Distinguish Stories From Informational Books
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1st Grade Reading › Distinguish Stories From Informational Books
Read Text 1 and Text 2.
Text 1: Story
One day, Freddy the Frog sat by the pond and sighed. He felt scared to swim across. “I can do it,” he said softly. He kicked his legs and made it to the other side. Freddy cheered.
Text 2: Informational Book
Frogs live in places that are wet. Frogs can swim using their strong legs. Frogs breathe through lungs and also through their skin. Frogs lay eggs in water. Tadpoles hatch from the eggs.
Which is true about the story but NOT true about the informational book?
It tells that frogs lay eggs in water.
It gives facts about frogs in nature.
It has a frog with a name who feels scared.
Explanation
We need to find what's only in the story. The story has Freddy the Frog who feels scared. Informational books don't have characters with feelings.
Read Text 1 and Text 2.
Text 1: Story
One day, Carlos looked outside and saw rain. “I can’t play,” he said sadly. Then he put on his boots and splashed in puddles. Carlos laughed and felt happy. He went inside warm and dry.
Text 2: Informational Book
Rain is water that falls from clouds. Rain helps plants grow. Rain fills rivers and lakes. Puddles form when water collects on the ground. Rain is part of the water cycle.
How is the story different from the informational book?
Both texts tell a make-believe story about rain.
The story tells about Carlos, but the informational book gives facts about rain.
The informational book has a character named Carlos, but the story does not.
Explanation
We are finding the difference between stories and facts. The story tells about Carlos and his feelings. The fact book teaches real things about rain.
Read Text 1 and Text 2.
Text 1: Story
Emma picked a red apple from the tree. “Yum!” Emma said after one bite. She saw her brother watching, so she shared the apple. They smiled and ate together. Emma felt glad.
Text 2: Informational Book
Apples grow on trees. Apples can be red, green, or yellow. Apples are fruit people eat. Apples have seeds inside. Many apples grow in the fall.
How can you tell Text 1 is a story?
It lists real facts about apples in the fall.
It has a character named Emma and tells what happened.
It teaches facts about when apples grow.
Explanation
We are finding clues that show a story. Stories have characters with names who do things. Emma is the character who picks and shares an apple.
Read Text 1 and Text 2.
Text 1: Story
Once upon a time, Freddy the Frog felt sad. He could not jump as high as the other frogs. “I will practice,” Freddy said. He practiced every day by the pond. Soon he jumped far, and he felt proud.
Text 2: Informational Book
Frogs are amphibians. They live near water. Frogs have strong back legs. Their legs help them jump far. Frogs eat insects like flies.
What makes Text 2 an informational book?
It tells what happened to a character in order.
It has a frog named Freddy who talks.
It gives facts about frogs that are real.
Explanation
We are learning what makes a fact book. Fact books teach real things that are true. This book tells real facts about frogs.
Read Text 1 and Text 2.
Text 1: Story
Maya looked up and saw clouds covering the sun. “Where did the sun go?” Maya asked. Then the clouds moved away. The sun shone bright, and Maya felt warm. She smiled and played outside.
Text 2: Informational Book
The sun is a star. It gives Earth light during the day. The sun also gives heat. Plants need sunlight to grow. The sun looks small, but it is very big.
How is the informational book different from the story?
It has a character with a name who talks.
It gives real facts about the sun.
It tells about Maya’s feelings and what she did.
Explanation
We are finding how books are different. The fact book teaches real things about the sun. The story tells about Maya and her feelings.
Read the story and the informational book.
Text 1: Story
Little Bear woke up hungry. “Mom, I want honey!” he said. Mother Bear walked with him to find a beehive. They found sweet honey, and Little Bear cheered. He felt happy and full.
Text 2: Informational Book
Bears are large animals with thick fur. Bears eat fish, berries, and sometimes honey. Some bears sleep through winter. This long sleep is called hibernation. Bears use sharp claws to help them dig and climb.
What is one difference between the two texts?
Both texts are only about the water cycle.
The story has named characters, but the informational book does not.
The informational book tells make-believe events, but the story gives facts.
Explanation
We are comparing stories and fact books. Stories have characters with names like Little Bear. Fact books just teach facts without named characters.
Read Text 1 and Text 2.
Text 1: Story
Emma and her dad went to an apple orchard. Emma picked a green apple and made a silly face. “It’s sour!” she said. Then she picked a red apple that tasted sweet. Emma laughed and took another bite.
Text 2: Informational Book
Apples are fruit. They grow on apple trees. Apples can taste sweet or sour. Apples have skin, flesh, and seeds. People can eat apples raw or cooked.
How can you tell Text 2 is an informational book?
It tells what happened to Emma in order.
It has a character who talks with quotation marks.
It tells facts about apples in the real world.
Explanation
We are finding clues for fact books. Fact books teach real facts about our world. This book tells true things about apples.
Read Text 1 and Text 2.
Text 1: Story
Little Bear wanted to stay awake in winter. He tried to play, but he felt sleepy. “I can’t keep my eyes open,” he said. Mother Bear tucked him into the den. Little Bear fell asleep and felt cozy.
Text 2: Informational Book
Some bears hibernate in winter. Hibernation is a long sleep. Bears eat a lot before winter begins. Their bodies slow down while they sleep. When spring comes, bears wake up.
How is the story different from the informational book?
Both texts have a bear and both are the same kind of writing.
The story tells about Little Bear, but the informational book gives facts about bears.
The informational book is make-believe, but the story is all facts.
Explanation
We are comparing two kinds of books. The story tells about Little Bear and what happens. The fact book teaches real facts about all bears.
Read Text 1 and Text 2.
Text 1: Story
Maya wore her new sun hat to the park. The sun felt hot, and Maya got thirsty. “Let’s sit in the shade,” she said. After a drink of water, she felt better. Maya played again when she cooled down.
Text 2: Informational Book
The sun gives heat and light. On sunny days, people can feel warm outside. Shade can help keep people cooler. Sunlight helps plants grow. People can wear hats or sunscreen to protect their skin.
What makes Text 1 a story?
It lists facts about sunlight and shade.
It explains real information in a teaching way.
It has a character named Maya and tells what happened.
Explanation
We are finding story clues. Stories have characters with names who do things. Maya is the character who goes to the park.
Read the story and the informational book.
Text 1: Story
Emma picked a shiny red apple from a tree. She took a bite and said, “Yum!” Then she saw her brother watching. Emma cut the apple in half and shared it. They both smiled.
Text 2: Informational Book
Apples grow on trees. Apples can be red, green, or yellow. Apples are fruit we can eat. Apple trees grow blossoms in spring. Many apples are ready in the fall.
How can you tell Text 1 is a story?
It teaches when apples are ready in the fall.
It lists facts about apples in the real world.
It has a character with a name and tells what happened.
Explanation
We need to find clues that show a story. Text 1 has Emma who shares her apple. Stories have characters with names who do things.