What is informational text?

Informational text is factual information presented in a format that helps the reader find key information. It exists to inform the reader about a specific topic.

Informational text is divided into sections of information using headers and bold print so the reader knows what each segment of the text covers. It also uses timeless verbs with general nouns to address the subjects, with the author writing from a level of expertise. Informational text may include technical vocabulary, realistic illustrations or photographs, diagrams, tables, and charts. This style of writing is typically found in science texts, history books, magazines, instruction manuals and autobiographies.

In education, the Common Core State Standards identify four types of informational text: literary nonfiction, expository, argument or persuasion and procedural.