Informational/Expository Writing Writing an Explanation

 Explanations are common in schools. Teachers explain in several different ways: defining, reviewing, demonstrating, clarifying, etc. When you explain something in writing, you too are teaching---trying to make something easier to understand. Keep this in mind when you begin writing an explanation. The suggestions that follow should help.

Example   utdoors/adventures/ html utdoors/adventures/ html

Writing an Explanation  Observe – whenever possible, observe the person, place, thing, idea, event, or process you are going to explain in your writing. Notice the steps, parts, or details which will help you explain your subject to your reader.  Investigate – Talk to “experts” and others who have an understanding of your subject. Listen to their explanation and ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Ask the what, when, where, why how and to what extent questions.  Define – Write a simple, concise definition of your subject. Check reliable books on the topic and expand your definition to include the specific characteristics which make this person, place, thing, or idea different from others like it.

Writing an Explanation  Describe – List each step, part, cause, etc. needed to understand your subject. List examples which clarify each point in your explanation. Describe the size, shape, color, sound, and smell to help your reader picture what it is you are trying to explain.  Compare – Compare your subject to others which are simpler or more familiar to your reader. Contrast: tell what your subject is “not” like.

Writing an Explanation  Analyze – Break down your subject into its parts or steps. How do the parts work together to form a whole? What is the history or future or present condition of your subject?  Evaluate – Why is your subject important or worth knowing about? How might it help your reader?

Writing an Explanation  Helpful Hints - Explanations must be clear. Test what you have written by reading it our loud---and by reading it to someone else if at all possible. Revise as needed. Maybe you need more examples, illustrations, or comparisons. Maybe you have to explain each point (step) more carefully.

Modeling Writing an Explanation Topics for Informational Writing  Describe how you would make a sandwich.  Describe how a family would pack to get ready for a trip.  Describe how to brush your teeth.  Describe how you get ready for school.  Explain what you do when you go to the cafeteria.  Explain how a telephone is used.  Describe what you do to sharpen a pencil.  Describe how you would wrap a present for a friend.

Prompt: Describe how you would make a sandwich.  Brainstorm – think about your favorite sandwich. Write the name of that sandwich in the center of the circle map. In the outside circle think of how it is made and why it is your favorite sandwich.

Sequence for Writing  You need to select your steps for making a sandwich.  Write your steps in order of importance on your flow map.  Now you need an opening paragraph to tell why this is worth know about.

Add Explanations and Examples  Under each box on the Flow Map you need to explain what you mean and give an example of what you mean.

Add Transition Words of Logic  Decide on good words and phrases that could be used to move your reader from one example (step) to the next. Write these words or phrases on top of the boxes of the Flow map.

Closing Paragraph  Your closing paragraph should be at least two sentences. It should tell your choice and restate your reasons for the choice.

Orally Rehearse  Get together with two or three other students and tell what you are going to write using your Flow Map.

Draft  Write your explanation “How To” draft using your Flow Map.

Revise/Edit Revise and edit your “How To” piece. Your writing should:  Target a specific audience and purpose.  Organize clear ideas into a meaningful sequence.  Be written in appropriate format.  Be edited for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization.

Publish  Remember that published is “perfect”.  Rewrite your final copy in your best handwriting.  Pay attention to conventions.

Prompt: Explain what you do when you go to the cafeteria.  Brainstorm – think about the steps for going to the cafeteria. Write the “cafeteria steps” in the center of the circle map. In the outside circle think what you do when you go to the cafeteria and after you arrive.

Sequence for Writing  You need to select your steps for going to the cafeteria.  Write your steps in order of importance on your flow map.  Now you need an opening paragraph to tell why this is worth know about.

Add Explanations and Examples  Under each box on the Flow Map you need to explain what you mean and give an example of what you mean.

Add Transition Words of Logic  Decide on good words and phrases that could be used to move your reader from one example (step) to the next. Write these words or phrases on top of the boxes of the Flow map.

Closing Paragraph  Your closing paragraph should be at least two sentences. It should tell your choice and restate your reasons for the choice.

Orally Rehearse  Get together with two or three other students and tell what you are going to write using your Flow Map.

Draft  Write your explanation “How To” draft using your Flow Map.

Revise/Edit Revise and edit your “How To” piece. Your writing should:  Target a specific audience and purpose.  Organize clear ideas into a meaningful sequence.  Be written in appropriate format.  Be edited for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization.

Publish  Remember that published is “perfect”.  Rewrite your final copy in your best handwriting.  Pay attention to conventions.