Information texts are organised to help readers. Headings tell you what each section is about. Numbered steps show an order. Bold words, captions and diagrams give extra detail.
Writers organise information in different ways. A process, like the water cycle, is told in order. An argument gives reasons, often signposted with First, Second and Finally. A comparison shows how two things are alike and different.
Before you read, skim the headings to get an overview. Then read closely to find the answer.
Worked example
A text about rain has headings “Step 1: Evaporation”, “Step 2: Condensation”, “Step 3: Precipitation”. Why are the headings numbered?
- Numbers usually show an order.
- The water cycle is a process that happens in stages.
Answer:To show the stages of the water cycle in order.
Key words
- heading
- a title for a section
- skim
- read quickly for the main idea
- process
- a series of steps in order
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: RI.3.5, RI.3.8