Informational Texts

What are Informational Texts?

Informational texts are non-fiction texts written to inform, explain, describe, or instruct. They present factual information about the real world rather than invented characters or events.

Examples include: textbooks, encyclopaedias, newspaper and magazine articles, reports, manuals, biographies, documentaries, websites, and instruction guides.

Unlike fiction, which aims primarily to entertain, informational texts have a clear, factual purpose and are usually organised to help readers find and understand information efficiently.

Key Terms

Text Features

Informational texts use special features to organise and present information clearly:

Types of Informational Texts

• Expository: Explains a topic objectively (encyclopaedia entries, textbook chapters)
• Descriptive: Describes a subject in detail (nature documentaries, travel writing)
• Procedural: Gives step-by-step instructions (recipes, manuals, how-to guides)
• Persuasive non-fiction: Presents facts to support an argument (editorials, opinion columns)
• Biographical: Accounts of real people's lives (biographies, autobiographies)

Reading Strategies for Non-Fiction

Before Reading

• Preview the title, headings, and visuals to build an overview
• Ask yourself: What do I already know about this topic? What do I want to find out?
• Set a purpose: Am I reading for a specific fact, or to understand a whole topic?

During Reading

• Take notes on key ideas and unfamiliar terms
• Use headings to locate specific information — scan rather than read every word
• Look up unfamiliar terms in the glossary
• Question what you read: Is this fact supported? Does this make sense?

After Reading

• Summarise each section in your own words
• Review your notes and check whether your initial questions were answered
• Evaluate the source: Is it reliable, current, and unbiased?

Purpose of Informational Texts

Authors write informational texts with a specific purpose:

• To inform — share facts, data, and knowledge
• To explain — describe how or why something works
• To describe — detail the appearance or qualities of something
• To instruct — tell the reader how to complete a task
• To persuade — use facts and evidence to support a viewpoint

Understanding the author's purpose helps you read more critically and evaluate the text more effectively.

Evaluating Informational Texts

Not all informational texts are equally trustworthy. Ask these questions:

1. Who wrote it? Is the author an expert or credible source?
2. When was it written? Is the information still current?
3. Is it accurate? Are facts supported by evidence or cited sources?
4. Is there bias? Does the author present a one-sided view?
5. What is the purpose? To inform objectively, or to persuade?

Worked Example

Text: According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. This global crisis affects health, education, and economic development.

• Purpose: To inform and raise awareness
• Text features that help: Statistics, citation of a credible source (WHO)
• Evaluation: The source is authoritative; the statistic gives measurable evidence

Common Mistakes

• Confusing purpose with topic: The topic is what the text is about; the purpose is why it was written.
• Ignoring text features: Headings, diagrams, and glossaries are there to help — use them.
• Accepting everything uncritically: Always evaluate the source and check for bias.
• Mixing up primary and secondary sources: A scientist's original research paper is primary; a textbook summary of it is secondary.

Tips and Tricks

• Use the contents page and index to find information quickly rather than reading everything.
• When taking notes, write in your own words — this proves you have understood the material.
• For research, cross-reference at least two reliable sources to confirm facts.
• Look for signal words that reveal purpose: therefore, because, as a result (explanation); first, next, finally (procedure); however, on the other hand (comparison or argument).