Lesson 23: Text and Graphic Features with the Informational Text "Vaqueros: America’s First Cowboys"

The Target Skill in this lesson is Text and Graphic Features

Concept Question: How do the text and graphic features give you important information that would be difficult or impossible to communicate only using writing?

From Journeys:
Text and Graphic Features  In “Vaqueros: America’s First Cowboys,” you will see headings, captions, and other text features the author uses to organize information. You will also see graphic features, such as maps and photographs, that highlight and show relationships between important ideas. Use a graphic organizer like the one below to record information about the text and graphic features in the selection.

Informational texts such as “Vaqueros: America’s First Cowboys” often include text and graphic features. Text features, such as titles and headings, help to organize a text. They also make it easier for readers to find important information. Graphic features include photographs and illustrations, such as maps or charts. These features support or explain complex ideas in the text. Briefly looking over the text and graphic features before you begin to read can help you understand what a selection will be about.

Look back at page 698. The italicized text at the top of the page makes a connection between Christopher Columbus and the cowboys. This note helps readers to see how the events and ideas in the first sections of the text are related to those that follow.

Genre:
Informational text gives facts and details about a topic. As you read, look for:
      -text features, such as headings, that organize information and help explain the topic
      -photographs and captions
      -domain-specific words that help you better understand the topic

Nonfiction Text Features

Spelling List 20 – Unit 5 Lesson 23

Word	Verb Root	Part of Speech	Definition
dominated	dominate	v.	To have full power over someone or something  To be the most important factor in something
extending	extend	v.	To make longer
sprawling	sprawl	v.	To spread out over a large area
hostile		adj.	Showing opposition, danger, or dislike towards another; unfriendly
acknowledged	acknowledge	v.	To recognize the existence of something or the truth of something
flourished	flourish	v.	To grow in strength and population due to a healthy, nourishing environment
residents		n.	Those who live somewhere, usually for a long time
prospered	prosper	v.	To do very well with money or in gaining things
acquainted	acquaint	v.	To know someone slightly or not too well
decline		n.	A loss in strength, number, or value