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Course: 6th grade reading and vocabulary (improved and expanded) > Unit 3
Lesson 3: Analyzing text structureHow do sentences work together to build meaning and purpose in text?
Sentences, unite!
Enjoy jigsaw puzzles? Then you might enjoy figuring out how sentences work together in a text to build meaning and purpose. Authors very carefully choose the way their sentences will fit together and build upon each other. The way sentences are arranged in a text helps reveal its meaning and purpose. Just like how the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle fit together in just the right way to reveal a complete picture, texts have sentences that together build a message for readers.
How can I understand how sentences work together?
Here are a few strategies you can use to think about the relationships between sentences:
- Look for transition words and phrases: Transition words and phrases like “previously,” “although” and “in addition,” can be helpful guides in understanding how sentences fit together and how their ideas build upon each other.
- Think about the larger meaning and purpose of the text: Figuring out the author’s main message will help you understand the role of individual sentences in building that message.
- Think about the order of sentences: Oftentimes, the most important ideas in a text will be near its beginning, while supporting details and counterpoints will be found later.
Try it!
Remember!
Now that you know some of the techniques that writers use to make sentences work together, you can use this knowledge to better understand the texts you read. As you practice identifying these techniques in the writing of others, you'll also become better at using them in your own writing.
Happy reading! 📖
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