What is an informative text?
An informative text or expository text is a piece of written language that serves to transmit information to the recipient. It offers data, descriptions of reality, certain facts or any other type of information whose purpose is to transmit knowledge.
This type of text is easy to recognize, given that it provides concrete, timely, often real and objective information, without involving opinions, arguments or points of view, nor resorting to the construction of a story. We use informational texts every day and in practically all spheres of our lives.
It may help you: Journalistic text
Characteristics of an informative text
Broadly speaking, an informative text is characterized by:
- Have the purpose of transmitting information, that is, to share or disseminate data, facts, descriptions, etc.
- Do not involve any type of argument, opinion or convincing strategy, and therefore do not explicitly influence the personal position of the recipient.
- Use technical or informative language, as appropriate, to refer to the information in such a way that the recipient can understand and appropriate it.
- Employ rhetorical or expository strategies objectively, that is, with the sole purpose of facilitating the recipient’s understanding.
Types of informational text
Depending on the language that the informative texts use, it is possible that we distinguish between:
- Informative texts. When they have a language accessible to everyone, without the need for prior studies or preparation. They are texts for “anyone.” For example, press reports or descriptions of a series or movie in a catalog.
- Specialized texts. When they respond to a specific type of reader, with prior preparation and/or knowledge, necessary to be able to access the information contained in the text. They use technical or academic language. For example, a scientific article or a university degree thesis.
Structure of an informative text
Generally, informative texts tend towards simplicity, so their structure is usually very conventional, in three parts:
- Introduction or preface. Where the reader is provided with all the necessary contextual information so that they can delve into the topic in question, terms are clarified, the purpose of the text they will read is explained, in short, they are given the opportunity to learn a little about it. what awaits you ahead.
- Development or content. Where the bulk of the information in the text resides, that is, where the ideas and data that you wish to transmit to the recipient are presented in a clear and organized manner.
- Closure or conclusion. Where a summary of the most important of what has been read is usually provided, the central considerations are highlighted and/or the reader is offered a final overview of the topic.