Types of Text Features

Literary / Informational Text
Book Parts
Title
Epigraph
Author’s Background Page
Dedication Page
Book Jacket
Prologue
Epilogue
Chapter
Readers’ Tools
Table of Contents
Glossary
Pronunciation Guide
Chapter Titles
Graphics such as maps
Physical Layout of Text
Paragraphing
Stanzas
Spacing
Justification
Dialogue/Unassigned Dialogue
Print – help readers understand author’s intent
Spacing
Punctuation
Repetitive Words
Symbols between paragraphs
Font
  • Size
  • Color
  • Style
  • Bold
  • Italics
  • Use of caps
Illustrations – expand meaning of the text:
Photos
Drawings / Book Parts
Title / Preface
Index
Appendix
Epigraph
Chapters / Chapter Titles
Dedication page
Author’s background page
Readers’ Tools
Table of Contents
Glossary / Pronunciation guide
Chapter titles
Print
Punctuation Repetitive Words
Font Spacing
  • Size
  • Color
  • Style
  • Bold
  • Italics
  • All caps; no caps
Organizational Aids – help readers find important information:
HeadingsSubheadings
SidebarsLegends
LabelsCaptions
Call-outsBullets
Features Related to Organizational Structure
Question/AnswerCompare/Contrast
Cause/Effect Description
Sequence Problem/Solution
Graphic Aids – represent information in somespecific way
DiagramsFlow diagram
SketchesComparisons
GraphsFigures
MapsCharts/tables
Cross-sectionsOverlays
Time-linesMagnification
Illustrations – expand the meaning of the text
Photos Drawings
Magnifications

Reading Through the Lens of Author’s Craft

What do we mean when we say “author’s craft”?

Techniques authors use to communicate their story, information, message

Some examples include:

Word choice / Imagery / Figurative language
Connotation / Alliteration / Rhyming
Contradictions / Flashbacks / Allusions
Foreshadowing / Flashforward / Suspense
Bias / Irony / Surprise
Syntax / Spacing / Tone
Theme / Central idea / Punctuation
Mood / Dialect / Characterization
Dialogue / Character types / Character interaction
Narration / Conflict / Structure
Repetitions / Point of view / Use of graphics, illustrations
Register / Claim and Evidence / Background knowledge
Personification / Time lapse/ Gaps / Parallel Structure
Full circle / Sarcasm / Humor
Prologue / Leads/endings / Cliff hangers
Epilogue

Criteria for Nonfiction from NCTE OrbisPictus Award

accuracy / organization / style
Facts current and complete / Logical development / Writing is stimulating
Balance of fact and theory / Clear sequence / Reveals author’s enthusiasm for the subject
Stereotypes avoided / Patterns provided (general to specific, simple to complex etc) / Curiosity and wonder encouraged
Authenticity of detail / Appropriate terminology
Rich language

Julie Johnson & Jeanette Atkinson, Instructional Specialists Monroe 1 BOCES rev July 2015 Page 1