InformativeExplanatory Writing What is InformativeExplanatory Writing InformativeExplanatory writing

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. Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Informative/Explanatory Writing You can find informative/explanatory writing in many different places: • textbooks • newspapers • encyclopedias • magazines • websites Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Informative/Explanatory Writing Traits • A voice that is appropriate for the purpose and audience • Language that is specific and appropriate for the audience Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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. Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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. Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Informative/Explanatory Writing Some common types of informative/explanatory writing include the following: • Research Report • How-To Essay • Cause-Effect Report • Compare-and-Contrast Essay • Problem-Solution Essay Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Strategies for Writers Grade 4 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.