Explanatory Writing

CURRICULUM EXPECTATIONS

www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/language18currb.pdf

WHAT IS EXPLANATORY WRITING?

EXPLAINS HOW OR WHY SOMETHING HAPPENS

PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE

1) INTRODUCE WHAT YOU INTEND TO EXPLAIN IN THE TOPIC SENTENCE: It may include a brief description of what the reader will learn or a question to hook them into reading more
2) EXPLAIN THE VARIOUS STEPS AND OFFER UP SOME TIPS IN THE BODY OF THE PARAGRAPH: Use transition words in the body!
3) SUMMARIZE WHAT HAS BEEN EXPLAINED: Try including some interesting facts that the reader might not be aware of!

SUCCESS CRITERIA

☐Do you have a topic sentence, that clearly mentions what the reader will have explained to them?
☐Do you have a body with all the important details needed to understand how to accomplish what is being explained?
☐Do you have transition words in between the various steps?
☐Do you have a closing sentence that summarizes what was explained and offers up a place where your reader can search out more information?
☐Did you research your topic and gather all sorts of keywords and facts to support your explanation?
☐Did you edit your work using Our Proofreading Plan?

WRITING PROMPTS

The Last Ice Merchant: vimeo.com/66507747