Types of Text: Literary or Informational?

Summary

This video script explains the difference between literary and informational texts. Literary texts are fictional stories that include illustrations and story elements like characters, settings, and a beginning, middle, and end. These texts are read in a specific order. Informational texts, on the other hand, are nonfiction and teach real facts without characters. They can be read in any order and include text features such as photographs, diagrams, and keywords to help readers find information. The video provides an easy-to-understand breakdown of these two types of texts to help viewers grasp their key differences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Literary texts are fictional and tell stories that are made-up or not real, like stories about unicorns or pumpkins turning into carriages.
• 😀 Literary texts have illustrations that help readers understand the story elements, such as characters and settings.
• 😀 Story elements in literary texts include the setting (where the story takes place) and the characters (who is in the story).
• 😀 Literary texts must be read in order: first the beginning, then the middle, and finally the end.
• 😀 A story map helps readers understand the elements of a book or story.
• 😀 Informational texts are nonfiction and aim to inform, teach, and explain real things, like animals or people.
• 😀 Informational texts do not have characters and can be read in any order as they do not follow a structured beginning, middle, and end.
• 😀 Informational texts include text features like photographs, illustrations, and diagrams that explain parts of things (e.g., parts of animals).
• 😀 Informational texts also use keywords, such as bold or italicized words, to highlight important information.
• 😀 Good readers use text features in informational texts to find the information they are looking for, like keywords or diagrams.
• 😀 The video concludes by reviewing the difference between literary and informational texts, ensuring the audience understands these distinctions.

Q & A

What is a literary text?

A literary text is a fictional story that tells a made-up or imaginary tale. It involves events or characters that cannot happen in real life, like unicorns, pirates, or magical creatures.

What does the word 'fiction' mean?

The word 'fiction' refers to something that is not real or made up. It is used to describe stories that are imagined rather than based on real events or people.

How do illustrations help in literary texts?

Illustrations in literary texts help readers understand the story by visually representing key elements, such as the setting, characters, and events, which enhance comprehension.

What are some common story elements found in literary texts?

Common story elements in literary texts include the setting (where the story takes place), characters (who is in the story), and a plot that includes a beginning, middle, and end.

How should a literary text be read?

A literary text should be read in order: first the beginning, then the middle, and finally the end. This sequence helps the reader follow the narrative and understand the development of the story.

What is a story map, and how does it help readers?

A story map is a tool that helps readers identify and understand the different elements of a story, such as the characters, setting, and plot structure, which aids in comprehension and analysis.

What is an informational text?

An informational text is a nonfiction text that provides factual information to teach, explain, or inform readers about real things, such as animals, people, or events.

What makes informational texts different from literary texts?

Unlike literary texts, informational texts do not have characters, and they can be read in any order because they do not follow a structured narrative with a beginning, middle, and end.

What are text features, and why are they important in informational texts?

Text features in informational texts include photographs, illustrations, diagrams, and keywords. These features help readers locate important information and understand the content more effectively.

What are keywords in informational texts, and how are they formatted?

Keywords in informational texts are important terms that help explain the main ideas. They may be highlighted in bold, italics, or colored text to draw attention to their significance.