Use Headings and Labels for Details

Nonfiction authors do not just write facts — they organize them using text features. These features are like signposts: they tell readers where important information is and how to use the page. Good readers notice them and use them.

Five text features every nonfiction reader needs to know

• Heading — a bold title above a section. It tells you what that section is about. Always read headings first to preview the text.
• Topic sentence — the first sentence of a paragraph. It states the main idea of that paragraph. The rest of the paragraph adds details.
• Bold word — a key vocabulary word printed in darker, heavier type. It signals: "This word is important — learn it."
• Fact box — a highlighted box (often yellow or colored) that pulls out one key fact for quick reading. Sometimes called a "fast fact" or "did you know?" box.
• Caption — a short label beneath a photo, diagram, or illustration that describes what you are looking at.

How to use text features while reading

• Read all headings before reading the body text — get the full map first.
• When you see a bold word, stop and make sure you know what it means.
• Read fact boxes and captions — they often contain the most surprising details.