The Role of Informational Texts in ELA Common Core: What Students Need to Know

Introduction

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), over 80 percent of reading passages that middle and high school students encounter in the United States are informational texts. Yet, most children continue to think of English as a subject of stories and poems rather than facts and reasoning.

In classrooms across California, Texas, and New Jersey, teachers often observe the same pattern: students can retell a novel beautifully but struggle to summarize a science article or identify the main idea of a historical essay. The truth is that informational texts require a different set of reading muscles—logic, analysis, and synthesis.

At Wisdom Point, we have seen this repeatedly. Students fluent in reading fiction often stumble when asked to explain data, compare two viewpoints, or cite textual evidence. Informational texts strengthen those very abilities. They teach children to think critically, connect cross-disciplinary ideas, and communicate clearly—skills that define success far beyond the classroom.

What Counts as an Informational Text

Informational texts are nonfiction works written to inform, explain, or analyze rather than entertain. They include newspaper articles, essays, biographies, reports, technical manuals, historical accounts, and online informational content.

Under the ELA Common Core, the expectations evolve with grade level.

• In Grade 3, students identify the main idea and supporting details.

• In Grade 5, they compare two texts on the same topic, analyzing perspective.

• In Grade 8, they evaluate claims and evidence used by authors.

• By Grades 11–12, they assess how structure, reasoning, and evidence contribute to an author’s argument.

These progressions build what educators call “academic literacy”—the ability to read and write across subjects. It’s the foundation for AP courses, SAT and ACT success, and strong college essays.

Informational reading is no longer limited to English classrooms. In math, students interpret word problems and data charts. In science, they explain processes through written evidence. Even social studies requires analyzing speeches, policies, and biographies. That is why the Common Core mandates a balance: 50 percent literary and 50 percent informational reading by middle school, increasing through high school.

Why Informational Texts Matter More Than Ever

In today’s world, information is everywhere—news apps, research papers, reports, and social media posts. The ability to separate fact from opinion and interpret data is as vital as basic literacy itself.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies reading comprehension, reasoning, and information synthesis as top skills for employability in the 21st century. Whether a student plans to become a lawyer, doctor, journalist, or engineer, understanding nonfiction is key to career success.

Research by Achieve the Core shows that students who spend at least 50 percent of their reading time on informational texts outperform peers in comprehension and writing tasks. Schools in Massachusetts, Florida, and Illinois that integrated nonfiction reading early saw measurable growth in standardized test performance and classroom engagement.

Beyond scores, informational reading fosters curiosity. Articles about space exploration, technology, or climate science spark critical thinking and expand general knowledge. Students who engage regularly with such texts become more articulate speakers and confident writers, able to express informed opinions on real-world topics.

The Common Struggles Students Face

Despite its importance, informational reading can intimidate learners. Many students describe it as “too dense” or “boring,” not realizing that difficulty stems from structure, not content.

The main challenges include:

• Complex syntax: Sentences in nonfiction are often longer and information-heavy.

• Specialized vocabulary: Words like photosynthesis, democracy, fiscal policy, or evidence-based require background understanding.

• Text organization: Unlike narratives, informational texts use headings, sidebars, charts, and captions that must be synthesized for full comprehension.

Parents often notice that their child who enjoys novels struggles to summarize a news article or science passage. The reason lies in purpose. Fiction engages emotions, while nonfiction trains reasoning. Once children learn to navigate text structures—cause and effect, compare and contrast, problem and solution—understanding becomes easier and more enjoyable.

The Common Core Connection

The ELA Common Core was designed to prepare students for college-level reading and career-level writing. It emphasizes close reading, textual evidence, and analytical writing. Informational texts perfectly align with these goals.

For example:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1 requires students to cite textual evidence.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.8 focuses on evaluating arguments and recognizing bias.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.7 asks students to integrate multiple sources into a cohesive understanding.

These skills shape not only academic excellence but also informed citizenship. A student who can analyze a government report or a scientific finding is better equipped to make thoughtful decisions and engage in civic discussions.

How Teachers and Parents Can Help

1. Build Reading Stamina Gradually

Start with shorter articles from sources like TIME for Kids, Scholastic News, or NASA Learning Zone. Encourage ten minutes of daily nonfiction reading. Gradual exposure builds stamina and interest.

2. Teach Text Structure Explicitly

Have children identify whether a passage follows cause and effect, chronological order, or problem-solution. Use color-coding or sticky notes to mark transition words such as because, as a result, on the other hand, and in conclusion.

3. Apply the RACE Strategy

At Wisdom Point, we guide students through RACE: Restate the question, Answer directly, Cite evidence, and Explain reasoning. This method makes complex comprehension tasks more structured and approachable.

4. Encourage Visual Summaries

Transforming paragraphs into charts, diagrams, or mind maps enhances retention. A study by the Harvard Graduate School of Education found that students who visually summarize nonfiction retain 60 percent more details than those using linear notes.

