Writing Informative or Explanatory Texts English Presentation in Colorful Pastel Doodle Style.pdf
- 1. English Language Arts Year 11 and 12 Writing INFORMATIVE EXPLANATORY or Texts
- 2. Learning OBJECTIVES Understand the definition, purpose and types of informative or explanatory texts. 01 Give an overview of the qualities, style and formality of informative texts. 03 Select a range of accurate and credible primary and secondary sources for your research. 04 List some of the structural features of two key text types - explanatory essays and informative reports. 02
- 3. contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. What is Informative or Explanatory Writing? Types of Informative Texts Important Qualities Structural Features Style, Tone and Formality Primary & Secondary Sources
- 4. What is informative or explanatory writing? Informative or explanatory writing seeks to accurately convey information to a reader with a primary purpose to increase knowledge, to help them better understand a procedure or process, or to enhance their comprehension of a concept. Informative texts answer questions of 'why' or 'how', by clearly and accurately explaining a topic and selecting and incorporating relevant examples to support. Although informative writing holds some similarities to argumentative writing, the style and tone overall is different. Where argument seeks to persuade, explanation seeks to create understanding. It does not aim to change the reader's thinking or move the reader to take action but simply seeks to educate them on a topic.
- 5. types of informative texts The informative or explanatory genre covers a range of text types such as such as: autobiography and biography literary analysis explanatory essays summaries scientific reports historical accounts scholarly articles
- 6. Vague, broad or general statements suggest that you haven't put in the time or effort to research properly. It's fine to start with general questions such as who, what, where and when but ensure you delve into the why and how and follow particular and interesting trails. important qualities As you are sharing knowledge, you need to ensure the information given is correct, factual, well-researched and referenced (if applicable). As a writer you need to appear well-informed, and trustworthy, establishing a sense of authority and expertise over your topic. accuracy specificity clarity As a writer, you won’t always know exactly who is reading your piece so you have to assume some people might be new to the information or topic. The clearer you are, the more likely it is you will achieve your purpose of passing on knowledge to the reader.
- 7. structural features explanatory essay Begins with an introduction that introduces a topic and grabs the reader's attention. Gives specific, relevant information supported through evidence such as facts, statistics, examples, quotations from experts and anecdotes. Clear organization of ideas and information in format relevant to the topic e.g. compare/contrast, cause/effect, definition, sequence or timeline. Ends with a conclusion that summarizes the main points. informative report There are two main informational text types you might be required to create: Depending on the length, can begin with a title page, table of contents, index or preface. Information organised logically (still including an introduction body and conclusion) that is organised into sections with headings and/or subheadings. Supporting visual elements such as photographs, illustrations, maps, graphs, tables or diagrams with captions. Bolded or italicised fonts, text boxes and bullet pointed lists sometimes used. Glossary and/or references at the end.
- 8. Formal and objective writing is writing that employs impersonal and precise language and a neutral tone. In other words, it is writing professionally and officially without sharing personal opinions. Information should be delivered in a straightforward manner with precise vocabulary relevant to the topic and appropriate transition words that indicate relationships between ideas or topics. Some other tips when writing formally: Slang and colloquial phrases should be avoided at all costs as they sound too casual. Steer clear of low modality language e.g. 'kind of', 'sort of' and 'maybe'. They make you sound uncertain or unsure about your topic. Avoid contractions (e.g. isn't should become 'is not') First person point of view is too personal. Instead, aim for third-person point of view which is more objective. style, tone and formality
- 9. primary & secondary sources When researching for your informative text, you'll likely use a combination of both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include raw information and first- hand evidence about the people, events or phenomena that you are researching. It might include texts like letters, photographs, interviews, diaries, official documents or records, novels, poems, films, speech transcripts or newspaper and magazine articles. Secondary sources provide second-hand information and commentary from other researchers and may describe, interpret, evaluate or analyse the primary sources. It might include texts like articles, journals, reviews, books, media articles, documentaries, textbooks or essays. primary sources secondary sources
- 10. When researching for your information text you'll want to use as many primary sources as possible as they are more credible when used as evidence but as mentioned previously, it's fine to combine them with secondary sources as these draw on existing research allowing you access to other authors' interpretations. The two types complement each other to help you convey a well-rounded and convincing text. choosing your sources Make sure you look for sources that seem accurate, reliable and credible. When anlaysing a source, ask yourself questions such as: Who wrote it? Why? When? Under what circumstances? For whom?' The more sources you can use, and the more varied they are, the more likely you are to make a sound judgment and deliver accurate information.
- 11. There are many forms of informative or explanatory writing that you may be required to do throughout your schooling or throughout life so it's important to understand the style, structure and overall purpose of this text type. All informative texts seek to accurately convey information to a reader with a primary purpose to increase knowledge. You should assume that your audience consists of educated, intelligent, nonspecialists so try to ensure your writing is accurate, specific and clear to have the best chance of successfully passing on knowledge of your topic. Good luck and let's get writing! recap and final advice