23.0620001 Honors 10th Grade Lit & Comp A

Unit 3 Studying Informational Text
Lesson 1 Studying Informational Text Introduction

What makes I Am Malala an informational text even though it presents as a narrative?

1 answer

"I Am Malala" is considered an informational text, even though it primarily presents as a narrative, because it provides factual information, insights, and perspectives on several important topics. Here are a few reasons why it fits this classification:

  1. Real-Life Events: The book recounts the true story of Malala Yousafzai, her life, her activism for girls' education in Pakistan, and the events leading up to and following her assassination attempt by the Taliban. This grounding in reality helps categorize it as informational.

  2. Historical and Cultural Context: The narrative weaves in substantial background information about the socio-political situation in Pakistan, the impact of the Taliban on education and women's rights, and broader global issues of education and activism. This context informs the reader while providing a deeper understanding of the subjects discussed.

  3. Educational Purpose: Malala's story serves to educate readers about the importance of education, particularly for girls in regions facing oppression. The book aims to raise awareness about these issues, ultimately promoting social change, which aligns with the goals of informational texts.

  4. Authoritative Voice: Malala shares not only her personal experiences but also insights into the struggles faced by millions of girls around the world, lending an authoritative voice to topics such as education, women's rights, and extremism, further emphasizing its role as an informational text.

  5. Integration of Facts and Figures: Throughout the narrative, there are references to statistics, studies, and historical data related to education and gender equality, which provide a factual basis that supports the personal stories being told.

In summary, while "I Am Malala" is a compelling narrative of one individual's life, it embodies the characteristics of informational text through its factual content, educational purpose, and broader societal insights.