1. Text Features
Text features are parts of a written work that stand out from the rest of the text.

2. Title Description: The name of a book, essay, article, etc.
Purpose: To hint at what the book is about.

3. Table of Contents
Description: A list of chapters or article titles contained in the text. Found at the beginning of the text; organized by page number.
Purpose: To inform the reader what topics or concepts are discussed in the book or magazine and where to find them.

4. Picture Description: Images or graphics found along with the text.
Purpose: To help the reader visualize what the text is talking about. To catch the reader’s attention and make the text more interesting.

5. Caption
Description: Text written in small print beneath or next to a picture.
Purpose: Briefly explains what is in the picture.

6. Heading
Description: The title of a short section within the main text.
Purpose: To give readers clues about what the next part of the article is about. Helps organize the article.

7. Subheading
Description: The title of a small section beneath the heading.
Purpose: To give readers clues about what the next part of the article is about.

8. Bold Words These words are not bold. These words are bold. MAGIC!
Description: Words in the text that are printed darker and thicker.
Purpose: To draw attention to important words that should be studied or remembered.
These words are not bold.
These words are bold. MAGIC!

9. Bullet Points
Description: Graphics that are used to list items or ideas in a text.
Purpose: To organize and summarize a list of things or ideas.

10. Charts & Graphs
Description: Visual representation or comparisons of information.
Purpose: To organize information in a smaller, easier-to-read format.

11. Table
Description: Summaries of facts and data written in rows and columns.
Purpose: To help the reader understand facts and figures in a short time.

12. Footnote
Description: A note at the bottom of the page explaining part of the text. Indicated by numbers or *.
Purpose: To help clarify or explain part of the passage.

13. Glossary
Description: An alphabetized list of definitions found at the end of the text.
Purpose: To provide an easy reference for new vocabulary found in the text.

14. Insert or Inset
Description: A small section of text inserted into the main body of text.
Purpose: To provide extra info that is not necessary, but the reader may find interesting.

15. Map Description: A representation of a specific place.
Purpose: To help the reader visualize where something is located.

16. Colored Print Description: Text written in a color other than black.
Purpose: To help important information or headlines stand out.

17. Font\Type Change
Description: A change in the size or style of the text.
Purpose: To draw attention to important details or ideas.

18. It’s finally happening! It’s finally happening! It’s finally happening!

19. Index
Description: An alphabetical list of names and topics and the page numbers they’re on. Found at the end of the text.
Purpose: To help readers find what page a subject is discussed on.

20. Why Do Authors Use Text Features?
To explain
To entertain
To emphasize
To organize