Explanatory Writing

sentences that explain how the information is relevant to the topic sentence and bring a sense of closure to the paragraph

• thesis

• leads

• body paragraphs

• commentary

evidence (facts, statistics, examples) that supports the topic sentence

• details

• topic sentence

• commentary

• rhetorical question

specific examples, details, and facts

• context

• evidence

• commentary

• analogy

also referred to as a “hook”; can be a quote, question, anecdote, or intriguing statement used as an attention grabber

• thesis

• topic sentence

• lead

• context

the ending of a paragraph or essay, which brings it to a close and leaves an impression with the reader

• introduction

• body paragraph

• conclusion

• call to action

Explains an idea or topic with a clear focus.

• Thesis Statement

• Topic Sentences

• Concrete Details

• Explanation/ Elaboration

• Parenthetical Citations

Develops the topic with relevant facts, definitions, examples, quotes, and other details.

• Thesis Statement

• Topic Sentences

• Concrete Details

• Explanation/ Elaboration

• Parenthetical Citations

Explains the importance of or elaborates on the concrete details and their relationship to the thesis.

• Thesis Statement

• Topic Sentences

• Concrete Details

• Explanation/ Elaboration

• Parenthetical Citations

Gives CHECKPOINTS along the roadmap to stay on topic and keep ideas organized.

• Thesis Statement

• Topic Sentences

• Concrete Details

• Explanation/ Elaboration

• Parenthetical Citations

Builds credibility or TRUST with solid facts

• Thesis Statement

• Topic Sentences

• Concrete Details

• Explanation/ Elaboration

• Parenthetical Citations