
Have students determine the structure and justify their thinking in writing
Include text-dependent comprehension questions that focus on structure and purpose
Optionally, have students write their own short paragraph using a specific structure
At this stage, you can assess for mastery without a formal test.
And yes, it still feels like a game if you:
Set a timer
Offer bonus points
Let students choose from different text topics
Teacher Tip: Consider using a Google Form or interactive slide deck to turn this into a digital challenge!
Bonus Engagement Ideas
Want to take things even further? Try one of these options:
Text Structure Relay: Teams race to match paragraphs with structures at stations around the room.
Mystery Structure of the Day: Present a new short passage each morning and let students guess the structure.
Structure Sorting Wall: Keep an ongoing visual display where students post examples throughout your nonfiction unit.
Why This Approach Works
Here’s what teachers love about this challenge-based format:
It’s easy to differentiate
You don’t need hours of prep
Students stay engaged and focused
It builds up to independent mastery
It can be reused or adapted for test prep, centers, or sub plans
Even better? It helps students actually enjoy informational text—something that often gets a bad rap.
Ready to Try It?
If you're tired of the same old worksheets and you’re looking for a more interactive, student-centered way to review text structures, give this challenge format a try. Start simple, build up, and watch your students rise to the occasion.
And if you want the whole thing done for you—yes, including passages, questions, and printable templates—I’ve got you!
Nonfiction Text Structure Review | Test Prep Review | Reading Review Game
4 different challenges with unique passages that are relevant to today's culture. 4 different levels, so students can progress through the skill, starting with the least demanding and progressing to the most demanding.
All paper copies, included and answer keys. PRINT and go.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to dread reviewing informational text structures. With the right approach, your students can learn and have fun at the same time.
So next time you're prepping your nonfiction lessons, remember:
Keep it student-centered
Build in levels of complexity
Turn it into a challenge
Make it meaningful and fun
You’re doing incredible work. Let’s make informational text structure review just a little bit easier—and a whole lot more engaging.
