How can information texts be used?
Information texts can be written on various topics, from natural features and locations to historical figures and events. We encounter them in our everyday lives whenever we read something that provides us with information.
Information texts help us to learn more about the world around us. While fiction texts let us explore our imaginations, non-fiction information texts expand our knowledge of our world.
Examples of Information Texts
Information texts come in lots of different formats. Here are a few examples:
- biographies
- non-chronological reports;
- essays
- newspapers;
- magazines;
- textbooks;
- instruction manuals;
- recipes.
Features of an Information Text
- Main title – This sums up the topic.
- Headings and sub-headings – These are used to introduce the content of different paragraphs to help the reader navigate the text.
- Paragraphs – These are the central bodies of text that include the topic information.
- Bullet-pointed lists – Ordering critical information in a list is an excellent way of telling the reader what they need to know about the subject.
- Photographs and illustrations – Information texts include images to make the information easier to understand. These can be realistic photos or annotated diagrams.
- Captions- Captions are used to describe included photographs and illustrations.
Planning and Writing Information Texts
Before writing an information text, it’s important to research relevant and accurate information on your topic.
When researching, picking out the essential information is a vital skill that strengthens information texts. In addition, data from various sources and websites will result in a more accurate and reliable end product.
Children can use mind maps, spider diagrams, and bulleted lists to note the most relevant information.
Breaking down paragraphs this way makes them easier to digest, and the lists and diagrams created can be included in the final text to help other readers.
Once all the required information has been gathered, it’s a good idea to draft a rough version of any information text. It is an excellent place to make mistakes and decide how you want it to be structured.
Re-drafting ensures that all information is correct and that appropriate vocabulary and grammar have been used. Then, using the rough draft as a guide, children can write up a neat final version of their text that’s of the highest standard.
