Writing Informative/Explanatory Texts
Text Version

Narrator: What is informative or explanatory writing? It is writing to convey a topic to readers using factual information accurately and clearly.

(Visual description: the title “What is informative or explanatory writing?” appears at the top of the screen. Then, the explanation “It is writing to convey a topic to readers using factual information accurately and clearly” appears below the title.)

Narrator: Some of the strategies writers use when they write to inform or explain include the following examples: explaining an idea or event; placing events in order to show cause-and- effect relationships; comparing and contrasting different events or ideas; presenting a problem and offering a solution(s); defining or describing an idea, situation or event.

(Visual description: the title “Strategies writers use when they write to inform or explain” appears at the top of screen, underlined. Then the following bulleted list appears, starting with “explaining an idea or event,” followed by “placing events in order to show cause-and- effect relationships,” “comparing and contrasting different events or ideas,” “presenting a problem and offering a solution,” and ending with “defining or describing an idea, situation or event.”)

Narrator: The steps you take when writing for this purpose are: (1) Ask questions by putting together a list of questions that focus on the topic you are going to use in your writing. (2) Conduct research and gather information about the topic by examining print, digital or other media resources to look for answers to your key questions. (3) Select information such as facts, details, examples and/or quotations that support your writing. Make sure your sources are credible and free of bias. (4) Organize information – the facts, details, examples and/or quotations – in a logical order so that readers can best understand the information presented. One way to organize the information you have gathered is by using a graphic organizer. (5) The final step is to write your essay.

(Visual description: the title “Steps for writing informative texts” appears at the top of the screen, underlined. Then, the following numbered list appears: 1. Ask Questions; 2. Conduct Research; 3. Select Information; 4. Organize Information; and 5. Write Essay.)

Narrator: Be sure to include the characteristics of a well-written essay: an introductory paragraph that clearly states the central idea; a logical organization and presentation of ideas and paragraphs; domain-specific vocabulary associated with the field of study; facts, definitions, details and quotations that support the information; transition words that connect paragraphs and information; a formal writing style; a concluding paragraph that restates the main points. Following these guidelines will help you write interesting and purposeful informative and explanatory texts.

(Visual description: the title “Characteristics of a well-written essay” appears at the top of the screen, underlined. Then, the following list appears, starting with “Introductory paragraph,” followed by “Logical organization,” “Domain-specific vocabulary,” “Support the information,” “Transition words,” “Formal writing style,” and ending with “Concluding paragraph.”)