Explore Text Features Examples with Task Cards

While fiction texts contain a storyline, characters and illustrations, nonfiction texts contain a variety of text features to make it easier to locate and comprehend the facts presented. It is important to teach our students not only what these text features are called, but what role they play in enhancing understanding for the reader.

This set of text features task cards has been designed by our expert teacher team to help your students identify some of the common text features that can be found in nonfiction texts. Each task card contains an image and a multiple-choice question for the students to answer. The resource includes:

• Instruction page
• 24 task cards
• Student recording sheet
• Answer sheet

The nonfiction text features included in this set of task cards are: Bold text, captions, charts, bullets, diagrams, graphs, illustrations, glossary, guide words, maps, subheadings, tables, table of contents, timeline, photographs, index, numbers, sidebars, paragraphs.

Read on to learn more about how to complement this resource in your elementary school classroom!

How to Use These Text Features Task Cards

Using these text features task cards in your classroom takes a small amount of preparation, but once prepared these cards can be reused time and time again! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Print one copy of the entire resource. The resource can be downloaded as an easy-print PDF or an editable Google slide.
2. Copy the task cards on cardstock. This will increase the durability and longevity of the resource. Place them together in a large envelope or ziplock bag for safekeeping.
3. Print copies of the student recording sheets on normal paper. Each student will need one recording sheet. 
4. Place the text features task cards around the room. Assign each student a numbered card to start at. 
5. Students read the question on the card, then write the answer in the designated space on the recording sheet.
6. Students move to the next card when signaled. Signal students to move by calling out, “Scoot!” 
7. Students will move in numerical order and continue until they finish all task cards.

Download These Text Features Task Cards

Use the download button above to access either the easy-print PDF or the editable Google Slides version of these text features task cards. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template on your personal drive before accessing it.)

Use this resource as a scoot game, in reading centers, as exit tickets or as individual practice for your students.

This resource was created by Samantha Rose, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Resources for Exploring Nonfiction Text Features

Looking for more resources to teach your students about nonfiction text features? Click below for a great sample of teacher-made worksheets and games!

teaching resource

Nonfiction Text Features – All About Me Project

Implement a text features project with an “All About Me” theme to explore informational text features with your students.

teaching resource

Glossaries Worksheets

Download these glossary worksheets to provide your students with practice working with this valuable nonfiction text feature.

teaching resource

Nonfiction Text Features: Match It Up!

Download this nonfiction text features game to teach elementary school students about the common text features of informational texts.