One noticeable difference between reading a fiction and non-fiction text is the fact that you can 'preview' the non-fiction text as opposed to the fiction. Furthermore, non-fiction text has some unique features that illuminate key points.

'Previewing' literally means to 'read before'. Non-fiction text has certain features that allow you to gain understanding and improve your comprehension before and while you read.

The following are some non-fiction text features that will give you some understanding before reading:
 

· Chapter Title - The title of the chapter lets you know what to expect from the rest of the text. The title suggests the topic that you are going to read about.

· Chapter Subheadings - The subheadings break down the chapter into more detailed sections. You can determine the content of the paragraphs or pages that fall under the subheadings.

· Size of Chapter - Quite often, the size of the chapter, relative to the size of other chapters, will give you a good indication as to the importance of the chapter. A longer chapter will usually have more information, which usually means that the author is trying to emphasize important ideas.

· Font - You will find that some key ideas are in bold, italics, or underlined. This is obviously the author's way of trying to indicate importance.

· Tables and Charts - Tables, charts, illustrations and pictures are usually placed in non-fiction text in order to emphasize and clarify main ideas. They are there for a reason!

· Sidebars and Quotations - Much like tables and charts, sidebars and quotations are placed in non-fiction text to emphasize key ideas and facts.

· Conclusions - Sometimes conclusions are the last paragraph in the chapter. They can also be shown as a chapter summary.

By being aware of non-fiction text features, you will have a better understanding of non-fiction text in order improve your reading comprehension.