Informational Text
Types: Purpose and Examples
Introduction to Informational Text
• Informational text is non-fiction writing that
provides facts and information
• Helps readers learn about a specific topic or
subject
• Used in various contexts: school, work, everyday
life
• We'll explore five types of informational text in
this presentation
Discussion Text
• Purpose: Presents different viewpoints on a
topic
• Encourages critical thinking and debate
• Often includes pros and cons or arguments
for and against
Discussion Text Examples
• A newspaper article discussing the benefits and drawbacks of social media for
teenagers
• A blog post exploring different opinions on whether homework should be
assigned in elementary schools
Explanatory Text
• Purpose: Explains how something works or why something happens
• Provides clear, factual information
• Often includes diagrams, charts, or illustrations
Explanatory Text Examples
• A science textbook chapter explaining the water cycle
• An article describing how a bicycle works, with labeled diagrams of its parts
Instructional Text
• Purpose: Provides step-by-step directions or guidance
• Helps readers complete a task or achieve a goal
• Often uses numbered lists or bullet points
Instructional Text Examples
• A recipe for making chocolate chip cookies
• An instruction manual for assembling a piece of furniture
Persuasive Text
• Purpose: Aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint
• Uses facts, opinions, and emotional appeals
• Often includes a call to action
Persuasive Text Examples
• A letter to the school principal arguing for more recess time
• An advertisement encouraging people to adopt pets from animal shelters
Recount Text
• Purpose: Retells events or experiences in chronological order
• Provides factual information about what happened
• Often includes personal reflections or reactions
Recount Text Examples
• A news article reporting on a local community event
• A historical account of the first moon landing
Comparing Informational Text Types
• Discussion: Presents multiple viewpoints
• Explanatory: Clarifies how things work
• Instructional: Guides through steps
• Persuasive: Convinces the reader
• Recount: Retells events in order
Why Learn About Informational Text Types?
• Improves reading comprehension
• Helps identify author's purpose
• Develops critical thinking skills
• Prepares for various real-world situations
Identifying Informational Text Types
• Look for key features and language
• Consider the author's purpose
• Analyze the structure and organization
• Practice with different examples
Creating Informational Texts
• Choose your purpose
• Organize information logically
• Use clear, grade-appropriate language
• Include relevant details and examples
Informational Text in Everyday Life
• Textbooks and educational materials
• News articles and reports
• Product manuals and instructions
• Websites and online resources
Reading Strategies for Informational Texts
• Preview the text and its features
• Set a purpose for reading
• Take notes or use graphic organizers
• Summarize main ideas
Practice Activity
• In small groups, find examples of each informational text type in your
classroom or school library
• Share and discuss your findings with the class
Conclusion
• Informational texts serve various purposes
• Understanding different types improves reading and writing skills
• Practice identifying and creating different informational texts
• Remember: Discussion, Explanatory, Instructional, Persuasive, and Recount
