What are "text features" and why are they important?

Text features encompass a range of elements within written materials that aid in enhancing understanding and navigation through the text. These elements include headings, subheadings, bullet points, captions, and other formatting styles that draw the reader’s attention to key points and organize information effectively.

Understanding text features is crucial because they serve as signposts that guide readers through the content, helping them to locate specific information quickly and comprehend the main ideas within a text. For example, headings and subheadings break down complex material into manageable sections, while bullet points simplify lists of information, making them easier to absorb and refer back to.

The other options misrepresent the nature and importance of text features. For instance, saying text features only include images neglects the comprehensive role of other elements in enhancing text readability and organization. Claiming they are never important dismisses their critical function in facilitating understanding. Finally, suggesting text features are only relevant in fiction overlooks the value they bring in nonfiction and informational texts, where organization and clarity are paramount.