Information Article Features
The large words at the beginning of an article that tell what the article is about.
What is a header/title?
Why does an author use a title?
To identify/tell the topic and introduce the article
A visual that displays numerical information using bars, lines, or other symbols.
What is a graph/chart?
What feature would you look for if you wanted to quickly find the section about a specific topic?
What is a subheading?
An article explains how tornadoes form using facts and diagrams. What is the author's primary purpose?
A smaller heading that divides an article into sections.
What is a subheading?
Why are subheadings helpful to readers?
They organize information into sections and help readers locate information.
A visual representation showing where something is located.
What is a map?
Where would you look to find where an author got information used in an article?
What is a source/citation?
An article argues that students should have longer lunch periods. What is the author's primary purpose?
What is to persuade?
Words underneath a photograph or graphic that explain what it shows.
What is a caption?
Why would an author include a photograph?
To help readers visualize or better understand information.
A visual that organizes information into rows and columns.
What is a table?
What feature might contain an interesting fact that isn't necessary to understand the main article?
What is a sidebar?
What are three common purposes authors have for writing? (think of PIE)
What is to inform, persuade, and entertain.
A separate box containing additional information related to the main article.
What is a sidebar?
What is the purpose of a caption?
To explain a photograph, illustration, or graphic.
A picture created to explain or represent something in an article.
What is an illustration?
What feature would be most useful for comparing numerical information?
What is a chart, table, or graph?
An author includes statistics about plastic pollution before asking readers to use reusable bottles. What is the likely primary purpose?
What is to persuade?
A note that provides additional information or identifies a source, usually found at the bottom of a page.
What is a footnote?
Why might an author include a sidebar instead of putting the information in the main text?
To provide related or additional information without interrupting the main article.
A labeled visual showing the parts of an object or how something works.
What is a diagram?
Why do informational articles use several different text and graphic features?
To organize information and help readers locate, understand, and visualize important ideas.
Can an author use facts in a persuasive informational article? Explain.
Yes. Facts and evidence can be used to support an author's argument and persuade the reader.