AC9E4LY03 • Year 4 English
Learn to identify the characteristic features of imaginative, informative and persuasive texts, then explain how those features help the writer achieve a purpose.
A text is designed for a purpose. Writers choose language, structure, layout and visuals because those features help the text do its job.
Success check: “I can name a feature, point to evidence and explain how it helps the text achieve its purpose.”
Purpose: create an invented experience and engage the reader.
Common features: characters, setting, events, dialogue, imagery, figurative language, suspense and mood.
Example: “The moon lowered a silver ladder between the clouds.” The impossible image helps build an imaginary world.
Purpose: explain, describe or teach about a topic or process.
Common features: facts, definitions, headings, diagrams, maps, captions, tables, sequence and cause–effect explanations.
Example: A labelled diagram of a flower can show where pollen is moved while the paragraph explains the process.
Purpose: influence what an audience thinks or does.
Common features: a clear position, reasons, evidence, persuasive vocabulary, direct address and a call to action.
Example: “Choose a refillable bottle this week and cut down on single-use plastic.” The writer asks the reader to act.
Signal words are clues, but do not choose a structure because of one word. Read the whole passage and decide how most ideas are connected.
Ideas or events are placed in order. Clues can include first, next, then, finally, before and after.
The text explains why something happens and what happens as a result. Clues can include because, so, therefore, as a result.
The text presents a difficulty and one or more responses. Sometimes the first solution fails and a better one follows.
The text shows similarities and differences between two or more subjects. Clues can include both, similarly, while, unlike, however.
The text groups details about one topic, such as appearance, location, behaviour or characteristics.
Use this three-step routine:
Text: “The school path flooded after rain. Warning cones helped students avoid the puddle, but the water returned after every storm. Workers later added a drain and the puddle stopped forming.”
Structure: problem–solution.
Evidence: the flood is the problem; warning cones are a temporary response; the drain is the successful solution.
Why it matters: the organisation helps readers understand both the issue and how the response improved.
Text: “Native shrubs attracted insects. Insect-eating birds followed, so fewer caterpillars remained on the vegetables.”
Cause chain: shrubs → insects → birds → fewer caterpillars.
Why it matters: the writer helps readers understand how one change can lead to several later effects.
Group related information and help readers find a section quickly.
Can draw attention to key terms, definitions or emphasis. Their purpose depends on context.
Identify or explain what a photograph, diagram or illustration shows.
Add spatial, positional or process information that can be difficult to explain efficiently in prose.
Organise information so readers can compare values, categories or patterns quickly.
Important: a picture does not automatically make a text informative. Ask what the image actually does in that text.
A passage may contain more than one structure. For example, a design report can explain cause–effect (rain caused wet seed) and problem–solution (a sloping cover kept the seed dry). Decide which structure is most important for the question you are answering.
A persuasive text can also use a problem–solution structure. An informative text can use compare–contrast. Purpose and structure are connected, but they are not the same thing.
Ready? Move to Practice, then use the Worksheet for an offline check.
The SkillrHub lesson remains the primary learning resource. This optional video reinforces the explanation; you can complete the lesson and practice without watching.
Before you watch:
Khan Academy — Notice how a text’s structure helps it achieve its purpose.
As you watch: Which structure clues help you recognise an information text?
Load video player Loads YouTube in this lesson. See the video notice below.
Try it: Compare a story, an explanation and a persuasive message. Name one feature that helps each achieve its purpose.
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