1. Informative/Explanatory Writing
What is Informative/Explanatory Writing?
Informative/Explanatory writing is nonfiction writing about a topic.
Informative/Explanatory writing gives facts and information, explains how to do something, or tells readers about real people and events.

2. You can find informative/explanatory writing in many different places:
textbooks
newspapers
encyclopedias
magazines
websites

3. Informative/Explanatory Writing Traits
A topic that is clear and focused
Facts, definitions, and details that develop the topic
A strong introduction, body, and conclusion
Well-organized paragraphs that contain transition words to connect
ideas

4. Informative/Explanatory Writing Traits
A voice that is appropriate for the purpose and audience
Language that is specific and appropriate for the audience

5. Informative/Explanatory Writing Traits
Sentences that vary in length and structure to make the writing clear and easy to read
No or few errors in grammar, usage, mechanics, and spelling

6. Informative/Explanatory Writing
How informative/explanatory writing is organized depends on its purpose.
Compare-and-Contrast describes the similarities and differences between things.
Cause-and-Effect describes a cause and the result, or effect, of that cause.
Problem-and-Solution describes a problem and offers one or more solutions.

7. Informative/Explanatory Writing
How informative/explanatory writing is organized depends on its purpose.
How-To tells readers how something happens or explains a step-by-step process.
Summary describes the main points of a piece of writing.
Explanatory gives the meaning of a topic.
Research Report organizes information about a topic.

8. Informative/Explanatory Writing Example
A volcano is an opening in Earth’s crust through which lava, gases, and rocks are ejected. Volcanoes form when magma, or melted rock deep underground, collects and rises under pressure. Eventually, the magma erupts through fissures in the rock.
Topic

9. Informative/Explanatory Writing Example
A volcano is an opening in Earth’s crust through which lava, gases, and rocks are ejected. Volcanoes form when magma, or melted rock deep underground, collects and rises under pressure. Eventually, the magma erupts through fissures in the rock.
Definitions

10. Informative/Explanatory Writing Example
A volcano is an opening in Earth’s crust through which lava, gases, and rocks are ejected. Volcanoes form when magma, or melted rock deep underground, collects and rises under pressure. Eventually, the magma erupts through fissures in the rock.
Facts

11. Informative/Explanatory Writing Example
A volcano is an opening in Earth’s crust through which lava, gases, and rocks are ejected. Volcanoes form when magma, or melted rock deep underground, collects and rises under pressure. Eventually, the magma erupts through fissures in the rock.
Transitions

12. Informative/Explanatory Writing Example
A volcano is an opening in Earth’s crust through which lava, gases, and rocks are ejected. Volcanoes form when magma, or melted rock deep underground, collects and rises under pressure. Eventually, the magma erupts through fissures in the rock.
Precise Language

13. Informative/Explanatory Writing Example
Scientists constantly monitor volcanoes in order to predict eruptions. Not only do satellites watch volcanoes from space, but scientists also climb up volcanoes to study volcanic tremors and increases in poisonous gases. Scientists cannot stop volcanoes from erupting. However, they can help us better understand these amazing natural wonders.
Concluding Statement

14. Informative/Explanatory Writing
Some common types of informative/explanatory writing include the following:
Research Report
Cause-Effect Report
Problem-Solution Essay
How-To Essay
Compare-and-Contrast
Essay