Why is it important to teach text features?

Teaching text features is vital because they play a crucial role in helping readers navigate and comprehend nonfiction texts. Nonfiction works often include various elements such as headings, subheadings, charts, graphs, bold or italicized text, captions, and tables of contents. These features are designed to organize information clearly and efficiently, guiding readers to the most relevant parts of the text quickly.

When students learn to identify and use these text features, they develop skills that enhance their overall reading comprehension. For instance, knowing how to interpret a graph can provide insights that text alone may not fully convey. Understanding headings can help them predict the content of a section, making it easier to grasp main ideas and supporting details. This foundational skill is essential not only for academic success but also for navigating the wealth of information found in everyday life, such as manuals, articles, and reports.

In contrast, other options do not specifically address the primary function of text features in relation to the genre where they are most beneficial—nonfiction texts.