Introduction to Textbook Features

Objectives
Student will be able to:
  • identify the purpose and characteristics of text features found in textbooks and other informational documents.
  • demonstrate strategies to understand information presented in different text features.  

Introduction
Text features help readers find information and better understand what they read. Headings, photos, and bulleted lists are examples of text features. When you preview a selection, look for text features. They point out the information the author most wants you to remember. Read "Text Features" below to review some common features and their functions.


Exercises
Read "Moving in Waves" and review the Text Features chart, and then answer the questions.

Write your answers to the questions below.
1.
What information does the heading give you about the topic of the passage?
 
The heading is "Moving in Waves," so the passage must be about waves.  
1.
 

2.
If this passage is part of a book, where would a reader go to find the definition of the boldface word vibrations?
 

The reader would find the definition in the glossary, a mini dictionary at the back of the book.

2.
 

Circle the correct answer.
3.
In the passage, what kind of text feature is Light Waves? 
a. caption
b. graphic
c. subhead
d. title
 
c. subhead
3.
 

4.
Which text feature does the author NOT use?
a. boldface word
b. fact box
c. graphic
d. subhead
 
b. fact box
4.
 

5.
Which text feature lists all parts of a book and the page on which each part begins?
a. bulleted list
b. glossary
c. index
d. table of contents
 
d. table of contents
5.
 

6.

What is the text feature that uses slanted type to emphasize some words?

a. boldface
b. graphics
c. italics
d. sidebar
 
c. italics
6.
 

Exhibit Preview Close

Some Common Text Features

Feature Function
title names the whole book or article
table of contents lists each part of a book and the page on which it begins; usually found in the first few pages of the book
heading names a chapter, section, or passage; usually found at the top of the page or paragraph in larger or colored type
subhead names a smaller part within a chapter, section, or passage 
graphics photos, illustrations, charts, diagrams, graphs, tables, maps, or timelines that provide support for the main text by showing the information in a visual way
caption line or two of information about a photo or other graphic; usually found under or beside the graphic
boldface word dark type used to emphasize important words 
italicized word slanted type used to emphasize certain words
bulleted list a list of important information set off from the main text
sidebar information placed beside the main text, often in a box, that explains more about an idea in the main text
fact box box set off from the main text, much shorter than a sidebar; gives an interesting fact related to the main text and may include a question or quotation
glossary mini dictionary at the back of a book which defines certain words, such as boldface words
index alphabetical list of important ideas from a book and the pages on which each idea is covered, located at the back of the book

Exhibit Preview Close

Moving in Waves

Waves are motions that carry energy. Some waves move through water, others move through gases in the air.

Water Waves

Imagine that a small pebble falls into a pond. The pebble transfers energy to the water that creates a wave that ripples across the pond's surface. Imagine that pebbles continue to fall into the water. The waves will continue to form.

Sound Waves

Sound waves carry energy from vibrations. That is how the sound energy from a loud boom of thunder moves through the air to your ears. Sound waves can move through air, water, or even solid materials.

Light Waves

Light, or electromagnetic, waves can travel faster than 186,000 miles (300 million meters) per second. Imagine a story night. Waves of light from a flash of lightning reach your eyes before your ears hear the thunder!

First you see lightning, then you hear the thunder!