Help a reader find information quickly

1 · Learn

An information page needs a clear route through its facts. A heading tells the main subject, and subheadings group related details. A table arranges comparable information in labelled columns and rows. Bullet points suit a short list whose items have equal importance. Choose a layout because it helps the reader, not simply to decorate the page.

Look at the invented reading-day notice below. The heading identifies the event. The When and where section supplies the shared details. The activity table lets you match a time with a place, while the What to bring bullets avoid hiding supplies inside a long paragraph. Keep wording and punctuation consistent; a table should have meaningful column headings, not just coloured boxes.

2 · Worked example

To find the poem workshop, I read its row across: 10:30, Room B. I do not take 11:00 from the row below. The table is useful because each activity has the same kinds of details. For a story about someone's feelings, ordinary paragraphs could be more suitable than a table.

3 · Your turn

Use the notice to find the 11:00 activity and its room. Name two things to bring. Explain how a table heading and a subheading do different jobs.

4 · Apply your learning

Create a notice for an invented class event. Supply a heading, two subheadings, a three-row table with labelled columns and a short bullet list. Ask a partner to find one exact fact, then revise any wording or layout that makes it hard to locate.