2.16 Using Text Features to Write Well

CONNECTION Drivers have to check their rearview mirror, their side mirrors, the speedometer, road signs…

TEACHING POINT What kind of text features do nonfiction writers include? How do they help teach?

TEACHING Text Features Text boxes (small descriptions, stories, or examples about topic) Glossaries Headings and subheadings Tables, charts, and graphs Maps Illustrations and diagrams photographs

TEACHING The Erie Canal connected the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Erie. Before the Erie Canal was built, boats could travel from New York City in the south to Albany in the north using the Hudson River. The Erie Canal added a long branch to the Hudson River going west, which meant that people could travel more than 350 miles from Buffalo to Albany on the canal. Now boats could travel from New York City to other big cities like Syracuse and to Buffalo in the west. Now boats could travel clear across New York and up and down New York! For passengers, it could cost $3.50 to travel from Schenectady to Utica—that was a lot of money in 1836!

Title Main Text map Caption