Use Captions and Headings
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What you will learn
- 1Identify headings and captions in informational text
- 2Explain what each heading or caption tells the reader
- 3Match a heading or caption to the section or image it describes
Mini Lesson
When you read a non-fiction book, a news article, or a science page, you will notice two helpful tools: headings and captions. Both give you important clues about what the text or image is about before you read every word.
What is a Heading?
- A heading is a title at the top of a section of text.
- It is usually written in larger or bold print.
- It tells you the main topic of that section.
- Skimming the headings gives you a quick overview of the whole article.
What is a Caption?
- A caption is a short sentence or phrase written below or beside a photograph, map, or diagram.
- It explains what the image shows.
- Captions add extra information that is not always in the main text.
- Always read captions — they often contain important facts.
How to Use Headings and Captions
- Before reading, scan all headings to understand the structure of the text.
- Read each heading and predict what that section will be about.
- After reading a section, check that the heading matches the content.
- Read every caption next to an image — it adds detail the body text may not include.
Words to know
Caption
A short line of words below a picture that explains what it shows
e.g. The caption tells me the dog is named Max.
Heading
A title above a section of text that names what the section is about
e.g. The heading "Where Pandas Live" tells me what to read.
Subheading
A smaller title that names a part of a section
e.g. A subheading sits below the main heading.
Text feature
A part of a page that helps you read, like a heading or photo
e.g. A bold word is a text feature.
Diagram
A labeled picture that shows how something works
e.g. The diagram shows the parts of a flower.
Headings answer "What is this section about?" and captions answer "What does this picture show?" Both help you read faster and understand more.
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