If you can identify the type of text you’re reading, you’re more likely to understand what it says—not just the specific details but also its larger message or point. Since each type of writing incorporates its own set of standard elements (such as characters, opinions, or facts), you can recognize a text’s type by looking for these features. If the first few paragraphs are full of facts but do not include the author’s opinion, for instance, then you know you are reading informational text.
Can you identify key elements within text? Read each of the passages below, looking for features that suggest its type. Then answer the question beneath the passage.
Tuesday, 15th. We left Muskingum and went west five miles to the White woman's creek, on which is a small town. This white woman was taken away from New England, when she was not above ten years old, by the French Indians. She is now upwards of fifty — has an Indian husband and several children. Her name is Mary Harris. She still remembers they used to be very religious in New England; and wonders how the white men can be so wicked as she has seen them in these woods."
Wednesday, 16th. Set out S. W. twenty-five miles to Licking creek. The land from Muskingum is rich and broken. Upon the north side of Licking creek, about six miles from its mouth, were several salt licks, or ponds formed by little streams or drains of water, clear, but of a blueish color, and salt taste. The traders and Indians boil their meat in this water, which, if proper care is not taken, will sometimes make it too salty to eat.
Question
What features of this passage help you decide what type of writing it is?
“Hey, Marco . . . what’s all this?”
Marco glanced up from his computer screen to see Dave standing at the entrance to his cubicle. Dave’s arm was poised dramatically above the filing cabinet where three Power Rangers stood, arms raised in a united show of strength.
Marco reminded himself to save his work, then swiveled in his chair to face Dave. “Just some things I had lying around.” Marco tried to sound casual, but he was already annoyed by Dave’s tone.
“Huh, that’s funny. I thought we’d had a bunch of kids come through. And, you know, left their dolls behind.”
“They’re action figures,” Marco replied evenly. “A gag gift, I . . . I thought they’d be funny.”
A slight pause. “Yeah, I figured. Just messing with you, man.” Dave shook his head and grinned.
Question
What type of writing is the text in this passage? How could you tell?
During the Great Depression, the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC) performed more than 150 different kinds of work, most of which consisted of manual labor, and operated in every state and territory. The young men employed by the CCC built hiking trails, roads, parks, and forest buildings. They constructed bridges, planted trees, and put out forest fires. CCC Camps also offered vocational training and basic education in academic subjects, such as arithmetic and grammar.
Given the nature of the work and the inexperience of most enrollees, accidents were inevitable, so the CCC established the Division of Safety. The division directed safety, health, sanitation, and fire prevention throughout the CCC's camps. To improve safety measures and to provide information about an incident to family members in the case of serious injury or death, the division investigated accidents to determine their cause.
Question
What key feature in this writing passage helps you determine what type of writing it is?
