Transcript Explanatory Writing - Cinnaminson Township Public Schools

Explanatory Writing
LANGUAGE ARTS
MRS. SELLARS
What is explanatory writing?
 Explanatory writing is writing that informs or
explains.
 Explanatory writing may be based on the writer’s
personal knowledge and experience or on
information presented to the writer.
 Explanatory writing is used to share knowledge and
convey ideas.
Details about explanatory writing prompts
 An explanatory writing task will provide an essay
task based on a quotation or adage, or based on a
topic accessible to all students. Each is a
springboard for the student to write an essay that
informs the reader.
 You will have 30 minutes to respond.
 Your essay will be four paragraphs.
Responding to a Quotation
Step #1
 Carefully read the prompt and underline the writing task (normally 1-2
sentences). It is VERY important that you answer the questions that
are asked.
 Create a t-chart that breaks down the meaning of the quote and
personal or worldly examples that connect to the meaning. Try to come
up with at least 3-4 examples.
 Take about 4 minutes for labeling and brainstorming.
Meaning
Examples
Example
• As part of a language arts class assignment, you have
been asked to consider how the following quotation
is related to you.
“If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably
doesn’t lead anywhere.”
- Anonymous
• Write an essay explaining what this quote means t0
you. Use details and examples in your essay.
Brainstorming-Example
1.
2.
3.
Meaning: Need tough times to become stronger.
Example: School: science class was really difficult-worked really
hard, went for extra help, and earned a B+, which put me on the
honor roll.
Meaning: Hard work is necessary for success.
Example: Sports: Prepared for basketball season by shooting 100
shots a day before the season started. I also made sure I ran and
conditioned myself. As a result, I earned the starting spot.
Meaning: Don’t take the easy way out-not bettering yourself.
Examples: World: Professional athletes work incredibly hard.
Many come from nothing and make it to the pros.
-Singer Jennifer Hudson, hard life and worked hard to make it on
American Idol.
Introduction
 Your introduction should be approximately 3-4
sentences long.
 Try beginning your response by using one of the
following techniques:
This quote means or restating the quote itself
 Asking a question
 One word fragment
State what you believe the quote means in 2-3 sentences.
End your paragraph with your thesis statement---make sure it is
very general. Save the specifics for your body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs
 Should be 5-6 sentences each
 You should have at least two body paragraphs. Try using
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one personal example and one worldly example.
Begin with a transition indicates you are giving an
example. (for example, for instance, namely, specifically,
to illustrate).
Write a very general topic sentence to introduce your
first example: For instance, this quote can relate to an
experience that I had in school this year.
Share a specific example that relates to the quote.
End with a closing sentence that shares a lesson learned.
Conclusion
 Should be approximately 4-5 sentences.
 Use a transition to indicate summarization: in
summary, ultimately, in short, in brief
 Restate the quote and the meaning.
 State the lesson learned personally and universally.