Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Foundations of Reading Practice Exam

Which text structure involves comparing two or more items?

1. Cause and effect

2. Problem and solution

3. Chronological order

4. Comparison

The correct answer is: Comparison

The correct answer is centered on the definition of comparison as a text structure. This involves examining the similarities and differences between two or more items, ideas, or concepts. In a comparison structure, the writer highlights how the items are alike and where they diverge, often using specific terms such as "similarly," "in contrast," or "on the other hand" to guide the reader through the analysis. Understanding comparison as a text structure is essential in reading comprehension, as it helps readers to critically analyze relationships between different items. This structure enables readers to see connections and distinctions clearly, enhancing their overall understanding of the material. In contrast, the other structures mentioned serve different purposes. Cause and effect focuses on the relationship between events, outlining how one event leads to another. Problem and solution outlines a dilemma and proposes various ways to address it. Chronological order arranges information in the sequence of events, which is useful for narratives or timelines but does not prioritize comparatives directly.