5W2: Informational Writing

Explanatory/Informational Writing

ELAGSE5W2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

What is Informational/ Explanatory writing?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN4d76QP_MA

Poll

What do you know about Explanatory/ Informative writing?

• Nothing. This is a new concept to me.

• A little. I have heard about this writing once before.

• I have heard about this writing before, but I still need more practice/review.

• I am confident in this type of writing and can explain it to another student.

ELAGSWE5W2

• Standard(s): Write informative/ explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly

• Learning Target(s): I can write informative/explanatory texts that examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

• Vocabulary: Informative/explanatory text - educates the reader about a specific topic.

Multiple Choice

What type of graphic organizer can you use to gather your facts and write your explanatory/ informational writing piece?

Find A Topic

What are you interested in talking about? What topics interest you? Is your topic based on real facts and evidence?

Brainstorming & Choosing a Topic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mWY8F9pITE

Multiple Select

Which one(s) of these topics can be used for an Explanatory/Informational writing?

• A story about a gorilla named Ivan at the Atlanta Zoo.

• A research report on an endangered species.

• A story about a princess and a magical slipper.

• An article on how computers have developed over the last 90 years.

• A short story about space aliens and a space war on Mars.

What are they learning?

What can you teach others about your topic? What is it that you want them to learn/know? Be sure your topic is narrow.

Multiple Select

Which one of these topic(s) are too broad to use in an informational/explanatory writing piece?

• Insects

• George Washington

• The 7 Continents on Earth

• Ugg Boots

• Space

Topic Sentence

Your first sentence should introduce your topic. Tell the reader what they are learning about. Use a hook that is engaging and catchy. Draw your reader in to want to read your writing.

Writing an Introduction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6BTfNQiXXI

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is a good topic sentence for a research report on dogs?

• Dogs are cool.

• There are many types dogs you can have as a pet.

• Golden Retrievers are the best type of dogs to have as pets.

• Golden Retrievers are fun and big.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is a good topic sentence to use for a writing piece on McDonalds.

• McDonalds serves the best French fries for many reasons.

• McDonalds sells burgers, fries, and chicken nuggets.

• McDonalds is a restaurant.

• McDonald's has good fries.

Facts

Include 3-5 real facts about your topic. Be sure to look up your information using a credible source (NO WIKIPEDIA).

DO NOT COPY. Write the facts using your own words.

Multiple Choice

What types of words should you use between your sentences in an informational/ explanatory writing?

• Subject-Verb Agreement

• Prepositional Phrases

• Present Tense Sentences

• Transitional Words

Multiple Choice

How many sentences should be in your body text in explanatory/ informational writing?

• 1-3

• 2-3

• 3-5

• More than 5

Multiple Choice

Should you include supporting details for each fact?

• YES !!!

• NO !!!

Transition

Use transition words to introduce your topic, provide facts with details, and write your conclusion.

Multiple Choice

Where do you place transitional words at?

• In the beginning of a sentence.

• In the middle of a sentence.

• At the end of a sentence.

Conclusion

Your conclusion should restate what the reader has learned about. Your conclusion should not be a copy of your introduction. Make your conclusion engaging and fun.

Writing a Closing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90TT0q2mHws

Poll

How do you feel about writing an informational/ explanatory writing piece?