Informative/explanatory writing — English definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- Writing whose purpose is to explain a topic clearly and fairly, not to argue a side or tell a story. (English 6)
- Writing that explains a topic clearly using facts, definitions, and examples, without arguing for one side. (English 8: Trust, Community & Responsibility)
Where it is taught
- Informative & Explanatory Writing — Writing, English 6, Grade 6
- The Informative Essay — Research & Source-Based Writing, English 8: Trust, Community & Responsibility, Grade 8
In use
Informative/explanatory writing has a calmer goal: to take a topic and make it clear.
Informative & Explanatory Writing
Informative/explanatory writing has a fundamentally different job than the argumentative writing you may have just practiced.
The Informative Essay
Questions using informative/explanatory writing
Problem 1
What is the main purpose of informative/explanatory writing?
- To tell an exciting personal story
- To argue against someone else's opinion
- To persuade the reader to take a side
- To explain a topic clearly and fairly
Answer and explanation
To explain a topic clearly and fairly
Informative writing aims to explain and build understanding, not to persuade or entertain.