Writing a Clear and Informative Explanation
Writing a Clear and Informative Explanation Objective: By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to write a clear, coherent explanation of a topic, using facts, definitions, and details to support their points, in alignment with Common Core standard 8.W.9a.
Learning Objectives
- Understand what an explanatory text is and its purpose.
- Identify facts and details that support an explanation.
- Organize ideas logically before writing.
- Write a clear, coherent explanatory paragraph with supporting details.
Materials Needed
- Notebook or lined paper
- Pencil or pen
- Sample explanatory paragraph (prepared by parent)
- Graphic organizer for planning explanations (can be a simple outline)
- Timer or clock
Key Vocabulary
- Explanation
- A clear description of how or why something happens.
- Details
- Specific pieces of information that support or explain an idea.
- Coherent
- Easy to understand and logically connected.
Detailed Activities
Introduction to Explanations
- Start by discussing what an explanation means, using simple examples like explaining how to make a sandwich or why the sky is blue.
- Read the sample explanatory paragraph together and talk about how the author uses facts and details to help the reader understand.
- Ask the student to identify the main topic and supporting details in the sample.
Planning Your Explanation
- Choose a simple topic the student is familiar with, such as “How to plant a seed.”
- Use the graphic organizer to help the student list the main idea and supporting facts or steps.
- Discuss the order in which the facts or steps should be presented for clarity.
Writing Your Explanation
- Guide the student to write a paragraph explaining their chosen topic, encouraging clear sentences and use of supporting details.
- Remind the student to keep their writing coherent and focused on explaining the topic.
- After writing, read the paragraph together and talk about what works well and what could be clearer.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- This lesson is designed to help your child practice writing clear explanations using facts and details, which is a key skill in writing.
- Encourage your child to take their time with planning before writing to make their explanation easier to understand.
- Be supportive and provide positive feedback on their efforts, especially if they are new to writing explanations.
Assessment Questions
- What is the main topic of your explanation?
- Can you name two details or facts that support your explanation?
- Why is it important to put your ideas in order when writing an explanation?
Extension Ideas
- Have the student write explanations on different topics such as how to brush their teeth or how a favorite game is played.
- Encourage the student to add diagrams or drawings to their written explanations to make them clearer.
- Practice explaining topics orally to family members before writing them down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Try helping them brainstorm ideas by asking guiding questions about the topic. You can also encourage them to think about steps or reasons related to the topic.
Using a graphic organizer or simple outline can make it easier for your child to plan their explanation before writing.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Students may confuse explanatory writing with storytelling and include personal opinions instead of facts.
- They might list facts without connecting them clearly, making the explanation hard to follow.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Provide sentence starters to help begin their explanation.
- Use more visual aids or hands-on activities to illustrate the topic.
- Allow oral explanations before writing to build confidence.
For Advanced Students:
- Challenge them to write explanations with multiple paragraphs and more detailed supporting facts.
- Encourage using precise vocabulary and varied sentence structures.
- Have them edit their writing to improve clarity and coherence.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend about 10 minutes on introduction and discussion of examples.
- Allow 10 minutes for planning using the graphic organizer.
- Use 15-20 minutes for writing and reviewing the explanatory paragraph.
Standards
- 8.W.9a — Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly.
Printable Worksheet
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