Informative/Explanatory Writing

What is Informative/Explanatory Writing?

Informative/Explanatory writing explains

something or gives facts.
It gives information, explains how to do
something, or tells readers about real
people, places, things, and events.

Informative/Explanatory Writing
You can find informative/explanatory writing in
many different places:
Non-fiction books
Textbooks
Newspapers
Encyclopedias
Magazines
Websites

Informative/Explanatory Writing
Informative/Explanatory Writing Traits
A clear, focused topic
Supporting details that are complete and accurate
A strong introduction, body, and conclusion
Transition words that connect ideas

A voice that is appropriate for the purpose and audience

Informative/Explanatory Writing
Informative/Explanatory Writing Traits
Topic-related words that are used effectively
Definitions for words that the reader may not know
Clear, direct sentences
Different sentence types and lengths to make the
writing flow
Correct spelling, punctuation, and capitalization

Informative/Explanatory Writing
How informative/explanatory writing is organized
depends on its purpose.
Compare-and-Contrast describes how things are alike
and different.
Cause-and-Effect describes why things happen and
what happens as a result.
Problem-Solution describes a problem and gives
solutions.
How-To explains how to do something or how to make
something.
Research Report gives facts about a topic.

Informative/Explanatory Writing
Good informative/explanatory writing includes
the following features:
A topic or thesis
Facts, definitions, details,
and examples
Connecting words such as
also, more, and but
A conclusion

Lets look at how

we can use these
features in good
informative/
explanatory
writing.

Informative/Explanatory Writing
Topic
Do you know the difference between a reserve
and a zoo? A reserve is a piece of land set aside
to protect animals. On a reserve, the animals live
outdoors. They must also hunt for their own food.
Reserves are different from zoos. In a zoo,
animals live in cages. Most animals also live
away from each other. They do not hunt for their
own food. Reserves and zoos help keep
animals safe.

Informative/Explanatory Writing
Definition
Do you know the difference between a reserve
and a zoo? A reserve is a piece of land set aside
to protect animals. On a reserve, the animals live
outdoors. They must also hunt for their own food.
Reserves are different from zoos. In a zoo,
animals live in cages. Most animals also live
away from each other. They do not hunt for their
own food. Reserves and zoos help keep
animals safe.

Informative/Explanatory Writing
Facts
Do you know the difference between a reserve
and a zoo? A reserve is a piece of land set aside
to protect animals. On a reserve, the animals live
outdoors. They must also hunt for their own food.
Reserves are different from zoos. In a zoo,
animals live in cages. Most animals also live
away from each other. They do not hunt for their
own food. Reserves and zoos help keep
animals safe.

Informative/Explanatory Writing
Connecting Word
Do you know the difference between a reserve
and a zoo? A reserve is a piece of land set aside
to protect animals. On a reserve, the animals live
outdoors. They must also hunt for their own food.
Reserves are different from zoos. In a zoo,
animals live in cages. Most animals also live
away from each other. They do not hunt for their
own food. Reserves and zoos help keep
animals safe.

Informative/Explanatory Writing
Conclusion
Do you know the difference between a reserve
and a zoo? A reserve is a piece of land set aside
to protect animals. On a reserve, the animals live
outdoors. They must also hunt for their own food.
Reserves are different from zoos. In a zoo,
animals live in cages. Most animals also live
away from each other. They do not hunt for their
own food. Reserves and zoos help keep
animals safe.

Informative/Explanatory Writing
Some common types of informative/explanatory
writing include the following:
How-To Paper
Compare-and-Contrast Essay
Research Report
Problem-Solution Essay
Business Letter