Explanatory/Informative Writing

Standard and EQ: ELAGSE7W2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. EQ: How can I write an effective informative/explanatory text that clearly conveys ideas, concepts, and information?

What is explanatory or informative writing? It … gives facts. explains. gives steps in a process. presents ideas in a logical order or sequence.

Explanatory Writing Since expository essays are factual, they are written without emotion and usually written in the third person point of view. That means that the use of the pronoun "I" is NOT usually found within the essay.

What key words show it’s an explanatory prompt? Write an essay about Write a report about Explain what (how, why) Write an informative piece Write an expository text Compose a piece discussing Provide the reader with information about Draft a piece explaining

Explain and tell how are key words. Examples Most people like some type of music. Think about your favorite type of music and explain why you like that particular type of music. Tell how to make a grilled cheese sandwich. Explain how two characters in a story are similar and different. Explain and tell how are key words.

Narrative vs. Explanatory Provides information Explanations/ directions Author’s purpose: to inform or explain Has a central idea (thesis) Organized by: compare/contrast, cause & effect, chronological order, problem & solution, or question/answer Key words- Explain, tell how Ex. Internet, biography, dictionary, encyclopedia Tells a story Has action Author’s purpose: to entertain Has conflict & dialogue Has characters & theme Has a definite beginning, middle, and end Key words- Tell about a time, tell what happened next, and write a story Ex. Folktale, fable, myths, suspense-filled stories

Which type of prompt is each? Narrative or Explanatory? Create a story set in the future with aliens as characters. _______________ There are many positive and challenging things about the sixth grade. Explain what these things are. ________________ How did you know?

Explanatory Essay Needs: Introduction paragraph (HOOK & THESIS) Body paragraphs (SUPPORTING IDEAS & DETAILS) Concluding paragraph (RESTATE SUPPORTING IDEAS) REMEMBER: TRANSITION WORDS

Explanatory essays also have a distinct format. The main idea (thesis statement) must be narrow enough to be supported within the essay. Each supporting paragraph must have a main supporting idea and all other sentences must relate directly to it. Transition words or phrases are important as they help the flow and reinforce the logic.

Expository essays also have a distinct format. Finally, the conclusion paragraph should originally restate the main idea (thesis) and the main supporting ideas. Finish with a statement that reinforces your position in a meaningful and memorable way. Never introduce new material in the conclusion.

Introduction (Opening paragraph) Grabs the reader’s attention with a HOOK!

Boring Introductions I hope you enjoy… Hi, my name is… You are going to learn about… This essay/letter is about… I am going to tell you about… There are three reasons…

Effective Introductions an anecdote or scenario – a short narrative or hypothetical situation illustrating the idea/argument a quotation or dialogue – the exact words of a person or character relevant to the idea/argument a brief history or overview – background information needed to understand a situation 5 W’s of situation or issue – the who, what, where, when, and why of a situation or issue an interesting fact – a piece of information that stimulates reader interest

Effective Introductions a description – specific details that help a reader create mental images a question – asking the reader a question to stimulate thinking and involve them in an idea/argument taking a stand – revealing the writer’s point of view or position a contrasting situation – presenting opposing sides or opinions of a situation

Example of a Hook There’s an old saying, “Dog is man’s best friend.” On my eighth birthday my grandmother gave me the gift of a best friend, my first puppy, Mac. It was the most outstanding gift I ever received.

Thesis Statement States the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, NOT in a question Usually at the end of an introduction States an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself. Often lists subtopics Main statement for the entire essay Expresses a complete thought in a complete sentence Asserts an opinion or idea Should NOT be a question.

Main Idea in a Complete Sentence Key Features Main Idea in a Complete Sentence The sport of cross-country running. This is not a complete sentence. The sport of cross-country running has allowed me to get in better shape and meet some interesting people. Thesis Statement This is a question, not a statement. Why do I want to be a teacher? Being a teacher is a great profession, because it allows me to work with students and be creative. Thesis Statement

Subtopics provide a roadmap for the essay. Key Features Subtopics Include subtopics or supporting ideas Provides the reader with a clear idea of what will follow in your essay Subtopics provide a roadmap for the essay.

Key Features Subtopics The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the state. No subtopics are named in this thesis statement. The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the ability of the state to provide housing, electricity, and jobs for all residents. Housing, electricity and jobs This statement names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics?

Inner-city public schools grapple with some serious problems. Subtopics Another Example Inner-city public schools grapple with some serious problems. No subtopics are named in this thesis statement. Some of the most serious problems in today’s inner-city public schools are the overcrowded classrooms, the low percentage of trained teachers, and the lack of resources such as textbooks for students. Overcrowded classrooms, low percentage of trained teachers, lack of resources This statement names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics?

NOW: Let’s practice. Identify the hook, thesis , and subtopics. 1.When you think of wars, which one was the worst? 2.Many people would describe the American Civil War as the most bitter war in US history. 3.The Civil War was the result of many factors such as the different economies of the North and South, dispute over states rights, and slavery.

How do I write a comparison and contrast essay? Let’s think about it in relation to comparing and contrasting a book and a movie…

Compare and Contrast Essay Organize your essay using one of the following methods: Point by Point Method Block Method or Whole-to-Whole Similarities and Differences

Let’s think about it in relation to comparing and contrasting a book and a movie…

Point by Point Method In this structure, you explain one point of comparison before moving to the next point. For instance, you would write about the characters in the book and movie in one section; then you would write about the setting in the book and movie in the next section.

Point by Point Method Introduction Point #1 (Characters in book and movie) Point #2 (Setting in book and movie) Conclusion

Block Method or Whole-to-Whole In this structure, you say everything about one item then everything about the other. For instance, say everything about the characters, setting, and plot for the book then everything about the characters, setting, and plot for the movie. Whole-to-Whole comparison and contrast uses a separate section or paragraph for each item you're discussing.

Block Method or Whole-to Whole Introduction Book (Characters, Setting) Movie (Characters, Setting) Conclusion

Similarities-to-Differences Strategy In this structure, you explain all the similarities about the items being compared and then you explain all the differences. For instance, you might explain that the characters and plot were similar in both the book and movie in the one section. In the next section, you could explain that the settings were different. The book took place during the summer while the movie took place during the winter.

Similarities-to-Differences Strategy Introduction Similarities Differences Conclusion

Transitional Words and Phrases to Compare/Contrast also and another in the same way likewise moreover similarly too although but even though however on the other hand unlike yet