LANGUAGE ARTS MRS. SELLARS Explanatory Writing

What is explanatory writing? Explanatory writing is writing that informs or explains. Explanatory writing may be based on the writer’s personal knowledge and experience or on information presented to the writer. Explanatory writing is used to share knowledge and convey ideas.

Details about explanatory writing prompts An explanatory writing task will provide an essay task based on a quotation or adage, or based on a topic accessible to all students. Each is a springboard for the student to write an essay that informs the reader. You will have 30 minutes to respond. Your essay will be four paragraphs.

Responding to a Quotation Step #1 Carefully read the prompt and underline the writing task (normally 1-2 sentences). It is VERY important that you answer the questions that are asked. Create a t-chart that breaks down the meaning of the quote and personal or worldly examples that connect to the meaning. Try to come up with at least 3-4 examples. Take about 4 minutes for labeling and brainstorming. MeaningExamples

Example As part of a language arts class assignment, you have been asked to consider how the following quotation is related to you. “If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.”- Anonymous Write an essay explaining what this quote means t0 you. Use details and examples in your essay.

Brainstorming-Example 1. Meaning: Need tough times to become stronger. Example: School: science class was really difficult-worked really hard, went for extra help, and earned a B+, which put me on the honor roll. 2. Meaning: Hard work is necessary for success. Example: Sports: Prepared for basketball season by shooting 100 shots a day before the season started. I also made sure I ran and conditioned myself. As a result, I earned the starting spot. 3. Meaning: Don’t take the easy way out-not bettering yourself. Examples: World: Professional athletes work incredibly hard. Many come from nothing and make it to the pros. -Singer Jennifer Hudson, hard life and worked hard to make it on American Idol.

Introduction Your introduction should be approximately 3-4 sentences long. Try beginning your response by using one of the following techniques:  This quote means or restating the quote itself  Asking a question  One word fragment State what you believe the quote means in 2-3 sentences. End your paragraph with your thesis statement---make sure it is very general. Save the specifics for your body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs Should be 5-6 sentences each You should have at least two body paragraphs. Try using one personal example and one worldly example. Begin with a transition indicates you are giving an example. (for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate). Write a very general topic sentence to introduce your first example: For instance, this quote can relate to an experience that I had in school this year. Share a specific example that relates to the quote. End with a closing sentence that shares a lesson learned.

Conclusion Should be approximately 4-5 sentences. Use a transition to indicate summarization: in summary, ultimately, in short, in brief Restate the quote and the meaning. State the lesson learned personally and universally.