Informational Texts

Fiction vs. Nonfiction Fiction Non-Fiction Made up Characters Plot Setting Usually something symbolic Based on true events Can also have characters, plot, settings, or symbolic meaning So what’s the difference?

What is the difference? Characteristics of Literary Texts Characteristics of Informational Texts Written to inform or persuade, rather than entertain Factual Direct Usually creative Tells a story Often meant to entertain Might be fictional Usually indirect or symbolic in presentation

Types of Informational Texts Expository Procedural Purpose is to inform, explain, describe, or define its subject. Examples are textbooks, encyclopedias, instruction or owner’s manuals, newspapers. Purpose is to tell the reader how to do something. Examples are recipes, self-help books, instructions, or rules.

Elements of Informational Texts Expository Procedural No characters or plot Headings & subheadings Charts, maps, graphs, diagrams, sidebars, photos, reading guides, etc. Has a statement of goal (sometimes in the title) (e.g.,“How to Grow a Plant”) Has a materials section Includes methods, procedures/steps Uses letters or numbers to indicate the order of the steps Also contains graphics, charts, maps, etc.

How to read Informational Texts. Terms to know Skim and Scan Sequence Logic Clarity Effective readers of identify structures of organization: Titles Headings, subheadings Numbering Also use these structures to scan and skim text to find specific information.

Preview your Text Identify structures that aid in determining sequence of information, logic, and clarity. Is the information sequenced in a clear and logical way?

Graphic Forms in Informational Texts Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Maps Charts Schematics Illustrations Timelines Tables Diagrams

Summarizing Expository Texts Effective summaries contains: Author’s Viewpoint Main Ideas of the text Elements of the idea without your opinion or stance

Steps in Summarizing Determine Main Idea Read Title and Introductory Paragraph What is the text mainly going to be about? Is there a sentence that identifies the main idea and the author’s viewpoint? Highlight or underline this sentence. This is probably the thesis statement. Continue to read and focus on ideas in the text that support the main idea or thesis statement.

Write a Summary Pick an article on the subject of the holidays or Thanksgiving. Read to identify the main idea You should have the main idea/thesis statement underlined/highlighted, or written in the margin. Continue reading to find supporting statements Write a summary of your article. Should be about ½ or more, depending on length of your article Due Tomorrow

Non Fiction http://www.downersgrovelibrary.org/teens/great_reads/nonfiction.php

Topics for Expository Make a basics of life list. Choose one of these topics to find a few articles about.