NF Text Structures
Signal words such as but, different
What is compare and contrast?
Single words, short phrases, or paragraphs that accompany illustrations, photographs or diagrams
What are captions and labels?
A short phrase, sentence, or question that highlights a key point within a section
What is a Subheading?
The beauty of nonfiction is that not everything has to be read in exact order. You are free to roam the text to help clarify information.
What is Skip Ahead?
The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth and is home to millions of animals, from tiny plankton to giant whales. It provides food, jobs, and even the oxygen we breathe. The ocean also helps control the weather by moving warm and cold water around the planet. Protecting the ocean from pollution and overfishing is important to keep it healthy for future generations.
What is the ocean is essential for life on Earth and needs to be protected?
Phrases such as the dilemma is, as a result
What is problem and solution?
The title or topic at the beginning of a larger section
What is Heading?
Symbols used to list facts or important information found in the text
What are bullets, asterisks, or stars
Sometimes things make more sense to us when we hear ourselves say them.
What is Read Aloud?
Plants use a process called photosynthesis to make food from sunlight, water, and air. Inside their leaves, tiny parts called chloroplasts capture sunlight and turn it into energy. This energy helps plants grow and produce oxygen, which humans and animals need to breathe. Without plants, life on Earth would not survive.
What is Plants use sunlight, water, and air to make food and provide oxygen for all living things?
Facts, concepts, and ideas
What is description?
Different ways to make words stand out in the text
What is Types of Print?
A list of a book’s sections found in the front to let readers know what is contained in the book
What is Table of Contents?
Key words, bold print, italicized words, dictionaries, Glossaries, photos, diagrams, and visuals
What is Use Your Tools?
Bees are busy workers that help plants grow by carrying pollen from one flower to another. This process, called pollination, helps fruits and vegetables grow. Without bees, many of our favorite foods, like apples and strawberries, would not exist. But bees are in danger from pesticides and habitat loss, so people can help by planting flowers and protecting their homes.
What is Bees play a vital role in pollination and food production, and they need our help to survive?
Signal words such as: then, later, after, following, next
What is Chronological/Sequential Order?
List of resources used
What is Bibliography?
A list of words and their definitions located toward the end of the book
What is a Glossary?
Taking a moment to retell what you have read helps you reflect on the text. It activates background knowledge and also allows you to check on whether you understand the text.
What is Paraphrase or Say It in Your own Words?
Water is the most important drink for our bodies because it keeps us healthy and energized. Our bodies use water for digestion, moving nutrients, and keeping our temperature normal. Without enough water, people can feel tired and get headaches. Doctors recommend drinking plenty of water every day to stay strong and focused.
What is Drinking water is important for keeping our bodies healthy and full of energy?
What is Cause and Effect?
Information that expands upon the text and is placed in chronological order
What is a Time Line?
An alphabetical list of important subjects in the text that is located at the back of the book
What is an Index?
Good readers don’t read everything quickly. Slow down when something is difficult or unfamiliar.
What is Adjust Your Reading Rate?
Throughout history, people have created inventions to make life easier. The wheel helped with transportation, electricity brought light into homes, and the internet allows people to connect instantly. New inventions continue to change the world, from self-driving cars to space travel. Every invention starts with an idea and a problem to solve!
What is Inventions improve the way people live and help solve everyday problems?