Nonfiction Text Features Review

Nonfiction Unit

Ms. Brothers

Grade 7

Nonfiction

What is nonfiction?

Nonfiction is a genre of literature that is based on real events, people, or
facts, and are supported through…

-Evidence

-Personal observations

-Reliable sources

Types of nonfiction

Different kinds of nonfiction texts include . . .

Article

Essay

Biography

Autobiography

Memoir

Articles

What is an article?

●Articles are a type of nonfiction text which informs the audience about a
specific topic(s) through research using credible and reliable sources.

●Articles are typically published within magazines, newspapers, or other
electronic platforms.

●Articles are organized by text features, which are components that make up
an article.

Text Features

How can we identify a text feature within an article?

1.)

The author’s purpose

●The purpose of an article refers to the reason why the author has wrote the article.

When determining what the author’s purpose is for writing an article, a good question to ask yourself
would be . . .

“What was the author’s goal when writing and publishing this article?”

The purpose of writing an article is typically to either . . .

-Inform

-Persuade

-Argue

Open Ended

After completing your research, it is now time to begin thinking about how you will inform you readers about your research topic. However, it’s important that you form a purpose for informing your audience about your topic and reporting key information throughout your newspaper article. What do you want your readers to take away from your article? Why is it important to share this specific piece of history with others? Do you hope to initiate change by retelling history to others? Explain.  

Text Features Continued

2.) Title

A title reveals the main topic and
focus that’s explored and discussed
throughout an article.

3.) Subtitles / Subheadings

Subtitles are headings which
generally state the main idea
presented throughout a
paragraph or section of
paragraphs within an article.

Subtitles introduce a new
idea that will be discussed
and explored throughout an
article.

Text Features Continued

4.) Sidebar

●Sidebars provide additional information to the readers
within an article and are typically placed on the side or
bottom of an article.

●Although sidebars give more information to the readers,
sidebars do not reveal the overall main ideas or topics
that are discussed throughout an article.

Example:

In this picture of a magazine article, the sidebar is the text to the right side of
the right page. Although the sidebar does not focus on the main idea and focus
of the article (tips for organization), the sidebar provides additional
information to the readers by discussing where families can donate their
things when cleaning and becoming organized.

Text Features Continued

5.) Graphic Aid

A graphic aid is a visual within an article that provides additional information to the readers.

Different types of graphic aids include . . .

-Maps

-Charts

-Tables

-Graphs

-Diagrams

-Visual examples

Multiple Select

What graphic aids were present throughout your research articles? Choose all that apply.

• Maps

• Charts

• Tables

• Graphs

• Pictures of the historical event, figure, or movement

Text Features Continued

6.) Captions

Captions are typically 1-2 sentences in
length and describe a graphic aid within
an article.

Just like posting
captions
underneath
instagram photos!

Open Ended

Why are text features important?