Question

explain the purpose of informative/explanatory writing

Answer 1

Writing informative and explanatory text is a clear application of Writing Standard 2, which calls for students to “Write informative/explanatory text to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately....” In the lower grades, this may be simply writing some facts about a topic, while in the upper grades students will be analyzing and synthesizing information from multiple sources in order to produce text that sheds new light on a concept or process.

The primary purpose of informative/explanatory writing is to increase the understanding of the reader. Unlike argument writing, informative/explanatory writing starts with the assumption of truthfulness, focusing on telling how or why. Informative/explanatory writing might include any or all of the following:

Providing new knowledge
Explaining a process
Developing a concept

Informative/explanatory writing might focus on any of the following:

Enumerating and clarifying different types
Defining
Detailing components
Explaining behavior or function
Providing explanations of why


In order to write in this text type, students must be able to find and choose relevant information from primary and secondary sources, and combine this new information with background knowledge and experiences. Students will work towards “selecting and incorporating relevant examples, facts, and details into their writing" (CCSS Appendix A, p.23). At the same time, students will work on developing their writing craft, becoming skilled in techniques for explaining, citing anecdotes or scenarios, comparing and contrasting, and transitioning.

Making use of mentor texts for informative/explanatory instruction means teachers must "read like writers"--always considering the author's craft, always on the look-out for good mentor texts. Mentor texts can come from a variety of sources--picture books, novels, plays, newspapers, blogs, and Internet sites. Being familiar with grade-level Writing Standards for informative/explanatory writing can help teachers to focus on those mentor texts particular to the needs of their classrooms. In addition to the use of mentor texts, teachers can also model writing by composing in front of the class and "thinking out loud" about the process of stating clear ideas and supporting them with details, in the forms of examples, explanations, definitions, descriptions, processes and/or anecdotes. As always, teachers will want to use the Gradual Release of Responsibility framework to support students in their learning. After explicit instruction and modeling, students benefit from shared writing experiences, guided writing experiences, and collaborative practice with frequent descriptive feedback around lesson learning targets. Peer and teacher conferring about writing can help students to fine turn their writing and stretch their thinking. Be sure to check out the Writing Process page to learn more.

Writing Standard 2 works in tandem with the Writing Standards 7, 8, and 9 under the category of "Research to Build and Present Knowledge". College and Career Readiness Anchor Standard 7 calls for students to "Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation." This is a shift away from isolated, large research projects that focus on elaborate presentations. Instead, research to answer questions and solve problems becomes a common occurrence across content areas, throughout the school year. Research also ties Writing Standard 2 to the Iowa Core Reading Standards. In order to do the research necessary for informative/explanatory writing, students must gather evidence from multiple sources, assessing source credibility, integrating information, and avoiding plagiarism.

Answer 2

that is the purpose of informative/explanatory writing

Answer 3

Nice work @yobro

:D