Informative/Explanatory Writing Guide

Informative/ Explanatory Es

By Isabella Fischer

Introduction

Hook: This grabs the reader’s attention. Use the prompt directions to write out your 1 sentence hook.

Half Answer: Write 1 sentence that answers your hook question without giving details.

 

Summary: Provide background information on the topic and why it’s important to discuss.

2-3 Sentences.

 

Thesis: Write 1-2 sentences about the 3 things you are focusing on.

Introduction Example

Hook: Does one moment really matter that much?

Half Answer: Sometimes a moment can change a lot for someone.

 

Summary: The changes that take place in a single moment can affect everything that happens after them. In many stories and essays, one moment greatly affects people’s lives. One moment can affect the basic beliefs people hold about themselves and the world around them.

 

Thesis: The texts “_____,” “_____,” and “_____” all show that one moment can change every thing by challenging our basic assumptions.

Body Paragraphs 1-3

Transition word:

 

Restate the Main Idea: (Subtopic 1)

 

Explain: (Write a sentence explaining why it matters.)

 

Evidence: (Quote from the source to support your fact.)

 

Justification (explanation of how the evidence supports the subtopic and supports the claim)

 

Final Thoughts: (Conclusion sentence)

Body Paragraphs 1-3 Example

Transition word: First,

 

Restate the Main Idea: _____ assumes that knowing what is most important in life will help people make decisions.

 

Explain: Many times, people do not see the value of a moment until it has passed.

 

Evidence: According to source 1, "_______."
 

Justification: This shows that it is important to spend time wisely because people have power over all of the moments in life. It does not matter if the moments seem big or small. People assume that the small moments in life are not important.

 

Final Thoughts: However, treating each moment as it is important is the only way to live well.

​Conclusion

Transition word:

 

Restate Thesis: Change the wording of your thesis from your introduction

 

Explain subtopics: 1 sentence per subtopic. 3 sentences in total.

 

Why they matter: 1 sentence explaining why your topic should matter to the reader.

 

Final Statements: Mic Drop Sentence.

​Conclusion Example

Transition word: In conclusion,

 

Restate Thesis: The texts “_____,” “_____,” and “_____” all show the importance of one moment because it can change everything.

 

Explain Subtopics: _____ emphasizes the value of each moment. _____ challenges common beliefs of time and how people should spend time. _____ teaches that every moment is important and people always have a decision to make.

 

Why they matter: People must consider what affairs are the most important, and need attention first.

 

Final Statements: Everyone wants to do the right thing at the right time, so make every moment count.