Lesson 3   Text Features

SPI 0601.6.3 Use text features to locate information and make meaning from text (e.g., headings, key words, captions, footnotes).

Discuss what text features are. Explain that they may include:

Go over the meanings of each of these. Check out the websites below to aid in further understanding.

The Parts of a Book http://www.tv411.org/lessons/cfm/learning.cfm?str=learning&num=2&act=

Captions Help Tell the Story http://www.tv411.org/lessons/cfm/reading.cfm?str=reading&num=2&act=4&que=1
Students look at three pictures and try to determine which caption fits best.

Read All About It http://www.tv411.org/lessons/cfm/reading.cfm?str=reading&num=2&act=2&que=1
Newspapers are divided into standard sections. Students use sections to predict where types of stories would be found.

Reading Headlines http://www.tv411.org/lessons/cfm/reading.cfm?str=reading&num=2&act=3&que=1
Students read eight headlines and try to determine what the article is about.

Take Notes - evaluate what items should be included in the opening paragraph of a news story

News Stories with Comprehension Quizzes [from the BBC] - (1) White loafers and passport control, (2) Hungry ferret causes rail scare, (3) Dyslexic boy's site wins top award, (4) Otters head for towns and cities, (5) Demolition fears after city blaze.

News Quiz Archive - over 50 news stories from the BBC - Choose carefully, not all of these would be appropriate for 6th grade students. Also, take a look at a section of stories which include math in the news and the quiz

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TCAP Practice Questions

Performance Indicator: 0601.6.3 Use text features to locate information and make meaning from text (e.g., headings, key words, captions, footnotes).

  1. Which message is communicated by the crooked-house illustration and its caption? (Practice Test #10)

F You must be an adult to make matchstick models.

G You must have a background in building to make models.

H You must have time and energy to participate in this hobby.

J You must have a great deal of money to participate in this hobby.

  1. From the caption under the space shuttle photograph, the reader knows that Acton (Practice Test #11)

A uses his talent to honor the sacrifices of others.

B accepts requests to create unusual pieces of art.

C inspires creativity in others with his art.

D seeks media attention for his hard work.

 (Sample Item #45)

  1. The caption beneath the second photograph helps readers to understand

A the best way to treat recycled plastic for durability.

B how sturdy recycled plastic lumber can be.

C the many uses for recycled plastic.

D what recycled plastic lumber looks like.