Informational text is a type of non-fiction writing designed specifically to educate, inform, or explain a topic, rather than to entertain or tell a story. Its primary purpose is to provide facts, teach, or provide background on a subject, often using structured formats to make information easy to locate. Core Characteristics & Features
Purpose: To teach or explain, often answering questions or helping readers solve problems.
Facts-Based: Content is based on real events, people, or concepts, focusing on information that can be proven.
Text Features: Often includes headers, subheadings, bold/italic text for vocabulary, diagrams, charts, pictures, captions, tables of contents, and glossaries. Common Examples of Informational Text
Reference Materials: Encyclopedias, dictionaries, and textbooks.
Instructional Content: How-to manuals, recipes, and user guides.
Articles & Non-Fiction: Newspaper articles, scientific reports, and non-fiction books.
Educational Materials: “All about…” books and question-and-answer books. Syllabi: A class syllabus.
These texts are used frequently in daily life for learning, research, and practical tasks.
If you are looking for examples of a specific topic or a certain format (e.g., how to write one), please let me know! What is Informational Text? – The University of Maine