Writing Informative Texts with Clear Ideas and Details
Writing Informative Texts with Clear Ideas and Details Objective: Students will learn how to write an informative paragraph that clearly introduces a topic, presents facts, and provides supporting details with appropriate linking words.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the main topic and supporting details in an informative text.
- Use a graphic organizer to plan an informative paragraph.
- Write a clear topic sentence with several supporting facts.
- Use linking words to connect ideas within the paragraph.
Materials Needed
- Notebook or lined paper
- Pencil and eraser
- Example informative paragraph (printed or displayed)
- Graphic organizer for planning writing
Key Vocabulary
- Informative Writing
- Writing that explains a topic clearly with facts and details.
- Topic Sentence
- The sentence that tells what the paragraph is about.
- Supporting Details
- Facts and examples that explain or prove the main idea.
- Linking Words
- Words like ‘because,’ ‘also,’ and ‘for example’ that connect ideas.
Detailed Activities
Understanding Informative Writing
- Read an example informative paragraph together and identify the topic sentence and supporting details.
- Discuss how the paragraph stays focused on one topic and uses facts to explain it.
- Highlight the linking words that connect the ideas.
Planning Your Own Paragraph
- Choose a simple topic the student is interested in (e.g., a favorite animal or hobby).
- Use the graphic organizer to write the topic sentence at the top.
- List 3 or more facts or details about the topic in the organizer.
- Add linking words to connect those details.
Writing the Informative Paragraph
- Write a paragraph using the plan from the graphic organizer.
- Start with the topic sentence, then add supporting details with linking words.
- Review the paragraph together and make corrections for clarity and grammar.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- Encourage your child to pick topics they enjoy to make writing easier and more fun.
- Help your child by asking questions that prompt more details about their topic.
- Praise efforts and focus on clear ideas rather than perfect spelling or grammar.
Assessment Questions
- What is the main topic of your paragraph?
- Can you point out two facts that support your topic?
- Which words did you use to connect your ideas?
- Why is it important to have a topic sentence?
Extension Ideas
- Have your child write a second paragraph about the same topic with new facts.
- Encourage your child to create a short poster or drawing to go with their informative paragraph.
- Read a nonfiction book about the same topic and discuss new facts learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask guiding questions about the topic to help them think of facts. Using books or videos on the topic can provide ideas.
For a 7-year-old, a paragraph with 3-5 sentences including a topic sentence and supporting details is a good length.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Students may confuse informative writing with storytelling and include opinions instead of facts.
- They might write a list of facts without connecting them in sentences.
- Students may struggle to use linking words to join ideas smoothly.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Provide sentence starters or partially completed graphic organizers.
- Allow verbal planning before writing.
- Focus on writing two or three clear sentences instead of a full paragraph.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage adding a concluding sentence to summarize the paragraph.
- Challenge them to use more complex linking words and transition phrases.
- Have them research a new fact to include and cite the source.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend 10-15 minutes on reading and discussing the example paragraph.
- Allow 10-15 minutes for planning using the graphic organizer.
- Reserve 15-20 minutes for writing and reviewing the paragraph.
Standards
- 7.W.1 — Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
Printable Worksheet
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