Characteristics of Information Writing

Characteristics of

Information Writing

Multiple Choice

Which is an informational report?

• a story about the time I jumped off the high dive

• all about the life of President Roosevelt

• a thank you note to your teacher

Multiple Choice

Which is an informational report?

• a piece all about the Mississippi River

• a recipe for banana nut muffins

• an essay about why you think soccer is the best sport

Multiple Choice

Which is an informational report?

• a journal entry about your camping trip

• a story about baking cookies with your grandma

• a report about the very first airplane

Multiple Choice

Which is an informational report?

• a piece about the time you fell from a tree and broke your arm

• a piece about why you think everyone should read the book 'Indian Shoes'

• a piece about the first Thanksgiving

Multiple Choice

Which is an informational report?

• a report about a movie you watched

• a letter to your principal asking to start a school recycling program

• an essay about Michael Jordan's basketball career

​Some spiders don't wait around for their prey. They don't build webs or traps. A hunting or wandering spider catches prey the way a tiger stalks a deer or a cat stalks a mouse. The spider follows its prey along the ground. When it is within range, the spider leaps on and grabs the prey within its powerful jaws.

​

~Spiders by Seymour Simon

Writers use a teaching tone

to show they are experts and to teach readers.

Did they use a teaching tone?​

​

Alligators are really cool, but they can be scary.

​

Writers use a teaching tone

to show they are experts and to teach readers.

Multiple Choice

Did the writer use a teaching tone?

Dogs are the coolest animal in the whole world. My favorite pet is a dog.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Did the writer use a teaching tone?

One time I bought a fish. It was hard to take care of, but very cute to look at.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Did the writer use a teaching tone?

Finding the right type of dog to have for a pet can be tough. It is important to think about the supplies you will need. Another factor to consider is what type of training your new friend will need.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Did the writer use a teaching tone?

Some people are afraid of sharks, but I think they are really pretty.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Did the writer use a teaching tone?

Sharks have a streamlined body. This helps them swim fast through the water as they hunt for prey.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Did the writer use a teaching tone?

President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This made it illegal to discriminate against race, genre, and religion.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Did the writer use a teaching tone?

If you are considering taking up a new sport, you should play basketball. Basketball is easy and fun. Everybody should play basketball.

• Yes

• No

​Now you try! Write a quick entry using a teaching tone.

​Think: Imagine your reader has never, ever heard of this before. What are some real, true things about it that you can teach? What kind of questions might your reader have about this topic?

Ms. Q's EXAMPLE:​

Tacos are a delicious dish that is also easy to make! Tacos can be made with a hard, corn shell or a soft flour- based shell (tortilla). Some people even like to combine these two shells for a texture tsunami! The next main ingredient is the meat. Tacos can be made with any kind of meat – including seafood! Beef or chicken are the most common meat choice. They can also be made with pork, fish, and shrimp. Some people even make tacos with no meat at all.

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Let's talk about the toppings. The toppings for tacos are truly endless. Lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes tend to be a staple for most people. Top it with a scoop of your favorite salsa and a dollop of sour cream. You might even add jalapenos if your taste buds can handle it!