Informational/explanatory texts:
Forms of writing that inform the reader or explain something are known
as informational/explanatory texts. (W2)
Topic:
what a piece of writing is about. (W2a)
Introduction:
the beginning of a piece of writing. The introduction should let readers
know what they will be reading about and set up the main idea of the writing. (W2a)
Organization:
refers to the way in which a piece of writing is structured. Similar ideas
and illustrations should be grouped together, and the order of the information should make sense.
In informational/explanatory writing, organizational strategies may include defini
Formatting:
the way in which a piece of writing is organized, designed, and arranged. For
example, a writer can use headings and subheadings to organize the writing and present the information in
a clear way. (W2a)
Multimedia:
refers to a variety of media. Writing does not include only pen on paper or a typed
essay. Other ways of enhancing writing can include media such as art, presentations, photographs, charts,
and videos. (W2a)
Transition:
a word, phrase, or clause that links one idea to the next. Writing should not jump
from one idea to the next without transitions that guide the reader to the next idea. Examples include
words such as another, for example, also, and because. (W2c)
Cohesion:
the flow of sentences and paragraphs from one to another. Old and new
information is tied together using transitions to help the reader understand how the ideas and concepts
within the text are related to each other. (W2c)
Precise language:
Good writers choose their words carefully and use precise language. Specific and vivid words and phrases describe or explain and make meaning clear. The sentence A bird was on the ground
is very general and does not use precise language. However, that sen
Formal style:
less personal form of writing and is used in such writing as an essay, research paper, or
business letter. When writing in a formal style, the writer chooses language that matches the audience and
purpose and avoids informal language. (W2e)
Concluding statement:
the end of a piece of writing. The concluding
statement should sum up the main purpose of the writing and provide an overall takeaway for the reader.
(W2f)
Purpose:
The writer's intention for his or her piece of writing. All writing has a purpose, whether it is to persuade, inform, explain, or entertain. (W4)
Audience:
The people who will be reading the piece of writing are known as the audience. Writers should
keep their audience in mind and adjust their ideas and vocabulary so that they can be best understood.
(W4)
Writing process:
Most informational or technical pieces require research and revision before they can be considered to be finished pieces. Even professional writers may struggle with their words. Drafting,
revising, editing, and proofreading your writing are all essential
Research:
the gathering of information in order to learn more about a topic. (W7, W9)
Source:
refers to a book, article, website, person, or piece of media that contains information.
(W7, W8)
Credibility:
These sources provide evidence and facts that support the writer's claim. When a writer
uses the evidence and facts from the source to support his or her reasoning and persuade the audience to
agree with the writer's claim, the writer gains credibility. (
Paraphrase:
to use someone else's ideas and to express those ideas in your own words. Paraphrasing is an acceptable way to support your argument as long as you attribute the ideas to
the author and cite the source in the text at the end of the sentence. (W8)
Plagiarism:
refers to presenting the words, works, or ideas of someone else as though they are
one's own and without providing attribution to the author. (W8)
Citation:
way the author tells readers that certain details or information included in the text
come from another source. The citation gives readers enough information that they could find the original
source and the information in it. (W8)
Evidence:
something that proves the truth of something else. Informational texts may include
facts, opinions of experts, quotes, statistics, and definitions that can be used as evidence. In literary text,
the character's thoughts, words, or actions may be used as e