Writing Informative Texts with Clear Ideas and Details
Writing Informative Texts with Clear Ideas and Details Objective: Students will learn to write an informative paragraph that clearly introduces a topic, provides facts and definitions to develop the topic, and uses linking words to connect ideas, in alignment with standard 5.W.2c.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the structure of an informative paragraph.
- Write a clear topic sentence to introduce a topic.
- Use facts and definitions to develop the topic.
- Use linking words to connect ideas smoothly.
Materials Needed
- Notebook or writing paper
- Pencil and eraser
- Example informative paragraph handout
- Chart paper or whiteboard
- Markers
Key Vocabulary
- Informative Text
- Writing that gives facts and information about a topic.
- Topic Sentence
- The sentence that introduces the main idea of a paragraph.
- Linking Words
- Words that connect ideas, like ‘for example,’ ‘also,’ and ‘because.’
Detailed Activities
Introduction to Informative Writing
- Explain what informative writing is and why it is important.
- Read an example informative paragraph aloud together.
- Identify the topic sentence, facts, and linking words in the example.
Writing Practice
- Choose a simple topic familiar to the student (e.g., favorite animal or food).
- Brainstorm facts and definitions related to the topic.
- Write a topic sentence together on the chart paper or whiteboard.
- Help the student write 3-4 sentences that include facts and use linking words.
- Review the paragraph together and make sure it is clear and connected.
Sharing and Feedback
- Have the student read their paragraph aloud.
- Provide positive feedback and gently suggest improvements if needed.
- Encourage the student to ask questions or explain their writing choices.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- Encourage your child to speak about the topic before writing to organize their thoughts.
- Use simple examples and praise their efforts to build confidence in writing.
- Be patient and provide help with spelling or word choice as needed.
Assessment Questions
- What is the topic sentence in your paragraph?
- Can you point out a fact or definition you included?
- Which words did you use to connect your ideas?
Extension Ideas
- Create an informative poster using drawings and facts about the chosen topic.
- Write a second paragraph about a related topic using the same format.
- Read a short informative book or article and identify the topic sentence and facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Help by brainstorming simple facts together and encourage using what they already know. You can also look up easy facts online or in books.
Provide a small list of common linking words and practice using them in sentences aloud before writing.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Students may confuse informative writing with opinion writing.
- Students might write disconnected facts without linking ideas clearly.
- Some students may struggle to write a clear topic sentence.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Provide sentence starters for the topic sentence and facts.
- Use graphic organizers to arrange ideas before writing.
- Allow oral responses before writing.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage adding more detailed facts and definitions.
- Introduce additional linking words and phrases.
- Have them write multiple paragraphs on related topics.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend extra time on brainstorming and organizing ideas if needed.
- Allow breaks if the student loses focus during writing.
- Review and revise the paragraph in a separate session if necessary.
Standards
- 5.W.2c — Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
Printable Worksheet
Plan Your Own Lesson
Looking for a custom lesson plan? Try our Lesson Planning Generator — create standards-based plans for any topic, instantly!
Common Core Aligned Lesson Plans
Looking for another common core lesson? See all of the lesson plans here.
More Free Lesson Plans
We’re adding more every week! Check back soon or explore all our lesson plans here.
Leave a Reply