← Informational Texts – Praxis Core Exam Prep

Praxis Core Teaching Exam Study Guide

Key concepts, definitions, and exam tips organized by topic.

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Informational Texts – Praxis Core Exam Prep

A Comprehensive Study Guide


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Overview


Informational texts are non-fiction passages designed to convey facts, explain concepts, or persuade readers. On the Praxis Core exam, you will be tested on your ability to analyze structure, purpose, central ideas, evidence, and visual features of these texts. Mastering these skills requires recognizing how authors organize information, construct arguments, and support their claims with credible evidence.


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1. Text Structure


Overview

Text structure refers to the deliberate organizational framework an author uses to present information in a logical, purposeful way. Recognizing structure helps readers predict content, locate information, and understand relationships between ideas.


The Six Major Text Structures


| Structure | Definition | Signal Words |

|---|---|---|

| Chronological/Sequential | Events presented in time order | first, then, next, finally, after |

| Cause and Effect | Explains why events happen and their outcomes | therefore, as a result, consequently, because |

| Problem and Solution | Identifies a problem and proposes responses | the problem is, one solution, as a result |

| Compare and Contrast | Examines similarities and differences | however, similarly, on the other hand, both |

| Description | Details characteristics of a subject | for example, consists of, features |

| Procedural/How-To | Step-by-step instructions in fixed order | step 1, first, then, following this |


Key Distinctions to Know

  • • Chronological vs. Procedural: Both use sequence, but chronological describes what happened, while procedural describes what to do
  • • Cause-Effect vs. Problem-Solution: Cause-effect explains relationships; problem-solution proposes action
  • • Compare-Contrast vs. Description: Compare-contrast requires two or more subjects; description can focus on one

    • Key Terms

  • • Organizational pattern – the deliberate framework an author uses to arrange information
  • • Signal words – transitional words that indicate the type of structure being used
  • • Sequential order – information presented step-by-step or in time order

    • ⚠️ Watch Out For

    > A single text can use more than one structure. A passage may be primarily cause-and-effect but contain a compare-and-contrast section. Always identify the dominant structure, not just any structure present.


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    2. Author's Purpose & Point of View


    Overview

    Understanding why an author wrote a text and how they feel about the subject are two of the most critical analytical skills tested on the Praxis Core.


    The PIE Framework


    ```

    P – Persuade: The author wants to change the reader's mind or call them to action

    I – Inform: The author wants to explain, describe, or educate with facts

    E – Entertain: The author wants to engage through storytelling, humor, or narrative

    ```


    > Tip: Most informational texts primarily inform or persuade. If statistics, definitions, and neutral facts dominate → Inform. If the text argues a position or uses emotional language → Persuade.


    Purpose vs. Point of View


    | Concept | Definition | Example |

    |---|---|---|

    | Author's Purpose | The overall goal of the text | To inform readers about climate science |

    | Author's Point of View | The author's stance or perspective | Climate change is an urgent crisis requiring action |

    | Tone | The attitude conveyed through word choice | Alarmed, urgent, objective, critical |

    | Bias | One-sided presentation favoring a viewpoint | Only citing data that supports one conclusion |


    Evaluating Author Credibility

    When assessing reliability, consider:

  • • Credentials – Is the author an expert in the field?
  • • Affiliations – Does the author work for an organization with a financial or political stake?
  • • Evidence quality – Are sources cited, and are they reputable?
  • • Tone balance – Does the author acknowledge opposing views?

    • Key Terms

  • • PIE – Persuade, Inform, Entertain (three primary purposes)
  • • Bias – a one-sided perspective that ignores or minimizes opposing evidence
  • • Tone – the author's attitude conveyed through word choice and style
  • • Credibility – the trustworthiness and expertise of an author or source

    • ⚠️ Watch Out For

    > Tone ≠ Purpose. A text can have a formal tone while its purpose is to persuade. Don't confuse how the author sounds with what the author is trying to accomplish.


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    3. Central Idea & Supporting Details


    Overview

    The central idea is the backbone of any informational text. Every other element — supporting details, examples, data — exists to develop or prove this central point.


