Information Reports
Reading an informative text
When we read informative texts (texts that provide us with information), we often need to answer questions that test our understanding.
Answers to some questions, such as the title or subject of a text, are easy to find. Answers to other questions are more difficult because they really make us think. This is when we have to search the text carefully for the information we need.
We are often asked to compare information (find what is similar) or contrast information (find what is different). It sometimes helps if we put this information into categories (groups of similar information) or arrange information in a special order.
Here are some helpful hints for answering questions about an informative text.
An information report:
Structure
· An introductory statement or mini paragraph introducing the subject of the report.
o Classification of item being
o Location of item in time and space
o Preview the rest of the description
· Body paragraphs which deal with different aspects of the description.
o Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence highlighting the focus of the paragraph
o Rest of the paragraph provides details or development on the main idea
· A concluding paragraph which summarises the information in the report.
Language features
· Technical language (e.g Geography terms: evaporation, water cycle, condensation, etc)
· Simple present tense
· Linking verbs (e.g. made up of, consists of, caused by, etc)
· Generalised terms (e.g. humans, plants, weather, etc)
Other Features
When we read informative texts (texts that provide us with information), we often need to answer questions that test our understanding.
Answers to some questions, such as the title or subject of a text, are easy to find. Answers to other questions are more difficult because they really make us think. This is when we have to search the text carefully for the information we need.
We are often asked to compare information (find what is similar) or contrast information (find what is different). It sometimes helps if we put this information into categories (groups of similar information) or arrange information in a special order.
Here are some helpful hints for answering questions about an informative text.
- Look at each question carefully and read it twice. Think about what the question is asking you.
- Try to find the answer in the text.
- If you can't find the answer easily, read the text again. Look for key words (important words within the question) that will help you find the information in the text. Take the following steps:
- Try to find matching words in the text
- Check if the text on either side of the matching words helps you answer the question.
- If this does not help, look for words that have the same meaning as the words in the question.
An information report:
- uses facts to explain something
- gives details about a topic
- does not contain personal views
Structure
· An introductory statement or mini paragraph introducing the subject of the report.
o Classification of item being
o Location of item in time and space
o Preview the rest of the description
· Body paragraphs which deal with different aspects of the description.
o Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence highlighting the focus of the paragraph
o Rest of the paragraph provides details or development on the main idea
· A concluding paragraph which summarises the information in the report.
Language features
· Technical language (e.g Geography terms: evaporation, water cycle, condensation, etc)
· Simple present tense
· Linking verbs (e.g. made up of, consists of, caused by, etc)
· Generalised terms (e.g. humans, plants, weather, etc)
Other Features
- Information reports can contain pictures and maps
- These must be labelled and referenced to ensure the reader can trace the source of the information