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Using text features to find information

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Using Text Features to Find Information

You will learn how to use headings, captions, diagrams, and other text features to find information quickly in nonfiction books, instead of reading every word on every page.

Introduction

When you read a nonfiction book, you do not always need to read every single word. You can use text features like headings, captions, and diagrams to find the exact information you need, fast. This lesson shows you how to search a page the smart way.

Imagine you have a question, like "What do sharks eat?" You do not need to read a whole book about sharks to find the answer. You can look for text features that point straight to the answer.

Text features are parts of a book that are not the main paragraphs. Headings, captions, diagrams, charts, and bold words all give you clues. Good readers look at these clues before they start reading word by word.

A heading is a short title above a section of text. It tells you what that section is about before you read it. If a heading says "What Sharks Eat," you know that section has your answer.

When you have a question, scan the headings in a book first. Skip the sections whose headings do not match your question. Stop at the heading that matches, and start reading there.

A diagram is a picture with labels. Arrows connect each label to a part of the picture. If your question is about parts of something, like "What are the parts of a plant?" a diagram can give you the answer faster than a paragraph.

A caption is the small line of text under a picture or photo. Captions often explain something that is not written anywhere else on the page. Always read the caption when a picture catches your eye.

Charts and tables line up facts in rows so you can compare numbers or details quickly. If your question involves comparing amounts, a chart can be quicker to check than a paragraph.

Try this three-step plan the next time you read a nonfiction book or article.

  1. Ask yourself a clear question, such as "How does a caterpillar become a butterfly?"
  2. Pick the text feature most likely to have that answer: a heading, a diagram, or a caption.
  3. Check that feature first, then read the nearby sentences to confirm the full answer.

This plan saves time and helps you understand a page even when some of the words are new to you.

Heading: How Bees Make HoneyDiagramwinglegPhoto of beesCaption: Bees store honey in a hiveYour question: What do bees eat?Step 1: Scan headings for a matchStep 2: Check diagram or captionStep 3: Read nearby sentences to confirm
A page from a nonfiction book, showing how a heading, a diagram, and a caption can each hold part of the answer to your question.

Heading: A short title above a section that tells you what that section is about.

Caption: A line of text under a picture or photo that explains it.

Diagram: A picture with labels and arrows that shows how parts of something work.

Chart: A visual feature that lines up facts or numbers so you can compare them quickly.

Scanning: Looking quickly over a page for one piece of information, instead of reading every word.

Pick a nonfiction book or article. Write down one question you want answered. Scan the headings first, then check any diagrams or captions near a heading that matches your question. Finally, read the nearby sentences to check your answer.

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