informational writing the “how and why” of writing

Informational Writing

The “How and Why” of Writing

What is Informational Writing?

• Informational writing is intended to present information to the reader

• An informational essay should follow a logical sequence and have three different main points

• Logic and coherence is the main focus of an informational essay

• Informational writing can also give the steps of a process

How is it different ?

• Informational writing does not tell a story

• Informational writing does not persuade a reader but only gives facts and reasons

3 parts of an Essay

1. Introduction

2. Body Paragraphs

3. Conclusion

The Introduction Paragraph• Pulls your reader into your paper and lets them know

what the essay is going to be about• 3 parts

– Attention Getter– Background Information– Thesis Statement

Attention Getter/Hook

• Find a way to suck your reader in• What will make them want to continue reading?• What can you do to grab someone's attention?

– 1. Story– 2. Quotation– 3. Simile– 4. Sensory Descriptions– 5. VERY INTERESTING question– 6. Fact or Statistic

Background Information

• What information does the reader need to know to understand your essay?

• Tell me why the hook is important to your topic

Thesis

• Tells your reader what your paper is going to be about• A thesis statement always follows the following formula:

– subject + attitude(opinion) + joining word + 3 supports• Subject:

– choose a topic that is not TOO BROAD or TOO GENERAL

– For the PSSA the topic is given to you and for most class assignments the topic is given to you.

• Attitude:– what you want to show or prove about your topic

– It is often an adjective: beneficial, difficult, maddening

• Three Supports:– the reasons for your attitude toward the subject

– These 3 supports will be the topic of each of your three body paragraphs

Example Introduction

  Throughout human history, the physical universe has often presented dangers to explorers. For example, when primitive humans left their tribal villages to search for food and water, they risked death or injury from dangerous animals. Later, when people sailed the oceans in search of new lands for settlement or trade, many died in terrible storms. Similarly, the ocean of outer space has many dangers, but it also has several unique challenges for explorers.