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M.1 Reading informational texts - famous places

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What are informational texts?

Informational texts give facts and details about real people, places, events, or things. They are written to teach the reader about the world.

Examples:
  • A book about the Grand Canyon
  • An article about the Statue of Liberty
  • A travel guide about Washington, D.C.
Note

Remember: informational texts are not stories; they are written to inform and explain.

Why do we read informational texts?

We read informational texts to learn new facts, understand ideas, and answer questions about the world. They help us become better learners and critical thinkers.

Examples of learning from texts:
  • Reading about Mount Rushmore to learn why it was built
  • Learning how the Golden Gate Bridge was constructed
  • Discovering who built the Lincoln Memorial
Note

Ask yourself: “What is this text teaching me?” This helps focus on the main purpose of the passage.

Reading strategies for informational texts

Good readers use strategies to make sense of informational texts. These strategies help you understand, remember, and explain what you read.

Strategies:
  • Look at headings and pictures to predict the topic
  • Highlight or underline important facts
  • Summarize each paragraph in your own words
Note

Using strategies makes reading easier and helps you prepare for class discussions and questions.

Features of informational texts

Informational texts often include special features that guide the reader. These features make it easier to find and understand information.

Text Features:
  • Headings and subheadings
  • Photographs and captions
  • Maps, charts, and diagrams
  • Glossary and index
Note

Pay attention to text features—they are clues that help you understand the main ideas and details.

Reading about famous places

Informational texts about famous places explain their history, importance, and interesting facts. These texts help us appreciate landmarks and cultural sites.

Examples of famous places in texts:
  • The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
  • The White House in Washington, D.C.
  • The Hoover Dam in Nevada
Note

When reading about famous places, ask: “Why is this place important?” and “What does it teach me about history or culture?”