Using Text Features
Aligned to RI.3.5 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
True texts have tools like headings, bold words, sidebars, and search boxes. They help you find information fast.
Worked examples
Example 1
To learn about a shark's teeth, you scan the headings and jump straight to the one that says 'Teeth' instead of reading every page.
Example 2
To find when a country gained independence, use the index at the back rather than skimming chapter by chapter.
Example 3
Sidebars and bold words are the author telling you what matters most. Skipping them is skipping the summary.
Practice questions
- Use a heading to find where a topic is explained.
- Tell what bold words in a text usually show.
- Explain how a sidebar is different from the main text.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Usar las Partes del Texto
Los textos reales tienen herramientas como títulos, palabras en negrita, recuadros y buscadores. Te ayudan a encontrar información rápido.
Ejemplo 1: Para saber sobre los dientes de un tiburón, revisas los títulos y vas directo al que dice 'Dientes' en lugar de leer todas las páginas.
Ejemplo 2: Para hallar cuándo un país logró su independencia, usa el índice del final en vez de hojear capítulo por capítulo.
Ejemplo 3: Los recuadros laterales y las negritas son el autor diciéndote qué importa más. Saltártelos es saltarte el resumen.
More Reading: Informational lessons
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