---
title: "Layout and Formatting in Informational Writing"
description: "Use layout devices including headings, sub-headings, columns, bullets, and tables to structure text and guide the reader through informational and explanatory writing"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/layout-and-formatting-in-informational-writing-mt_AHAFw-atka
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/layout-and-formatting-in-informational-writing-mt_AHAFw-atka.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Layout and Formatting in Informational Writing

Use layout devices including headings, sub-headings, columns, bullets, and tables to structure text and guide the reader through informational and explanatory writing

Subject: English · Area: Writing Composition · Ages 10 to 11
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/layout-and-formatting-in-informational-writing-mt_AHAFw-atka

## Ready when they can

- Organise an informational text using headings and sub-headings to separate sections
- Present comparative information using a table with clear row and column headers
- Use columns and bullet points to display information in a scannable format

## Lesson: Guiding Your Reader with Layout

Long pieces of nonfiction writing can be hard to read if everything is squashed into one block. Headings and sub-headings break your writing into named sections, so a reader can find exactly the part they want.

**Example.** Zara writes a guide called 'Volcanoes'. Under the heading 'Types of Volcanoes,' she adds two sub-headings: 'Shield Volcanoes' and 'Composite Volcanoes.' A reader who only wants shield volcanoes can jump straight there.

Sometimes you need to compare several things at once, like the size, diet, and habitat of different animals. A table with row and column headers lines up the facts, so the reader can compare them at a glance instead of hunting through paragraphs.

*(drawing: One row for each animal, one column for each fact. A table lines everything up so you can compare at a glance.)*

**Tip.** Use bullet points for lists of items or steps, and columns for short chunks of related information. Both let a reader scan the page instead of reading every word.

**Recap.** Headings, sub-headings, tables, bullets and columns all help your reader scan and find information fast.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Writing Craft Vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/writing-craft-vocabulary-mt_82KKv0Fca3)
- [Organising Writing into Paragraphs](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/organising-writing-into-paragraphs-mt_AvJMWQbDsr)

## Opens up

- [Developed Informational and Explanatory Writing](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/developed-informational-and-explanatory-writing-mt_zCUIJLdK_s)