Unit 2: Informational Texts, Diction, Transitions, and Sentence Structures

What is an informational text, and what are common examples of it?

An informational text is a type of nonfiction writing that presents facts, explanations, and insights about a topic to educate the reader using clear, well-organized information and text features (such as headings, bullet points, and diagrams). Examples include textbooks, news articles, and instructional guides.

How does an informational text serve as the foundation for an argumentative text?

Informational texts present objective information (facts, statistics, expert opinions, and explanations) that argumentative writing draws upon to take a stance on an issue and support it with evidence and reasoning.

What shared purpose do informational and argumentative texts have?

Both texts share the purpose of informing the reader by providing knowledge about a topic through facts, definitions, and explanations.

How do informational and argumentative texts differ in their use of evidence and research?

Informational texts present facts, statistics, expert opinions, and research simply to state information, whereas argumentative writing organizes those same elements to support a specific claim or justify an action.

How do informational and argumentative texts differ regarding objectivity?

Informational texts are objective and present facts without taking a side, whereas argumentative texts interpret facts in a way that supports a claim and calls for action.

What structural element is unique to argumentative texts compared to informational texts?

Argumentative texts include counterarguments and rebuttals to demonstrate awareness of opposing views and respond to them.