Literal Detectives
Tarantulas moult as they grow. True or False?
True
Why might someone read this text?
Someone might read it to learn facts and information about tarantulas.
Find two noun groups in the text.
For example, small lizard, tiny hairs, warm places etc
What is one subheading in the text?
Diet, Habitat, Appearance, etc
Tarantulas are insects. True or False?
False — tarantulas are arachnids.
Why do you think tarantulas dig deep burrows underground? How do you know?
They dig burrows to stay safe, cool, and hidden from predators. The text explains that burrows protect them.
What are some visual features (layout) that tell you this is an informative text?
Title, subheadings, topic sentences, paragraphs, images with captions.
What is a topic sentence?
A topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph that tells the reader what the paragraph is about.
Re-read the Moulting section. Tell me in your own words what the word moult means.
Moult means to shed an old outer skin so the tarantula can grow bigger.
How do tarantulas protect themselves from danger?
They protect themselves by hiding in burrows, hunting at night and using their fangs to defend themselves if needed.
What are some language features that tell you its an informative text?
Facts, formal language, topic specific vocab and specific noun groups.
What feature helps the readers find information quickly?
Subheadings like habitat and diet.
What is the text about?
(This text is about...)
The text is about tarantulas and how they live, hunt, grow, and survive.
What threats do tarantulas face? How did the layout and visual features help you find that information quickly?
Tarantulas face threats like predators and habitat loss. Headings, photos, and sections helped readers find the information quickly.
How do the noun groups and topic-specific vocabulary add meaning to the sentence: They wait quietly in their deep burrows then strike quickly when the prey comes close.
The words help explain exactly how tarantulas hunt and teach readers scientific vocabulary.
What does an information text need to include? (hint: look at the structure on the learning wall).
It has a title, subheadings, introduction, paragraphs, topic sentences, factual information and a conclusion. It may also have images and captions.
What are some important ideas and details about tarantulas?
Tarantulas are arachnids, they hunt at night, dig burrows, use venom in their fangs, moult as they grow, and eat insects and small animals.
Why are tarantulas important to ecosystems?
They help control insect populations and are part of the food chain.
Using the Diet section, explain how the language features tell you more information about what tarantulas eat and how they hunt.
Topic-specific words and detailed descriptions explain what tarantulas eat and how they catch prey.
How do the photographs help the reader understand the information?
The photographs show what tarantulas look like and help readers understand the facts more clearly.