1. Special Features of Informational Text “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

2. “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words” In some cases, visual images are the best way to get information across clearly to the reader. You can show in one picture what it might take pages of writing to explain.

3. Types of Special Features There are many ways to put information into visual form. These include: –Graphs –Diagrams –Tables

4. Graphs A graph puts numbers into a form that is easy to see. Different graphs are used for different purposes. Types of graphs include: –Circle graphs or pie charts –Line graphs –Bar graphs

5. Circle Graph Circle graphs are also called pie charts because they are cut up into slices like a pie. They are used to show how different parts of a group compare to each other and how each part compares to the whole group. Each slice is labeled with the name of the group or item it represents.

7. Line Graphs A line graph is used to show how something changes over time. What is changing and the span of time are called the variables. A change in one variable is measured on the vertical, or up-and-down axis. A change in another variable is shown on the horizontal axis, or left-to-right axis.

9. Bar Graphs A bar graph also uses vertical and horizontal axes to display information. A bar graph uses thick bars to compare amounts.

11. Pictures That Inform Pictures can also be used to give information. These types of informational pictures include: –Diagrams- pictures with labeled parts –Maps- tiny pictures of large areas –Illustrations- images of the subject of the passage

13. Tables Tables put information in an easy-to-read form, usually in rows and columns. Tables allow you to see how numbers compare to each other.