1. Informational Texts

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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?

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

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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. Non Fiction

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