    Central Idea Hierarchy


    ```

    TOPIC

    └── Central Idea (the specific point about the topic)

    ├── Supporting Detail (evidence/example)

    ├── Supporting Detail (fact/statistic)

    └── Supporting Detail (explanation/elaboration)

    ```


    Topic vs. Central Idea


    | | Topic | Central Idea |

    |---|---|---|

    | Definition | The general subject of the text | The specific, arguable point about the subject |

    | Example | "Climate change" | "Human activity is the primary driver of accelerating climate change" |

    | Stated as | A word or phrase | A complete sentence or arguable statement |


    Finding the Implied Central Idea

    When the central idea is not explicitly stated:

    1. Read all the supporting details carefully

    2. Ask: What do all these details have in common?

    3. Ask: What is the author trying to prove or explain?

    4. Synthesize the details into one overarching statement


    Writing an Effective Summary

    A strong summary must:

  • • ✅ Restate the central idea
  • • ✅ Include key supporting details
  • • ✅ Use your own words
  • • ❌ Exclude personal opinions
  • • ❌ Exclude minor or irrelevant details

    • Key Terms

  • • Central idea – the most important point the author conveys about the topic
  • • Supporting detail – evidence, examples, or facts that develop the central idea
  • • Synthesis – combining information from multiple parts of a text to form a unified understanding
  • • Summary – a brief, objective restatement of central idea and key details

    • ⚠️ Watch Out For

    > The first sentence is not always the central idea. The central idea may appear in the middle or end of a passage, or it may be implied entirely. Always read the whole passage before identifying it.


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    4. Evidence & Argument Evaluation


    Overview

    Effective informational texts build arguments using credible, relevant, and sufficient evidence. On the Praxis Core, you must evaluate not just what an author claims, but how well they support those claims.


    Fact vs. Opinion


    | | Fact | Opinion |

    |---|---|---|

    | Definition | Verifiable through evidence or observation | A personal belief, judgment, or interpretation |

    | Can it be proven? | Yes | No |

    | Example | "The Earth's average temperature has risen 1.1°C since 1850" | "Climate change is the most important issue of our time" |

    | Signal words | Data, statistics, documented events | Should, best, worst, believe, feel |


    Types of Evidence (Strongest to Weakest)


    ```

    1. Peer-reviewed research / Scientific data [STRONGEST]

    2. Expert testimony from credentialed sources

    3. Statistical data from reputable organizations

    4. Historical records and documented events

    5. Personal anecdotes / single case studies [WEAKEST]

    ```


    Evaluating Evidence Quality

    Ask these questions:

  • • Relevant? Does it directly support the specific claim?
  • • Sufficient? Is there enough evidence to be convincing?
  • • Credible? Is the source trustworthy and expert?
  • • Representative? Does one example fairly represent all cases?

    • Common Logical Fallacies


    | Fallacy | Definition | Example |

    |---|---|---|

    | Ad Hominem | Attacking the person, not the argument | "You can't trust her opinion on taxes—she's not an economist." |

    | False Dichotomy | Presenting only two options when more exist | "You're either with us or against us." |

    | Hasty Generalization | Drawing broad conclusions from too little evidence | "My neighbor's electric car broke down, so EVs are unreliable." |

    | Slippery Slope | Claiming one event will inevitably cause extreme outcomes | "If we allow this, everything will fall apart." |

    | Bandwagon | Arguing something is true because many people believe it | "Everyone is investing in this—you should too!" |


    Role of Counterarguments

    A counterargument is an opposing viewpoint that the author:

    1. Acknowledges – shows awareness of other perspectives

    2. Refutes – provides evidence or reasoning to disprove it

    3. Strengthens the overall argument by demonstrating credibility and balance


    Key Terms

  • • Fact – verifiable through evidence or observation
  • • Opinion – a personal belief that cannot be objectively proven
  • • Logical fallacy – a flawed reasoning pattern that weakens an argument
  • • Anecdote – a brief personal story used as illustration; considered weak evidence
  • • Counterargument – an opposing viewpoint acknowledged and refuted by the author
  • • Sufficient evidence – enough relevant, credible evidence to support a claim

    • ⚠️ Watch Out For

    > Anecdotes are not strong evidence. A compelling personal story may illustrate a point, but it cannot prove it. Watch for exam questions that ask you to identify the weakest form of support — it's almost always the anecdote.


