The document defines informative/explanatory writing as writing that explains a topic or gives facts. It can be found in non-fiction books, textbooks, newspapers, magazines, and websites. Good informative/explanatory writing has a clear topic, supporting details, an introduction, body, and conclusion. It uses transition words and topic-related vocabulary. The organization of informative/explanatory writing depends on its purpose, such as compare-and-contrast, cause-and-effect, problem-solution, or how-to. Features of informative/explanatory writing include a topic, facts, definitions, details, examples, and a conclusion.

1. 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.

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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
Let’s look at how
we can use these
features in good
informative/
explanatory
writing.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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