When reading an informational text, what should you do first?

Preview headings and visuals to get an overview

Read every word from start to finish

What is the main purpose of an informational text?

To present facts, explain concepts, or instruct

To entertain the reader with a story

To express the author personal feelings

Which reading strategy is best when looking for a specific fact in a long non-fiction text?

Scanning headings and using the index

Reading every word from the beginning

Which features would you expect in a well-written informational text?

Clear organisation with headings

Dialogue between fictional characters

Evaluating an informational text means asking:

Is the author qualified to write on this topic?

Is the information current and up to date?

Are sources cited or referenced?

Informational Texts

⏱ 9 min✏️ Quiz at the end

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

Term	Meaning
Non-fiction	Writing based on facts and real events
Informational text	Non-fiction written to inform or explain
Text feature	A design element that organises or highlights information
Glossary	An alphabetical list of key terms and definitions
Index	An alphabetical guide to topics and their page numbers
Primary source	An original document or firsthand account
Secondary source	An interpretation or summary of primary sources

Text Features

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

Feature	Purpose
Title	Identifies the overall topic
Headings / Subheadings	Divide text into sections for easy navigation
Bold / Italic text	Highlights key terms or important ideas
Diagrams / Charts	Show data or processes visually
Captions	Explain images, diagrams, or charts
Glossary	Defines key terms alphabetically
Index	Lists topics and page numbers alphabetically
Contents page	Shows sections or chapters in order
Footnotes	Provide additional detail or citation information

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:

Who wrote it? Is the author an expert or credible source?
When was it written? Is the information still current?
Is it accurate? Are facts supported by evidence or cited sources?
Is there bias? Does the author present a one-sided view?
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).