Writing
INFORMATIVE
EXPLANATORY
or
Texts
English Language Arts
Year 11 and 12
Learning OBJECTIVES
01
02
03
04
Understand the
definition,
purpose and
types of
informative or
explanatory
texts.
Give an
overview of the
qualities, style
and formality of
informative
texts.
List some of the
structural
features of two
key text types explanatory
essays and
informative
reports.
Select a range
of accurate and
credible primary
and secondary
sources for
your research.
contents
1.
What is Informative or
Explanatory Writing?
2.
Types of Informative Texts
3.
Important Qualities
4.
Structural Features
5.
Style, Tone and Formality
6.
Primary & Secondary Sources
What is informative or
explanatory writing?
Informative or explanatory writing seeks to accurately convey information to a reader with a
primary purpose to increase knowledge, to help them better understand a procedure or
process, or to enhance their comprehension of a concept.
Informative texts answer questions of 'why' or 'how', by clearly and accurately explaining a topic
and selecting and incorporating relevant examples to support.
Although informative writing holds some similarities to argumentative writing, the style and tone
overall is different. Where argument seeks to persuade, explanation seeks to create
understanding. It does not aim to change the reader's thinking or move the reader to take action
but simply seeks to educate them on a topic.
autobiography and biography
literary analysis
types of
informative
texts
The informative or explanatory genre
covers a range of text types such as
such as:
explanatory essays
summaries
scientific reports
historical accounts
scholarly articles
important qualities
accuracy
specificity
clarity
As you are sharing
knowledge, you need to
ensure the information
given is correct, factual,
well-researched and
referenced (if applicable).
Vague, broad or general
statements suggest that
you haven't put in the time
or effort to research
properly.
As a writer, you won’t
always know exactly who is
reading your piece so you
have to assume some
people might be new to the
information or topic.
As a writer you need to
appear well-informed, and
trustworthy, establishing a
sense of authority and
expertise over your topic.
It's fine to start with
general questions such as
who, what, where and when
but ensure you delve into
the why and how and
follow particular and
interesting trails.
The clearer you are, the
more likely it is you will
achieve your purpose of
passing on knowledge to
the reader.
structural features
There are two main informational text types you might be required to create:
explanatory essay
Begins with an introduction that introduces a
topic and grabs the reader's attention.
Gives specific, relevant information supported
through evidence such as facts, statistics,
examples, quotations from experts and
anecdotes.
Clear organization of ideas and information in
format relevant to the topic e.g.
compare/contrast, cause/effect, definition,
sequence or timeline.
Ends with a conclusion that summarizes the
main points.
informative report
Depending on the length, can begin with a title
page, table of contents, index or preface.
Information organised logically (still including an
introduction body and conclusion) that is
organised into sections with headings and/or
subheadings.
Supporting visual elements such as photographs,
illustrations, maps, graphs, tables or diagrams
with captions.
Bolded or italicised fonts, text boxes and bullet
pointed lists sometimes used.
Glossary and/or references at the end.
style, tone and formality
Formal and objective writing is writing that employs impersonal and precise language
and a neutral tone. In other words, it is writing professionally and officially without
sharing personal opinions. Information should be delivered in a straightforward manner
with precise vocabulary relevant to the topic and appropriate transition words that
indicate relationships between ideas or topics.
Some other tips when writing formally:
Slang and colloquial phrases should be avoided at all costs as they sound too casual.
Steer clear of low modality language e.g. 'kind of', 'sort of' and 'maybe'. They make
you sound uncertain or unsure about your topic.
Avoid contractions (e.g. isn't should become 'is not')
First person point of view is too personal. Instead, aim for third-person point of
view which is more objective.