EXPLANATORY WRITING

An explanatory essay uses facts, examples, and other information to explain a subject or topic. The purpose of an explanatory essay is to help readers better understand a topic.

An explanatory essay should follow a logical sequence and have three different main points

How is an explanatory essay different? How is an expository essay different from other essays? Expository essays do NOT tell a story (narrative) Expository essays do not persuade the reader, (persuasive/argumentative) they only give facts and reasons Expository essays are not book reports, or summaries.

Explanatory Essay Elements A successful explanatory essay contains these elements: 1. An introduction that contains a clear central idea, or thesis (tells what you are going to write about)

2. A logical organization that helps readers follow the explanation

3. Concrete details, quotations, and examples that support the explanation

4. Transitions that connect ideas and show the relationships among them

5. Precise language and vocabulary to explain a topic

6. A formal style (a five paragraph essay)

7. A concluding statement that completes the explanation given in the essay

An explanatory essay contains five paragraphs: Paragraph #1: Introduction with a hook (include the three ideas you will explore in the body paragraphs) Paragraphs 2,3,4: Body paragraphs (use quotations and text evidence for support) Paragraph 5: Concluding paragraph

Re-Cap: Explanatory Writing One topic Reasons supporting the topic Details supporting the reasons A conclusion re-stating the reasons Transition words Clear, concise, logical and informative language

TOPIC What qualities do Goodall and Turner believe people and animals share? see p. 128