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    5. Graphic & Visual Features


    Overview

    Informational texts use visual and navigational features to organize content, present data efficiently, and help readers locate information. The Praxis Core tests your ability to interpret and analyze these features accurately.


    Navigational Text Features


    | Feature | Location | Purpose |

    |---|---|---|

    | Table of Contents | Front of text | Lists major sections in order; provides overview of structure |

    | Index | Back of text | Alphabetical list of specific topics with page numbers |

    | Headings/Subheadings | Throughout text | Signal topic shifts; organize sections; aid navigation |

    | Captions | Below images | Explain or contextualize photographs, diagrams, or illustrations |

    | Glossary | Back of text | Defines key terms used in the text |


    Data Visualization Types


    | Visual | Best Used For | Key Feature |

    |---|---|---|

    | Bar Graph | Comparing quantities across distinct categories | Rectangular bars of varying height/length |

    | Line Graph | Showing trends or changes over time | Connected data points on a continuous axis |

    | Pie Chart | Showing proportional parts of a whole | Circular sections totaling 100% |

    | Data Table | Organizing multiple variables for precise comparison | Rows and columns with headers |


    How to Read a Data Table

    Follow this sequence:

    1. Read the title – What is being measured?

    2. Examine row/column headers – What variables are being tracked?

    3. Note units of measurement – percentages, dollars, years?

    4. Analyze the data values – Look for patterns, outliers, trends

    5. Connect to the text – How does this data support the author's claims?


    Key Terms

  • • Heading/Subheading – organizational labels that divide a text into sections
  • • Caption – brief text beneath an image that explains or contextualizes it
  • • Bar graph – compares quantities across distinct, separate categories
  • • Line graph – shows trends or changes over a continuous time period
  • • Pie chart – represents proportional parts of a whole (totals 100%)
  • • Table of contents – front-of-text overview of sections in order
  • • Index – back-of-text alphabetical listing of specific topics with page numbers

    • ⚠️ Watch Out For

    > Bar graphs ≠ Line graphs. Bar graphs compare categories (apples vs. oranges); line graphs show change over time (sales from 2010–2020). Choosing the wrong graph type on an exam question means misunderstanding how the data is presented.


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    Quick Review Checklist


    Use this checklist before your exam to confirm mastery of all key concepts:


    Text Structure

  • • [ ] I can name and define all 6 major text structures
  • • [ ] I can identify signal words for each structure
  • • [ ] I understand that one text can contain multiple structures
  • • [ ] I can distinguish between chronological and procedural structures

    • Author's Purpose & Point of View

  • • [ ] I know the PIE framework (Persuade, Inform, Entertain)
  • • [ ] I can distinguish between purpose, point of view, and tone
  • • [ ] I can identify bias in an informational text
  • • [ ] I can evaluate an author's credibility based on credentials and affiliations

    • Central Idea & Supporting Details

  • • [ ] I can distinguish between a topic and a central idea
  • • [ ] I can identify an implied central idea by synthesizing details
  • • [ ] I understand how supporting details relate to the central idea
  • • [ ] I know what to include (and exclude) in a strong summary

    • Evidence & Argument Evaluation

  • • [ ] I can distinguish facts from opinions using signal words and verifiability
  • • [ ] I can rank evidence types from strongest to weakest
  • • [ ] I can identify at least 5 common logical fallacies
  • • [ ] I understand how a counterargument strengthens an argument
  • • [ ] I can evaluate evidence for relevance, sufficiency, and credibility

    • Graphic & Visual Features

  • • [ ] I can distinguish a table of contents from an index
  • • [ ] I know when a bar graph vs. line graph is appropriate
  • • [ ] I know how to read a data table (title → headers → data → connections)
  • • [ ] I understand the purpose of pie charts and captions

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    Study Tip: When practicing with passages, always ask yourself these three questions: What is the author saying? (central idea) Why are they saying it? (purpose/point of view) How are they proving it? (evidence and structure)

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