Characteristics of Informational Texts

Informational Texts: Characteristics and Purpose

• Informational texts aim to convey factual knowledge, explain concepts, or describe processes.
• They differ from narrative texts in their purpose and structure.
• Examples include biographies, textbooks, scientific articles, and historical accounts.

Characteristics of Informational Texts

• Explicitly stated main idea(s): The central concept(s) are clearly and directly stated.
• Expository writing style: This style focuses on providing information, not telling a story.
• Use of facts and evidence: Information relies on data, examples, and details from credible sources.
• Formal tone: Avoids emotional language and personal opinions.
• Specific vocabulary: Often includes specialized terms and definitions relevant to the topic.
• Logical organization: Key ideas are presented in a structured way (chronological order, cause-and-effect, compare-contrast, problem-solution).
• Graphic aids: May include diagrams, maps, charts, or images to enhance understanding of complex information.
• Author's purpose is clear: The goal is to inform, explain, or instruct.

Types of Informational Texts

• Biographies: Detailed accounts of a person's life.
• Historical accounts: Descriptions of past events, people, or periods.
• Scientific articles: Present details about scientific discoveries, studies, and concepts.
• Textbooks: Offer a comprehensive overview of a subject.
• Technical manuals: Explain how to use or assemble something.
• News articles: Report current events and provide information on issues of the day.
• Explanatory texts: Details on natural phenomena, social issues, or other topics to explain something.

Identifying Main Idea and Supporting Details

• Main idea: The central theme of the text.
• Supporting details: The facts, examples, or evidence that clarify and expand on the main idea.

Analyzing Author's Purpose and Tone

• Identifying details and evidence supports understanding of the author's purpose.
• Determining writing tone (e.g., objective, persuasive, critical) through analysis of language and evidence.
• Informational texts often aim to inform.

Building Vocabulary

• Informational texts often use specialized vocabulary.
• Defining unfamiliar words using context, dictionaries, or other resources is important.

Evaluating Sources and Credibility

• Evaluating the source's legitimacy (author, publication, date) is essential to ensure information validity.
• Identifying bias and inaccuracies is a critical-thinking skill.
• Assessing factuality is crucial in informational texts.

Making Connections

• Connecting textual information to prior knowledge deepens understanding.
• Building connections between different informational texts enhances knowledge.

Strategies for Reading Informational Texts

• Previewing: Scanning headings, subheadings, graphics, and introductions to understand the text's organization and main ideas.
• Actively reading: Highlighting key concepts, taking notes, and asking questions.
• Summarizing: Restating the main idea and supporting details in your own words.
• Using graphic organizers: Employing diagrams, charts, or visuals to aid comprehension and organization.

Comprehension and Analysis Tasks

• Answering questions about the text, including identifying main ideas, supporting details, and author's purpose.
• Summarizing complex information from multiple sources.
• Evaluating the validity of claims and evidence.
• Explaining the text's overall message and interpreting its significance.

Integrating Informational Texts with Other Content Areas

• Connecting information across subjects through comparison and contrast deepens understanding.
• Using informational texts as a basis for classroom discussions and activities.