Choose the right part of a text

1 · Learn

Imagine a book's contents: 1. River sources, page 4; 2. Life by the river, page 12; 3. Protecting rivers, page 20. An index might list 'otters, 14' among alphabetically arranged topics.

A contents page helps locate a section. An index helps locate a specific topic. Headings and captions then organise information within a page. Read enough context to avoid copying a fact with the wrong meaning.

2 · Worked example

To find a specific mention of otters, I start with the index entry on page 14 rather than guessing from a picture on the cover.

3 · Your turn

Which section would you first try for information about reducing river pollution? Which page starts it?

4 · Apply your learning

Design a contents page and small index for a three-section information booklet using original text. Test whether a partner can locate a topic.