Informational Texts Part 3
Analyzing Text Structure
When you hear “text structure,” you may think of separating ideas by sentences or paragraphs, as well as using transitional words/phrases. That’s all true, but there’s a little more you need to know to do well on the HiSET.
An author can present information in many ways, but here are four that you 100% need to know going into test day. (i.e., We’ve already discussed one in this guide.)
- Providing an Example: This straightforward structure explains new information by providing a simple example. (e.g., A raccoon is a type of mammal because it gives birth to live young.)
- Compare/Contrast: An author introduces new information by comparing/contrasting it with something you know. (e.g., An orange is like an apple because they both contain seeds on the inside.)
- Process: A process breaks down complicated information by explaining it in a series of steps. (e.g., You mix the dough for 10 minutes and bake it for 15 minutes.)
- Elaboration: Explains new information in simple, easy-to-digest language. (e.g., The atom is the smallest part of any element. It has three basic parts: neutrons, protons, and electrons.)
HINT: Recognizing a text’s structure makes you a more effective reader, saving you time on HiSET test day.
Making Predictions
Being an effective reader means making predictions about the author’s purpose and the text’s content. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to make excellent predictions:
- Based on a paragraph’s first sentence, what do I think the rest of the paragraph will be about?
- Based on the article’s first paragraph, what do I think the author’s tone or point of view throughout the article will be?
- Based on the article’s first paragraph, what kinds of evidence do I think the author will use to support their idea(s)?
Predictions aren’t always correct, so don’t feel bad if some of yours aren’t. A little practice with different kinds of nonfiction texts will make you a better predictor.
Identifying a Text’s Purpose
Considering a text’s tone and an author’s point of view has another benefit – it can reveal a text’s purpose. Here are just a few reasons someone could write a nonfiction text:
- Report the latest events
- Educate you about something
- Try to persuade you to change your mind on an issue
- Entertain you
Assessing Arguments’ Validity
What makes an argument valid? How can you tell if an argument is invalid? The key is to ask specific questions about which kind of evidence an argument uses.
- When an argument presents facts: Are these facts telling the whole story, or is the author cherry-picking information to support their beliefs/opinions?
- When an argument uses data/statistics: Are these numbers accurate, and did the author get them from a reputable source?
- When an argument uses anecdotes: Do these anecdotes (i.e., amusing or interesting stories) have anything to do with the argument?
- When the argument uses an expert’s opinion: Is this person really an expert on the topic?
- When an argument uses causality: Is the supposed cause really a factor, or does it have nothing to do with the events/topics the article discusses?
In other words, if you’re reading an informational text and think, ‘Hmmmm…something about this doesn’t sound right,’ there’s probably a flaw with the argument’s validity.