Which structure is used when a passage lists steps to solve a problem, such as building a simple raft?

Which structure is used when a passage lists steps to solve a problem, such as building a simple raft?

• A. Narrative arc.
• B. Process/sequence of steps (also called procedure or chronological).
• C. Descriptive description.
• D. Cause and effect.

Answer: (B)

When a passage lists steps to solve a problem, it uses a process/sequence of steps. This structure guides you through actions in the order they should be done, like a set of directions or a recipe. That’s why it’s also called a procedure or chronological order—the emphasis is on what to do first, next, and finally to complete the task. In the raft-building example, you’d expect clear, ordered steps such as gathering materials, cutting and assembling pieces, tying knots, and testing the raft. This is different from a narrative arc, which tells a story with characters and events; a descriptive passage, which focuses on describing what something looks like or feels like; and a cause-and-effect structure, which explains why something happened or what results followed from an action. If you see sequence words like first, next, then, and finally, that’s a strong cue you’re looking at a process/sequence of steps.

When a passage lists steps to solve a problem, it uses a process/sequence of steps. This structure guides you through actions in the order they should be done, like a set of directions or a recipe. That’s why it’s also called a procedure or chronological order—the emphasis is on what to do first, next, and finally to complete the task. In the raft-building example, you’d expect clear, ordered steps such as gathering materials, cutting and assembling pieces, tying knots, and testing the raft.

This is different from a narrative arc, which tells a story with characters and events; a descriptive passage, which focuses on describing what something looks like or feels like; and a cause-and-effect structure, which explains why something happened or what results followed from an action. If you see sequence words like first, next, then, and finally, that’s a strong cue you’re looking at a process/sequence of steps.