Non-Fiction Text Features
Recognise different non-fiction text structures and features (headings, contents, glossary, index), understanding how texts are organised to present information
Suggested ages 6–9
Learning journey
Your child is developing deeper reading skills — understanding how stories are structured, identifying main ideas in informational texts, comparing characters' perspectives, and recognising how different text features help organise information.
Evidence of understanding
- Use a contents page to find information on a specific topic in a non-fiction book
- Identify the purpose of headings, glossary, and index in an information text
- Recognise that non-fiction books can be structured as lists, time order, or question-and-answer
Assessment prompt
When Non-Fiction Text Features is using a non-fiction book for a school project, do they know how to use the headings, contents page, and index to find what they need quickly?
Standards alignment
RI.1.2
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 1
RI.1.5
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 1
RI.2.5
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 2
RI.2.6
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 2
RI.3.5
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 3
Non-fiction structures
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1
Read books structured in different ways
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2