Page 182 - SpringBoard_ELA_Grade8_Flipbook

aCTIvITy 2.15
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8. Which types of sources are best for the information you seek? List at least three
and explain your choices. my Notes
9. What search terms will you use to narrow your search for sources with relevant information on the topic and claim?
Researching and Reading Informational Texts
Much research information is taken from informational texts, which can be challenging to read. An effective strategy for reading these texts is to pay attention to their text features.
There are five broad categories of text features found in informational texts:
• Text organization identifies text divisions (e.g., chapters, sections, introductions, summaries, and author information).
• Headings help readers understand the information (e.g., titles, labels, and subheadings).
• Graphics show information visually to add or clarify information (e.g., diagrams, charts and tables, graphs, maps, photographs, illustrations, paintings, timelines, and captions).
• Format and font size signal to the reader that certain words are important (e.g., boldface, italics, or a change in font).
• Layout includes aids such as insets, bullets, and numbers that point readers to important information.
Preview
In this activity, you will read an article and evaluate its validity.
Setting a Purpose for Reading
• As your read, put a star next to the writer’s claim. Underline information you think would be logical evidence to support the claim.
• Circle unknown words and phrases. Try to determine the meaning of the words by using context clues, word parts, or a dictionary.
• Note whether the text features lend the article credibility or not.
About the Author
Marcel Just is the D.O. Hebb Professor of Psychology and director of the Center for Cognitive Brain Imaging at Carnegie Mellon University.
Tim Keller is a senior research psychologist at the center. They are co- authors of the study, “A Decrease in Brain Activation Associated with Driving When Listening to Someone Speak.”
Unit 2 • The Challenge of Utopia 155
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