5. Discuss Real-World Relevance

When reading about energy, discuss electric car trends in California. If the text is about ocean life, relate it to coral reef conservation in Florida. Connecting reading to daily life nurtures natural curiosity.

6. Model Thinking Aloud

When parents read aloud, verbalize thoughts such as, “This word signals a comparison,” or “The author’s main argument seems to be…” Children learn analytical thinking by imitation.

7. Blend Reading with Writing

After reading an article, ask your child to write a short paragraph summarizing the author’s viewpoint. This reinforces comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking simultaneously.

Home-Based Support Strategies for Parents

Parents play a powerful role in shaping reading confidence. Create a small “knowledge corner” at home—a shelf with magazines, newspapers, or child-friendly nonfiction books.

Some effective family strategies include:

• Reading one informational article together during dinner discussions.

• Encouraging older siblings to summarize interesting news for younger ones.

• Asking open-ended questions like, “Why do you think the author included this example?” or “What’s one thing you learned that surprised you?”

Exposure outside the classroom reinforces ELA skills and builds awareness. Studies from the National Literacy Trust show that students who discuss nonfiction at home score 20 percent higher in reading comprehension than those who don’t.

Classroom Insights from Wisdom Point

Over the last decade, Wisdom Point’s ELA programs have evolved through thousands of data points across diverse learners. Our research shows that consistent practice with two nonfiction passages per week increases comprehension accuracy by 28 percent within two months.

When students engage in informational reading combined with public speaking, their vocabulary retention doubles. Explaining what they read aloud improves confidence and deepens understanding.

A Grade 7 student from New Jersey once shared, “Earlier, I used to skip long paragraphs. Now I break them into chunks, underline keywords, and explain them to my mom. It actually feels easier.” That moment captures the essence of ELA growth—confidence built through strategy, not memorization.

Beyond Reading: Informational Writing

Informational reading naturally leads to informational writing. Students learn to compose essays that explain, analyze, or compare rather than narrate. The Common Core writing standards emphasize clarity, organization, and factual support.

Encourage students to:

• Begin with a clear thesis or main idea.

• Use logical transitions between paragraphs.

• Support points with research or examples.

• Conclude with insight rather than repetition.

Writing about what they read strengthens comprehension. It’s not about retelling but about reasoning. This is where ELA meets academic maturity.

Why It Matters for College and Career

College professors frequently note that first-year students struggle with complex nonfiction readings. The Common Core shift aims to bridge that gap early.

A report by the College Board found that students proficient in informational text analysis scored 120 points higher on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section than peers who focused primarily on fiction.

Beyond testing, informational literacy prepares students for real-life success. Doctors read journals, lawyers analyze briefs, entrepreneurs interpret market reports. The ability to comprehend, infer, and communicate nonfiction defines professional excellence.

Key Takeaways

1. Informational texts form over 80 percent of academic and real-world reading after Grade 6.

2. They nurture evidence-based reasoning, logical writing, and vocabulary growth.

3. Regular nonfiction reading improves standardized test scores and classroom participation.

4. Parents and teachers can make nonfiction engaging through discussion and structure.

5. Mastering informational literacy builds global awareness and lifelong curiosity.

Informational reading is not just about comprehension; it’s about empowerment. When children can interpret facts, question ideas, and communicate knowledge, they step into a world where learning never stops.

FAQs

1. What are informational texts in the ELA Common Core framework?

Informational texts are nonfiction materials such as essays, reports, articles, and biographies that inform or explain ideas. They build reasoning, comprehension, and analytical writing skills central to the Common Core from Grade 3 through high school.

2. Why do U.S. schools emphasize nonfiction reading under Common Core?

Schools in states like California, Texas, and New York prioritize nonfiction because success in higher education and careers depends on understanding data and evidence-based writing. Informational texts strengthen vocabulary, logic, and cross-subject thinking.

3. How can parents help children strengthen comprehension of informational texts?

Encourage short daily readings from reliable sources such as National Geographic Kids or Scholastic News. Discuss key ideas, author purpose, and evidence. This develops analysis and prepares students for exams like SAT and ACT.

4. What strategies make informational reading easier for middle schoolers?

Apply the RACE strategy—Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain—to organize thoughts. Highlight transition words and create brief summaries to convert complex passages into clear, structured understanding.

5. How does mastering informational texts improve overall ELA performance?

Students who understand nonfiction excel in comprehension, writing, and standardized tests. Informational reading enhances vocabulary, critical reasoning, and communication skills, paving the path for long-term academic success and confidence.

Conclusion

Informational texts represent the language of the modern world. They shape the thinkers, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow. Every paragraph a child reads and analyzes is a step toward intellectual independence.

At Wisdom Point, we remind students and parents alike: reading nonfiction is not about memorizing facts—it’s about learning to question, connect, and communicate.

Confidence is not a gift. It is a muscle. With patience and practice, every child can learn to express with joy.

Ready to unlock your child’s speaking and writing potential? Join our expert-led 1:1 online classes today. ✨ Book your free demo session now! Call or WhatsApp +91 8240556421