Informational Texts
5 minQuiz at the end
What are Informational Texts?
Informational texts are non-fiction texts written to inform, explain, or describe. They present facts about the real world.
Examples: textbooks, encyclopaedias, news articles, reports, manuals, biographies.
Text Features
Informational texts use special features to organise and present information:
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Title | Identifies the topic |
| Headings/Subheadings | Organise sections, help navigation |
| Bold/Italic text | Highlights key terms |
| Diagrams/Charts | Show data or processes visually |
| Captions | Explain images or diagrams |
| Glossary | Defines key terms alphabetically |
| Index | Lists topics and page numbers alphabetically |
| Contents page | Shows chapter or section order |
Reading Strategies for Non-Fiction
Before reading:
- Preview the title, headings, and visuals to get an overview
- Ask yourself: What do I already know about this topic?
During reading:
- Take notes on key ideas
- Use headings to locate specific information
- Look up unfamiliar terms in the glossary
After reading:
- Summarise each section
- Check whether your questions were answered
Purpose of Informational Texts
Authors write informational texts to:
- Inform — give facts and data
- Explain — describe how or why something works
- Describe — detail the characteristics of something
- Instruct — tell readers how to do something (manuals, recipes)