Final answer:
Understanding that a text is meant to inform signifies comprehension of the author's purpose, which is to present facts and knowledge objectively without expressing personal opinions or emotions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you determine a text is meant to inform, you understand the author's purpose behind the text. The focus on informational content generally means the author is presenting facts, drawing conclusions from these facts, and seeking to educate the reader about a particular subject or topic. The intent is not to express personal feelings or opinions, but to convey knowledge and understanding in an objective manner.
An informational text should demonstrate an awareness of its rhetorical situation, which includes the author, message, and audience. In such texts, the tone is usually objective, and the word choice or diction is selected to clearly and effectively communicate the necessary information. Critical elements of the text, such as repeated statements that summarize key ideas or arguments, are important to grasp for a better understanding of the author's intended message.
To properly evaluate the effectiveness of an informational text, readers should analyze whether the author presents reliable facts to back their conclusions and assess if the author is qualified to discuss the subject matter. Questions to consider might include the objectivity of the tone, the comprehensiveness of the information presented, and the presence of any necessary or missing perspectives.