What does the term "text structure" refer to?

The term "text structure" relates to the organization of information within a text. This encompasses how different parts of a text are arranged and how they relate to each other, which can significantly influence comprehension. Understanding text structure helps readers identify key ideas and details, recognize the sequence of events, compare and contrast information, or understand cause and effect relationships within the content.

For example, narrative texts often follow a chronological structure, while expository texts may use a cause-and-effect or problem-solution structure. By recognizing these structures, readers can navigate the material more effectively, leading to better understanding and retention of the information presented.

In contrast, the length of a text refers simply to how much content is present, while the type of font and illustrations contribute to the presentation but not the fundamental organization of the information. These elements may support understanding but do not define how the text itself is structured.