We can define the informative text in a very simple way: it is the kind of texts that offer data, definitions, descriptions of phenomena or details about a fact. The most common informative texts are found in encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers, school books, cookbooks and so on.

Factual texts inform the reader about a particular subject. They should give useful information and focus on facts. Examples of factual texts are news reports, interviews, recipes, records of history, instructions, FAQs, etc. Read the text and fill in the gaps.

Factual texts inform, instruct or persuade by giving facts and information. Literary texts entertain or elicit an emotional response by using language to create mental images. Students are often asked to present an assignment or project which may be one of these text types.

Here are some practical student-centered ideas to bring text structures to your students throughout the school year!

1. Use graphic organizers.
2. Share mentor texts for each structure.
3. Mentor Texts to Teach Informational Text Structure.
4. Pay attention to text structure throughout reading.
5. Conduct frequent think-alouds.

Characteristics of informational text include facts and text features such as table of contents, pictures, captions, bold print, and glossary. These characteristics help the reader find information, add to information presented in text, call the reader’s attention to important words, and explain what words mean.

For informational texts, the main purpose is to inform readers about a subject. If a text’s primary aim is to inform readers, it must contain facts, descriptions, or instructions, although it may also include opinions and arguments.

Informational writing is a form of nonfiction that provides factual information about a particular subject. Newspaper articles, almanac entries, and reference books are all examples of informational writing.