Common Text Mode Features & Their Purposes

Title

-Tells the main topic of the text

-Grabs the reader’s attention

Headings & Subheadings

-Break the text into sections

-Show the main idea of each part

Table of Contents

-Lists sections and page numbers

-Helps readers locate information quickly

Bold or Italicized Words

-Highlight important vocabulary or key terms

Glossary

-Provides definitions of important words

Index

-Alphabetical list of topics with page numbers

Captions

-Explain what is shown in a picture, graph, or diagram

Photographs/Illustrations

-Provide visual support to the written information

Charts & Graphs

-Present data or statistics visually

Diagrams

-Show parts of something or how something works

Maps

-Show locations or geographic information

Labels

-Identify parts of an image or diagram

Sidebars/Text Boxes

-Provide extra facts or interesting details

Bullet Points / Numbered Lists

-Organize information in an easy-to-read format

Page Numbers

-Used to help readers navigate and locate specific sections quickly

Timeline

-A graphic that shows the chronological order of events

Underlining

-Used to signify a word / phrase is particularly important

Bias

-Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair